Yesterday, Volkswagen showed the world its new Concept Pickup, a concept that will soon spawn a production pickup most likely to be badged ‘Robust.’ The production model will arrive in Europe starting late next year with production to take place in Argentine mid-2009.

Volkswagen says that it is targeting annual sales of 100,000 units for its new pickup. The German automaker is hoping that the new truck helps it increase its commercial vehicle sales to 800,000 units by 2018. We’re just thinking that it’s quite an interesting times to be expecting so much from your truck segment.

The Volkswagen pickup will be offered in a variety of gasoline direct injection and diesel engines along with V-Dub’s all-wheel-drive 4MOTION technology.

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Volkswagen Concept Pickup:

Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required)

As we told you last week Volkswagen was to display a concept version of its upcoming pickup at the 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover – well here it is. Called the Volkswagen Concept Pickup, V-Dub says, “The concept vehicle ““ executed in as a cleverly designed rescue vehicle for marine use ““ offers a preview of the fourth model series by the commercial vehicle manufacturer.”

Volkswagen spokesperson, Jens Bobsien, said that the concept hints at a high-volume European vehicle set hit the market late next year. The truck, most likely to be called Robust or Taro, will be available with a choice of gasoline direct injection and diesel engines. Expect V-Dub’s all-wheel-drive 4MOTION technology to play a huge part in the production model.

Production will kick off in Pacheco, Argentine mid-2009. The new Volkswagen pickup will be offered in South America, South Africa, Australia and Europe. Bobsien said that other markets “will follow” meaning a North American version could be in the works.

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Volkswagen Concept Pickup:

Source: PickupTrucks and CarScoop