A topic of much speculation and contradictory reports since its showing as a concept six years ago, Volkswagen has reportedly approved an investment of R $3-billion (R9.9-billion) into its So Jos dos Pinhais plant in Brazil for production of the Tarok half-ton bakkie.
Brazil first butPart of a readjusted bigger investment of R $16-billion (R52.8-billion) into the facility for the production of 16 new or updated models by 2028, the all-but-approved replacement for the 15-year old Saveiro is expected to become a reality towards the end of 2026 only as a mild-hybrid.
Initially rumoured for production alongside the Taos and previous generation Amarok at the General Pacheco Plant in Argentina, moving the Tarok to Brazil forms part of a reported consolidation exercise brought on not only by economic challenges in its neighbouring country, but also the use of the MQB A0 that underpins the Polo, T-Cross, Virtus (Polo Sedan) and Nivus (Taigo) - all made at the So Jos plant.
Supposed to have become a reality four years ago , only to be stalled by the pandemic that hit Brazil the worst of any South American nation, the Tarok had been rumoured for a takeover by Volkswagen North America, only be denounced as a result of costs.
Set to take aim at the Ford Maverick, Fiat Toro and Chevrolet Montana, the latest findings by motor1.com Brazil allege the Tarok will debut as a hybrid by making use of an electrified version of the 1.5 TSI Evo engine.
