Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles shows concept of new generation of pickups
-Pickup concept vehicle offers exciting look forward to the year 2009
-Volkswagen Pickup has special equipment for lifeguards
A highlight being presented by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles at the International Automobile Exhibition in Hanover (September 26 to October 02) is the world premiere of an innovative concept vehicle: a pickup in the 1-tonne class. The concept vehicle – executed in this case as a cleverly designed rescue vehicle for marine use – offers a preview of the fourth model series by the commercial vehicle manufacturer. The first pickup of this sort from any high-volume European automotive manufacturer is expected to set new standards in its segment. Key markets for future production vehicles are South America, South Africa and Australia; these are regions with some the greatest demand for pickups for recreational and business use – due to their great versatility. Production of the new Pickup will begin in Fall 2009 at Volkswagen’s “Pacheco” plant in Argentina.
Features of the four-door and four-seat pickup concept vehicle were conceptualized after intensive discussions with emergency services and in-house specialists for emergency vehicles. It was specially designed as a “Search and Rescue” version (SAR) for protecting swimmers and surfers from worst case scenarios. That is, it is a vehicle for lifeguards, such as those found at many large beaches around the globe. The basic technical layout of this pickup from Volkswagen – with dual cab and all-wheel drive – makes it the vehicle par excellence for such services.
It can be said in general that the pickup has been entirely re-developed by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The 5.18 meter long concept vehicle is not based on any familiar model series of the Group. However, synergies do exist between individual models. For example, the latest generation of highly advanced, torque-strong and at the same time fuel-saving common-rail turbo-diesels (TDI) is being used. To date, no pickups have made an appearance on the market with such pioneering fuel economy and emissions benefits of direct injection gasoline and diesel engines, especially those being developed in Germany. The pickup from Volkswagen will be the first to fulfill these requirements.
The styling of the concept vehicle also evolved from a blank sheet of paper. The Pickup follows the new Volkswagen Design-DNA initially presented by the Volkswagen passenger car division in the form of the Scirocco and the sixth Golf generation just introduced. The pickup concept vehicle is the first commercial vehicle under the Volkswagen label to exhibit this DNA. Group design chief Walter de Silva had this to say: “We have created a selection of core elements that can be described as ‘historical DNA’. Successful new Volkswagen designs will take on this DNA to generate a feeling in the eye of the beholder that is familiar and yet new.”
Familiar and yet new –precisely this formulation also applies to the Pickup concept vehicle. The clear and powerful surfaces of its body are familiar. As is the precision with which individual body sections merge with one another. One especially noteworthy aspect, for example, is the contour above the door handles that Klaus Bischoff, design chief responsible for the Volkswagen brand, refers to as the character line. On the one hand, it emphatically delineates the door and window surfaces from one another. On the other hand – and this is unusual and therefore all the more eye-catching – the line extends from the pickup’s C-pillar over the doors and into the front fender and bumper. It is a line that gives the overall vehicle a very unique contour. Conveying high-end quality, meanwhile, are style elements such as the uncompromisingly horizontal layout of the radiator grille in which the VW logo is integrated, and the headlights that are incorporated into the lines of the grille. They give the 1.9 meter wide front end an impressive and yet pleasing look. When it comes to width, the Pickup also scores points in the rear. Specifically, in the cargo bed: unlike its direct competition, it is easy to load a Euro pallet sideways here.
The pickup-specific features of the concept reveal an entirely new visual aspect of models by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. In general, all body components are designed to be very robust. Specifically, the concept vehicle’s look is marked by details such as the flared wheel wells, the charismatic structure of the C-pillar (that merges into the rear end), the roll bar on the side sections of the cargo bed and the large tailgate with integrated VW logo.
The Pickup study from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles was uncompromisingly designed as a type of automotive lifesaver. Take the exterior, for example: particularly noticeable here is the very flat and therefore aerodynamic blue-light roof module with integrated searchlight that can be electrically swiveled in any direction from the interior or by remote control. During daylight hours, the blue light is also equipped with a very conspicuous high-power LED system. A similar intermittent strobe function (in blue light) in the front and rear flasher lights also operates when the system is activated; that is why the actual turn signal function of the front flashers was integrated in the in the lower bumper section in the mounting area of the fog lights. Also located in the front bumper is a cable winch. But none of this reduces the impact of features offered by the interior and cargo bed.
The scenario for a typical use of the SAR Pickup might be as follows: the operations center reports a surfer in an emergency situation, on the Australian coast, for example. The specific area of the large expanses of Bondi Beach where the surfer took off and where the surfer is now waiting in the water are known. Based on localization of the call at the operations center, the GPS data of the position are fed into the Pickup’s navigation system – by no means is this science fiction. The radio-navigation system is controlled by a multifunctional touchscreen and a completely redeveloped infotainment head unit. Also integrated here is a CB radio and a menu level for all climate control functions. The system display is located in the upper area of the center console for ideal viewing and control by the driver and front passenger. Besides display of a map and pictograms, satellite images of the terrain can also be displayed. On the level below this there are buttons for adjustments to the chassis and all-wheel drive (e.g. differential locks). Thanks to off-road-navigation, the lifeguards can reach the emergency location extremely quickly. A compass is also mounted in the upper instrument panel area for general use.
The fact is: the pickup supports you better than any other vehicle now that the rescue operation has begun. Integrated in the front center console, together with their charging shells, are two mobile CB radios; there are two others in the rear of the dual cab. In addition, powerful flashlights are located next to the front seats. Also housed in the center console between the front seats and the individual seats in the rear: two mobile navigation systems. Directly behind it: a modular case with the most important first aid medications, a defibrillator and binoculars. Two safety helmets are mounted in the roofliner in the rear for use on bodies of water with strong currents. In front of these, within easy reach of the driver and front passenger is the switch panel for operating the blue light and the signal horn. Other components in the roof console: the loudspeakers of the mobile radio system. The saltwater resistant interior was designed to be washable, so that it can be cleaned lightning fast after an operation. Specifics: the seats are covered with neoprene, and the liners also have zippers for easy removal and cleaning. Reflective fibers were also worked into the doors, making entry and exit safer at night; thanks to its large reflective surfaces, the pickup can generally be recognized – even in darkness and from great distances.
Customized for special duty in coastal regions was the 1.55 meter long cargo bed of the Pickup, which can also carry a broad-format Euro pallet. When they arrive at the emergency location, the lifeguards find a special SAR jet ski here so that they can quickly approach the site of the incident. Integrated in the side walls of the cargo bed are life vests and rescue buoys, lights, special throw lines, fire extinguishers, blankets, and – in the tailgate – a tool set. Whether SAR features will actually be introduced to production at some later time is still entirely open. What is certain is that Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will begin introducing the pickup to initial markets at the end of 2009. At first, it will be introduced to South America, South Africa, Australia and Europe; other markets will follow.
Let's hope it won't suffer from any significant reliability problems.
