Volkswagen to overhaul US strategy with planned pick-up truck, source says
Ford seen as possible partner
It remains to be seen whether Volkswagen will develop the new pick-up model on its own or in collaboration with another automaker, according to the company source. A decision is expected in the coming weeks and months.
Ford is seen as a possible candidate due to Volkswagen's existing partnership with the U.S. carmaker.
Ford uses Volkswagen's MEB platform for electric vehicles for its Explorer and Capri models, which are manufactured in Cologne, Germany.
Volkswagen's Amarok pick-up, manufactured in South Africa, shares a platform with the Ford Ranger.
Volkswagen is not a big player in the U.S. auto market currently, with a market share of 4%.
Volkswagen plans U.S. strategy overhaul
German auto group Volkswagen plans to overhaul its U.S. strategy with new management and a revised product offering, including a new pickup truck, a company source told Reuters on Friday.
Marco Schubert, previously head of sales at Volkswagen's premium brand Audi, is moving to the United States to replace Kjell Gruner, who is leaving the company, the source said.
German business daily Handelsblatt first reported on the plans. The company declined to comment on the matter.
Pickup trucks and SUVs seen as growth areas
In the face of rising costs and intensifying competition from China, Volkswagen's CEO Oliver Blume has pledged to overhaul the group. Controlling families ratcheted up pressure on stakeholders on Friday, backing management's push for a dramatic restructuring.
Thomas Schaefer, head of the Volkswagen brand, sees growth opportunities in pick-up trucks and large SUVs – both high-margin vehicles in strong demand in the U.S. – which the German carmaker does not currently offer.
