Ford and Volkswagen formed a historic partnership agreement back in 2020 that continues to evolve and grow as both companies share resources to create new models such as the European Ford Explorer EV, which shares a platform with the VW ID.4, as well as the Volkswagen Amarok, which is based on the Ford Ranger, along with a host of other models. Regardless, the two automakers remain rivals in spite of this partnership, and in fact, VW is working on reviving the Scout brand, which will soon offer a host of all-electric, off-road-focused pickups and SUVs. Now, a new report from Wards Auto also claims that Volkswagen may be working on a Ford F-150 Lightning rival, too.
Volkswagen is reportedly studying the North American EV pickup market to determine if it’s a viable one for the company to jump into, specifically, with a model that shares a platform, electrical architecture, and powertrain with forthcoming Scout models. The idea is to create something that could generate higher profits in that particular pickup-hungry market, but in this case, with a proper full-size model that would reportedly rival trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, Tesla Cybertruck, and Dodge Ram 1500 REV.
VW believes that such a vehicle wouldn’t steal sales from its Scout division, thanks to its unique styling and positioning within the market. In fact, the automaker reportedly already has created concept images of such a machine, which features “a bold yet functional appearance with classical VW design elements.” In terms of dimensions, this VW EV pickup would reportedly be larger than the R1T, which is smaller than the F-150 Lightning yet also a bit larger than traditional mid-size models.
As one might imagine, specifics are a bit unknown at the moment, though we do know that if it comes to fruition, this VW EV pickup would ride on the new platform known as RUV (Rugged Utility Vehicle), which is believed to utilize a ladder frame designed to enhance off-road capability. It would also reportedly use two electric motors with permanent four-wheel drive, and would be built in Columbia, South Carolina, alongside two future Scout models.
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