Volkswagen execs consider bringing Amarok pickup and commercial vans to the U.S.

VW’s Amarok R Style 2 concept pickupVW’s Amarok R Style 2 concept pickup

With the lofty goal of becoming the largest automaker in the world by 2018, Volkswagen recently told Reuters that it is considering launching a pickup truck and commercial vehicles in the United States.

Johnathan Browning, CEO of VW’s U.S. operations told Reuters that pickups and commercial vans “certainly represent an opportunity” in the U.S..

Back in April we told you how VW’s Amarok pickup is the missing piece for the automaker here in the U.S. The Amarok, currently sold in Europe, New Zealand, Russia and South Africa, will likely prove necessary to VW in order to top Toyota and General Motors as the largest automaker.

VW Caddy vanVW Caddy van

The Volkswagen Caddy, a commercial van which began life as the Rabbit pickup truck, is currently available in Europe and other markets. The success of Ford’s Transit Connect vans here in the U.S. have piqued VW’s interest in bringing the Caddy to American shores.

“There are preliminary discussions but no definitive plans at the moment,” Browning said.

Volkswagen wants to boost its U.S. sales to 800,000 VW-brand vehicles and 200,000 Audi-brand vehiles by 2018.

In the meantime, Browning said VW will focus on “maximizing the potential of volume-boosting models” already on sale in the U.S. like the Jetta, Passat mid-size sedan and Tiguan SUV.