Volkswagen Awaits Ford Verdict on New Truck Platform, Ready to Go Solo

Volkswagen AG is prepared to go it alone to build a new body-on-frame truck platform for the U.S. market if it fails to reach an agreement with Ford Motor Co. or any other automaker, according to company executives. The German carmaker is working to reset a U.S. business that has long fallen short of its ambitions. CEO Oliver Blume has identified North America as one of VW’s biggest remaining growth opportunities, particularly in rugged SUVs and pickups where the group currently has little presence. Volkswagen has been discussing cooperation with Ford on vehicles targeted at those segments, including a gas-powered SUV and pickup, Bloomberg News has reported. Talks with Ford remain ongoing, and VW will make a final decision by the end of the year, company executives told a group of reporters on Oct. 22. A Ford spokesperson declined to comment. Audi represents another key piece of VW’s strategy. The premium brand relies heavily on imports into the U.S., leaving it exposed to tariffs, and VW has been weighing local production. A decision to develop Audi models in the U.S. is proceeding on its own timeline, independent of the truck plans, executives stated. This push coincides with VW giving greater responsibility to its North American management and seeking to localize more vehicles. Marco Schubert took overarching responsibility for the region this month, while the group’s Scout Motors unit is building a South Carolina factory for SUVs and pickups.