As part of its strategy review, Volkswagen may begin producing a pickup at its US plant.

According to preliminary data, the German brand's mid-size pickup truck is expected to appear on the American market closer to 2030.

Things have not been going particularly well for Volkswagen of late. Last month, the group published sales figures for new vehicles in the first half of 2026: the figure fell by 6.3% to 4.1 million units. The most notable decline was recorded in China, where sales plummeted by 25.9% (to 973,000 units). Earlier, the manufacturer outlined its crisis-management plan, which includes, among other things, staff reductions.

In addition, the group's strategy for emerging from the crisis involves the development and launch of new models, as well as exploring new niches and markets. According to the German publication Handelsblatt, VW is reworking its growth plan for the American market in order to increase its share (currently around 4%). It would appear that the manufacturer is, after all, preparing to try its luck in one of the fastest-growing segments in the States.

This concerns mid-size pickups: it is expected that Volkswagen may set up production of a corresponding model at its American plant (which would allow it to avoid paying high import duties and would make the price tag more attractive to customers). According to the publication, the new model could hit the US auto market closer to 2030.

Production of VW pickups will likely be set up at the plant in Chattanooga (Tennessee, USA). It is worth recalling that the capacity of this site was vacated ahead of schedule by the fully electric ID.4 SUV, which was retired from the US market in spring 2026. It is worth noting that the company previously promised to bring the "green" crossover back to the American market, but only after a refresh and under the name ID. Tiguan.

Foreign media believe that developing such a new model from scratch could prove too expensive for a Volkswagen in crisis. So there is a possibility that the manufacturer will use a partnership project, likely carried out jointly with Ford. As we recall, the two brands currently have twin mid-size pickups. Moreover, the third-generation Ford Ranger, developed by the Australian office as part of this project, is currently available in the US as well. Meanwhile, its closest relative – the "second" Volkswagen Amarok – was not planned for introduction to this market.

There is a possibility (though, of course, not officially confirmed) that Volkswagen will want to create a twin of Ford's new mid-size pickup, which the American brand recently officially announced. It is known that this new model will be called the Fathom and will feature a fully electric powertrain, with details to be revealed later.

Ford dealers will begin taking orders for the Fathom in early 2027. The starting price of the upcoming pickup is already known – $28,350, which is equivalent to approximately 2.34 million roubles at the current exchange rate. Including delivery charges, the price rises to $29,945 (around 2.47 million roubles).