New Volkswagen pickup truck and challenges with new emissions rules set the tone for the automotive market
Volkswagen Saveiro, one of the icons of the compact pickup truck segment, its days are numbered in the Brazilian market. The latest information published by mobiauto indicate that the Tarok, the German automaker's new pickup truck, will be responsible for replacing the Saveiro and will hit the market in 2026, bringing with it a series of changes and challenges for the brand.
The Tarok pickup, which would initially be based on the Golf and Tiguan MQB platform, had its design reformulated and will now use the T-Cross base on the MQB-A0 platform. This change indicates a simpler construction and sharing of parts with the brand's compact SUV. This strategy is similar to that adopted by Chevrolet with the Montana, derived from the Tracker utility vehicle.
New emissions rules and lack of space
Two main reasons lead to the end of the line for the Saveiro pickup truck. The first is related to the new emissions rules, with the eighth phase of Proconve requiring more efficient cars from 2025. The 1.6 aspirated flex engine, used only in the Saveiro, will not be adapted to the new standards and will be discontinued.
Reproduction: Mobiauto
Furthermore, the arrival of Tarok will not leave space for Saveiro in the market. Volkswagen's new pickup truck will occupy a different segment, serving customers who looking for a pickup truck for everyday use in the city, different from Saveiro’s more work-oriented profile.
Changes in Volkswagen production
Production of the Tarok will be carried out in São José dos Pinhais (PR), while the factory in Taubaté (SP) will be dedicated to the production of the Polo family and the brand's new compact SUV, possibly called the Gol. As a result, Volkswagen will have to find space at the facilities in São Bernardo do Campo (SP) to produce two more SUVs, as promised at a recent event.
The Anchieta factory, in São Bernardo do Campo, currently produces Nivus, Polo GTS, Virtus and Saveiro. With the departure of Saveiro, the assembly line will be fully updated with the modular platform MQB, preparing the ground for the arrival of new Volkswagen products.
With the departure of Saveiro and the arrival of Tarok, Volkswagen is preparing a significant change in its vehicle lineup, seeking to attract new customers and adapt to market and regulatory requirements of emissions. We just have to wait and see how this transition will impact consumers and the brand in Brazil.
