Automotive industry: Volkswagen considering going it alone on US pick-ups
The company will likely take this route if the talks with Ford or other automakers fail. A final decision is expected to be made by the end of the year.
In a recent development, Volkswagen is reportedly considering a standalone approach to building a new US pickup platform, according to an agency report. The company might resort to this move if talks with Ford or other automakers fail, sources cited by Bloomberg on Thursday revealed. The final decision is expected by the end of the year.
CEO Oliver Blume identifies North America as one of the largest remaining growth opportunities for Volkswagen, particularly in robust SUVs and pickups. The company currently has a limited presence in these segments. Negotiations with Ford about potential cooperation on models with internal combustion engines are ongoing, as per the report.
Audi, Volkswagen's subsidiary, is also contemplating independent local production in the US for protection against tariffs, separate from the pickup plans. Volkswagen aims to delegate more responsibility to its North American management and expand local manufacturing. Scout Motors, a brand owned by Volkswagen, is currently constructing a factory for SUVs and pickups in the US state of South Carolina.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
