Volkswagen Amarok - Why it should come to India

India’s 2012 GDP rate has fallen by 0.3 percent over 2011. Compared to world economics, that is still a very healthy drop for an economy in these times. And that kind of shows as demand for premium vehicles in India has never been better. It’s much the same for the lifestyle pick-up truck segment as well – reason enough for Volkswagen to throw its lariat on to Indian shores in the form of its butch Amarok. 

The segment has so far remained dormant, with only a handful of vehicles like the Tata Xenon, the Mahindra Scorpio Getaway and the Mahindra Genio double-cab versions being sold in India. Bringing the Amarok to India now will give Volkswagen a significant early-mover advantage and the German car maker could tap into its brand value to rack up sales figures. 

The pickup makes a lot of sense for India as demand for such vehicles are on the rise in rural and semi-urban areas – from wealthy farmers, plantation companies and the industrial sector. The formula should work, as wealthy farmers and the like would not want to be seen driving around in a vehicle that is the same make as their tractors. In urban areas, a premium pickup truck compensates the need for owning two different vehicles for work and personal use.

The Volkswagen Amarok is a mid-size pickup truck that is available in both diesel and petrol engines with power outputs ranging from 122PS to 179PS of power. It is available in rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive variants along with the option of single cab or double cab. The Amarok comes with the option of a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Offered in three trim levels, the base version of the Amarok comes with black bumpers, manual windows and manual locking. The Trendline variant gets power windows, remote locking, alloy wheels, a stereo, climate control, cruise control, fog lamps and body coloured bumpers and door handles. The Highline variant gets bigger alloys, leatherette seats and lots of chrome detailing on the outside.

Keeping in line with the prospective pickup truck segment for India, Ford could consider introducing their Ranger pickup truck that is based on the current Endeavour SUV in India. Possibly with their six-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox as an option for the Ranger in India. The sharing of parts with the Endeavour could give it a definite cost advantage.