VW Admits Rebadging The Ford Ranger Is A Terrible Idea

[jpd80]

VW Admits Rebadging The Ford Ranger Is A Terrible Idea
Yesterday by Jay Traugott Truck
https://carbuzz.com/news/vw-admits-r...-terrible-idea

Volkswagen will soon have a decision to make. For the past several years the German automaker has been examining how it can re-enter the highly lucrative US pickup truck market. Decades ago it built and sold the small Rabbit Pickup in the US. Today, VW is strongly considering bringing the production-spec Tarok concept, which utilizes the MQB platform, to North America. Another truck possibility could come from Ford. Following the recently signed partnership between the two global automakers, VW is interested in getting access to the Ranger’s platform to underpin the next-gen Amarok, currently sold overseas only. Doing so would enable VW to sell the Amarok in the US. But really, a rebadged Ranger?

Wards Auto recently spoke with Volkswagen of America’s new senior vice president for product strategy, Hein Schafer, about that possibility.


"It’s still a little bit hazy to be quite honest,” he said. "We’ve kind of signed probably what could be classified as some sort of a joint agreement to say, ‘Hey, let’s partner up, let’s share ideas.’ What will come of it is, at the moment, still not 100% certain.” Schaefer admitted a small team at both Ford and VW are trying to figure out how to best take advantage of the new partnership specifically regarding commercial vans and mid-size pickup trucks. But Schaefer also acknowledged the likely complications of using the Ranger platform.

"You've got to think about it realistically: We would have to build a vehicle on a Ford platform that would have to look totally different to the Ford, so it’s a complex project. And also, obviously, Ford (would) have to remain competitive in the market. They’re not going to throw, like, an olive branch at us and give us their Ranger or whatever else. It’s super-competitive (in that segment).”

I wonder if the deal is done and the Germans are just trying to save face.....

[cheap]

Anyone with half a brain could have predicted the MB-Nissan X class fiasco well before the first pen touched paper and here we have another fiasco in the making. There just seems to be a plethora of stupid people running these companies. Stop selling mutton as lamb, learn from others mistakes!

[Fordman1]

Originally Posted by cheap

Anyone with half a brain could have predicted the MB-Nissan X class fiasco well before the first pen touched paper and here we have another fiasco in the making. There just seems to be a plethora of stupid people running these companies. Stop selling mutton as lamb, learn from others mistakes!

Ranger = Lamb

Amarok = Mutton

[mike_nofx]

Originally Posted by Fordman1

Ranger = Lamb

Amarok = Mutton

Ranger Raptor = Sheep in wolves clothing.

[Fordman1]

Originally Posted by mike_nofx

Ranger Raptor = Sheep in wolves clothing.

Chuck Norris = poor mans Bruce Lee

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by cheap

Anyone with half a brain could have predicted the MB-Nissan X class fiasco well before the first pen touched paper and here we have another fiasco in the making. There just seems to be a plethora of stupid people running these companies. Stop selling mutton as lamb, learn from others mistakes!

Most medium ute manufacturers are doing it. Toyota is the only one I can think of who isn't. Works for all the others.

The MB idea is the exception because they are charging a significant premium over the donor vehicle, and using way too much Nissan stuff eg Nissan 4 cylinder engine and gearbox. Truly mutton dressed as lamb as you said.

Different story when you merge 2 vehicles from similar price and market positioning points.

[jakkes]

I hope they scrap the whole thing and just build there own v6 amarok is a good vehicle just need to improve it now

[Dr Smith]

I'm only on my first coffee this morning however where does the VW V.P. say it's a terrible idea, just that it's complex and unlikely Ford would do anything to harm F-150 sales but not much else.

[MITCHAY]

Well there is an obvious upside for VW but is it the same for Ford?

[Cobra]

Originally Posted by MITCHAY

Well there is an obvious upside for VW but is it the same for Ford?

My understanding of the deal was that Ford would have access to some of VW's EV R&D.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Cobra

My understanding of the deal was that Ford would have access to some of VW's EV R&D.

VW is out $30 billion thanks to dieselgate with the US SEC about to file a civil case for even more.

They need a way of staying in the game without doing all the investment themselves
and an alliance with Ford means they save billions on developing commercials
with low margins.

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by Cobra

My understanding of the deal was that Ford would have access to some of VW's EV R&D.

I thought VW mentioned that Ford was way more ahead in terms of EV.

[vbvbvb088]

Anyone for a Nissan ute?

[jpd80]

"It’s still a little bit hazy to be quite honest,” he said. "We’ve kind of signed probably

what could be classified as some sort of a joint agreement to say, ‘Hey, let’s partner up, let’s share ideas.’ What will come of it is, at the moment, still not 100% certain.” Schaefer admitted a small team at both Ford and VW are trying to figure out how to best take advantage of the new partnership specifically regarding commercial vans and mid-size pickup trucks. But Schaefer also acknowledged the likely complications of using the Ranger platform.

VW need to tell this guy to be quiet, he knows full well that the alliance is much more
than just a loose agreement and that his company has signed with Ford to develop
and build a new Amarok and Transporter for VW...not the other way around.

"You've got to think about it realistically: We would have to build a vehicle on a Ford platform that would have to look totally different to the Ford, so it’s a complex project. And also, obviously, Ford (would) have to remain competitive in the market. They’re not going to throw, like, an olive branch at us and give us their Ranger or whatever else. It’s super-competitive (in that segment).”

He's talking about the USA market, not globally. Ford will not share Ranger with VW in the US market, that's for certain but it may share the compact truck going into production in Mexico next year.