Volkswagen has confirmed that the current generation of the Amarok ute will not be offered with either an electric (EV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. This decision, recently announced by Volkswagen Commercial’s new CEO, Stefan Mecha, marks a significant shift from earlier indications that the company was “seriously considering” these options.
Current Amarok Lineup Remains Traditional
Despite initial exploration, Volkswagen has effectively shelved plans for electrified versions of the popular Amarok. This decision impacts Australia, where the Amarok shares a close platform relationship with the Ford Ranger, which recently launched a PHEV variant. While Volkswagen hasn’t explicitly ruled out future electrification, it appears that the current model will stick with traditional petrol and diesel engines.
Future Plans Remain Open
The possibility of an electric or plug-in hybrid Amarok hasn’t been completely dismissed. Volkswagen has left the door open for the development of these powertrain options for a new generation of the Amarok, tentatively expected in the 2030s. This suggests that Volkswagen is preparing for a future where electric and hybrid vehicles will play a more significant role in the ute market.
Strategic Response to New Vehicle Efficiency Standards
The decision to forgo electrified Amarok versions this generation coincides with the introduction of Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). This legislation aims to encourage car manufacturers to offer more fuel-efficient vehicles. Volkswagen’s Brand Director, Nathan Johnson, insists that the company is well-positioned to meet the NVES requirements without impacting customer choice or price.
“Our goal is to be self-sustainable without an impact to the customer…so that they can pick up a [petrol or diesel car] or BEV or PHEV – and essentially we want the customer to make the decision about which is the best vehicle for them.”
Maintaining Customer Choice and Affordability
Volkswagen’s approach centers on providing customers with a diverse range of vehicle options—petrol, diesel, battery electric, and plug-in hybrid—without resorting to price increases to offset potential NVES penalties. The company wants to transition its fleet naturally, allowing customers to choose vehicles that best suit their needs.
“We do not want to be increasing our prices to subvent an NVES strategy, our goal is to make sure that we do this [in a natural way].”
The current decision reflects Volkswagen’s strategic prioritization of maintaining customer choice and affordability in the face of evolving environmental regulations. While electric and hybrid versions are not on the immediate horizon for the existing Amarok, the possibility remains viable for a future model.
