Volkswagen shows off a 1-ton pickup
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Volkswagen shows off a 1-ton pickup by Auto123.com |
Volkswagen has unveiled a 1-ton pickup concept at the 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles motorshow in Hanover, Germany. It is based on the new VW Pickup which will soon become the fourth model of the manufacturer's commercial line of vehicle.
The concept vehicle was designed as a search and rescue (SAR) vehicle to suit lifeguards needs. This all-wheel drive pickup was conceptualised following consultation with emergency services as well as in-house emergency vehicle specialists. As a result it features equipment Baywatch heroes would love to have: a GPS and a multifunction touchscreen infotainment unit, CB radios, a compass and flashlights, a defibrillator, binoculars, life jackets, rescue buoys, fire extinguishers, blankets and a tool kit incorporated in the rear hatch. The concept measures 5.18 metres in length and is 1.9 metres wide. Compared to a Chevrolet Avalanche, which measures 5,62 metres in length and is 2 metres wide, the concept is shorter but almost as wide. The SAR has four doors and four seats and is designed for recreational or business use. Whether it will go into is not yet decided. Future of the Pickup The new one-tonne Pickup however will go into production at the end of 2009. It will be built at Volkswagen's Pacheco plant in Argentina to be introduced initially to markets in Europe, South America, South Africa and Australia. Prototypes of this vehicle were spotted on several occasion in the USA by our contributor, Brenda Priddy while being tested in Arizona. Sources suggest it could eventually make its way to the North American market, where it could be known as the Robust. This vehicle will use new common rail turbodiesel engines to provide ample power and low fuel consumption. The VW Pickup is the first commercial vehicle to be designed under the direction of Walter de'Silva, who is Volkswagen Group design chief since February 2007. Previously, he had worked for Alfa Romeo, Seat and Audi.
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