Volkswagen has been on a hard EV offensive as it prepares the world for its ID lineup, and yet here we are hearing rumors about VW showing up to the New York Auto Show with a midsized truck concept. The word comes way of Automotive News who supposedly got word from “sources familiar with the matter.” Even more important is that should the public show interest, VW is ready to shift said concept into production at VW’s Tennessee-based production facility.

That Escalated Quickly

While this might seem a little out of context, especially with VW already planning to debut the five-seat Atlas in New York, it’s really not that far out of the realm of possibilities. After all, VW did recently trademark the Amarok name here in the States last year. And, before you get all up in arms about VW importing that Amarok we’ve known up until now, that’s probably not going to happen. Word has it that the unnamed pickup truck will ride on the same platform as the Atlas.

When Will the Volkswagen Truck Come to the U.S.?

Considering the unnamed pickup truck will share its platform with the Atlas, it will be quite easy for VW to bring such a pickup to market. All VW would have to do is change the rear portion of the five-door Atlas’ body and cabin to complete the SUV-to-Pickup changeover. It’s not the easiest process in the world, but with the Atlas SUV already in play, it’s much easier than developing a model from the ground up. And, if VW goes with the same powertrain configurations as those found in the Atlas, it should be a breeze to get this thing into dealers. You probably won’t be able to put down any money on one this year, but come 2019, and you might find VW selling a pickup truck here in the U.S. as a 2020 model – now that will be something to see.

References

Read our full review on the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas.

Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas.

Read more Volkswagen news.