An electric Volkswagen pickup? New global head says not this decade
As more and more all-electric pickup trucks make their way to the US market, those consumers holding out for a Volkswagen branded model may need to let go and look elsewhere. According to Volkswagen’s new global head of passenger cars, an electric pickup truck is not a priority at the moment, despite comments from the German automaker’s newly appointed head of North America validating such desires.
A a global legacy automaker, Volkswagen Group and its coinciding marques have become household names in a number of vehicle segments, from sedans to SUVs, but it hasn’t produced a pickup truck in over thirty years – at least not in the US.
In recent years, the group’s focus has been on complete electrification throughout its global lineup, and has recently seen many of the struggles that coincide with shifting your entire business model to nascent technology. Part of the shakeups that ensued this year at VW HQ included an ousting of CEO Herbert Diess in favor of Porsche head Oliver Blume.
Concurrently, the head of Volkswagen North America Scott Keogh announced he was stepping down after five years to become CEO of the group’s revived Scout marque focused on delivering electric pickup trucks and SUVs. Executive Chair of VW South America Pablo Di Si took over for Keogh just over two months ago and already feels the US’ desire for a Volkswagen pickup is justified, as long as it’s electric.
Before you get your hopes up, however, you’re going to want to hear what the global head and CEO of Volkswagen passenger cars Thomas Schäfer had to say.
Volkswagen electric pickup “not a priority at the moment”
According to interviews from both Di Si and Schäfer reported by Automotive News Europe, an electric Volkswagen pickup is further away than many US consumers would like. Despite Di Si’s foresight that the US market in particular could be very enticed by a VW branded truck, the head of passenger vehicles says no, even with a new EV platform being developed for the new Scout marque.
During a small roundtable in Los Angeles before the 2022 Auto Show, Schäfer explained that Volkswagen has a clear blueprint for the future, and those plans do not include an electric pickup truck:
At the moment, our focus on the lineup doesn’t include it. At the moment, we have a clear lineup all the way through the second half of this decade. Then again, in the American market, if you do not play in certain segments, then you have to stay in a certain market share area. But the question of (VW’s new platform for Scout) is not our priority at the moment.
Schäfer’s crushing comments to dealers and consumers who have been waiting for a VW pickup comes just three months into his tenure as passenger car CEO, and about six months after Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh shared a more optimistic outlook:
This platform could provide an opportunity for other group vehicles. Yes. I want to be clear on this thing: This platform could definitely provide an opportunity for non-Scout vehicles.
Where and when still leaves too much grey to truly paint a picture of a future colored with electric Volkswagen pickups. Plus, the decision is ultimately up to Schäfer at this point, so the future remains bleak. However, believers like Di Si are not giving up just yet:
What are the relevant segments in the US? SUVs and pickups. Are we going to have a pickup? I will try. Do we have one now? No. Right now, my focus is on strengthening the SUV portfolio. I will address pickups at the right time, but right now, I have other issues to tackle.
Di Si spoke highly of the Volkswagen Tarok concept (featured above) that debuted in Latin-America in 2019 during his time working in that region:
That was my baby. There is no pickup here — yet. But time will tell. I think we have the knowledge. I think the segment is relevant. And we are going to play the game and see where that kind of takes us.
While a future that includes an electric Volkswagen pickup seems unlikely right now, people like Keogh and Di Si are advocating for it. Only time (and the market) will tell.
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Toyota’s new electric SUV is a surprise hit in China. Starting at just $15,000, the Toyota bZ3X is already the top-selling joint venture brand EV.
The $15,000 Toyota bZ3X is the top-selling foreign EV
After launching the bZ3X in March, Toyota’s joint venture, GAC Toyota, claimed that orders were “so popular that the server crashed.” It apparently secured over 10,000 orders in the first hour.
In its second month on the market, the bZ3X was the top-selling foreign-owned vehicle in China, beating out the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 Crozz, Nissan N7, and BMW i3.
According to the latest update, the electric SUV retained the title once again in June. Peng Baolin, General Manager of Sales at GAC-Toyota, revealed on social media that the “delivery volume of Bozhi 3X in June reached 6,030 units.”
GAC Toyota announced on Weibo that cumulative deliveries have now exceeded 20,000 units, setting a new record for the fastest joint venture electric SUV sales to achieve the feat.
The company also claimed that the bZ3X “has the highest sales of new energy vehicles” among joint venture brands right now.
The bZ3X is Toyota’s “first 100,000 yuan-level pure electric SUV.” It’s available in seven different trims, starting at 109,800 yuan, or about $15,000.
Two variants have an added LiDAR, making Toyota the first joint venture brand to offer it in China. The smart driving version starts at 149,800 yuan ($20,500). For 159,800 yuan ($22,000), you can upgrade to the range-topping “610 Max” trim.
Powered by a 67.92 kWh battery, the long-range model is rated with a CLTC range of up to 610 km (379 miles). The base “Air” trim features a 50.03 kWh battery, good for a 430 km (267 miles) range.
The bZ3X measures 4,645 mm in length, 1,885 mm in width, and 1,625 mm in height, or about the size of BYD’s popular Yuan Plus (sold overseas as the Atto 3).
Inside is a significant upgrade from most Toyota models we are used to seeing. It features a tech-focused interior with a 12.3″ infotainment screen and an 8.8″ driver display.
Toyota markets it as an affordable family SUV with “a mobile space that is as comfortable as home.” With all the seats folded, the interior offers nearly 10 feet (3 meters) of space.
It’s also powered by Momenta’s 5.0 smart driving system, offering advanced smart driving features such as Level 2 assisted driving, remote parking, and more.
Electrek’s Take
Although it may not seem like much with Chinese EV makers like Xiaomi securing nearly 300,000 orders for the YU7 SUV in an hour, the bZ3X is selling surprisingly well for a foreign brand vehicle.
Global automakers are struggling to keep pace in China with an influx of new low-cost domestic EVs and an intensifying price war. However, Japanese automakers, including Toyota, have been some of the hardest hit.
During GAC Toyota’s Tech Day event last month, the company announced partnerships with China’s leading tech companies, including Huawei, Xiaomi, and Momenta, as it seeks to regain market share.
Ahead of the event, the company posted on Weibo that “god-level allies are coming to help,” adding “car industry bigwigs are coming.
Through May, Toyota’s sales in China are up 7.7% from the same period last year, with 530,000 vehicles sold. Will Toyota continue gaining traction in the world’s largest EV market? With the bZ5 now rolling out and several new models on the way, Toyota is looking for a comeback.
Source: Sohu, GAC-Toyota
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If you’re planning a summer camping trip or backyard cookout, or just want to be prepared for future blackouts, BLUETTI has you covered this Prime Day with up to 65% off portable power stations. And two standout models are turning heads: the all-new Elite 100 V2 and the powerhouse Elite 200 V2.
Electrek readers get an exclusive extra 5% off sitewide with the promo code ELECTREK5OFF, but act fast! These fantastic Prime Day deals only run until July 11.
Compact powerhouse: Elite 100 V2 (now in pre-order!)
Meet the newly launched Elite 100 V2 – BLUETTI’s latest iteration of the AC180 portable power station that packs serious performance in a smaller frame. It’s about 30% smaller than the AC180 yet still delivers a mighty 1,800W output and 3,600W surge capacity. That’s more than enough to handle your coffee maker, induction cooktop, and even a portable AC unit.
With 11 versatile outlets and 1,000W solar input, this little powerhouse is perfect for camping trips, picnics, tailgates, or short-term home backup. It recharges in as little as 70 minutes, making it ideal for quick outdoor stops or unexpected power cuts.
The Elite 100 V2 is available now for pre-order at the early-bird price of $399 plus an extra 5% off on Amazon and at Bluetti’s official store.
The backyard hero: Elite 200 V2 for just $699 (52% off!)
This one’s a total game-changer. With a massive 2,048Wh capacity and 2,400W output (3,900W surge), the BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 powers everything from electric grills and coffee makers to portable fridges and full camping kitchens. It’s great for family cookouts, rooftop movie nights, or camping with serious gear.
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The Elite 200 V2 is down to just $699 for Prime Day – that’s 59% off and the lowest price ever(!) on Amazon and at BLUETTI’s official store.
More Prime Day BLUETTI power deals until July 11
BLUETTI is going big this year with deep discounts across the board. Here are some more hot picks:
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Whether you need portable power for camping (Elite 100 V2) or a versatile 2kWh powerhouse for multiple uses (Elite 200 V2), or serious home battery backup (AC300 or AC500), there’s a perfect BLUETTI deal for you.
Price protection and bonus savings
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Summer adventures, blackouts, or weekend tailgates – whatever power solution you need, BLUETTI has a product to match. But act fast: these Prime Day deals end July 11.
About BLUETTI
BLUETTI is a committed advocate for sustainability, embedding ESG principles into product design and corporate initiatives. Through programs like LAAF (Light An African Family), it delivers affordable, sustainable energy to African communities. Partnering with Leave No Trace and the Footprint Project (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), BLUETTI supports responsible outdoor recreation and disaster relief with clean energy solutions that minimize environmental impact. This blend of quality, reliability, and practical focus has earned trust in over 110 countries and regions.
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Elon Musk told Tesla’s biggest cheerleader on Wall Street, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, to ‘shut up’ and the reason why is absolutely ridiculous.
Dan Ives is one of the biggest pushers of Tesla’s stock on Wall Street. The Wedbush analyst can often bee seen on CNBC praising Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk.
He has one of the highest price targets on Tesla on Wall Street with $500 price per share.
After Tesla’s deliveries came way under his expectations and down 13% year-over-year in the first quarter, he reiterated his price target, which would value Tesla at over $1.5 trillion.
That’s even though Tesla’s net earnings have steadily declined over the last 2 years, and it is on track to start losing money within the next year.
Ives’ faith in Tesla stock is solely based on Musk and his promises of self-driving vehicles and robots. Just last month, he said that “Musk is the best asset of Tesla. We see him as CEO until 2030.”
You would think that Musk would like this guy, but no.
Ives took to X today to suggest that Tesla’s board should give Musk a new pay package giving him 25% control over the company.
If that were to be given through more stock options, it would virtually double his stake in Tesla and represent a $200 billion payday for Musk. In exchange, Ives is only suggesting that Musk, who runs several other companies and projects, should commit to spending a certain amount of time at Tesla and that the board has oversight on his involvement in politics.
In response to the analyst, who is one of Musk’s biggest fans and is suggesting Tesla gives him $200 billion, Musk told him to “shut up”:
Musk is seen as having complete control over Tesla’s board, which led to the rescinding of his 2018 CEO compensation package. One of the points that the judge brought up was that Tesla never even negotiated with Musk about committing his time at Tesla as part of the compensation package despite knowing the CEO already had roles at several other companies.
Now, Musk is also launching his own political party, in addition to his roles at SpaceX, X, xAI, The Boring Company, and Neuralink.
Electrek’s Take
Even Dan, who is a complete Musk sycophant, is not a big enough sycophant for Musk.
How do you tell a guy suggesting Tesla give you $200 billion to “shut up” just because he added some very mild conditions? What’s his thinking here? How dare he ask the board to do its job and supervise me? Doesn’t he know that I own the board?
The remarkable thing is that you know Musk could easily circumvent any conditions imposed by the board, and the mere fact that those conditions would have been in the contract could have helped it avoid being rescinded in the first place.
Musk’s behavior makes no sense. Honestly, he appears to be increasingly disconnected from reality.
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