VW is reportedly looking at setting up a remote production facility in South Africa to produce the new Amarok W-Series.
According to Australian publication Carsales, the Amarok W-Series was developed for the Oceanic market and it will hit their roads in early 2026.
Just like the first-gen W-Series, the new one will be produced by Walkinshaw Automotive in Melbourne for the Australian region.
That said, the second-generation Amarok has been a smash hit since its debut in 2022 and global execs have allegedly been thinking about introducing the meaner W-Series to other countries to capitalise on this wave of demand.
“Australia is the most important market for the Amarok and therefore everything that happens in Australia is closely followed by us, and we try to figure out what works in other regions,” VW Commercial Vehicles global sales and marketing boss Lars Krause told Carsales.
“I think it’s important this version has been developed in Australia for Australia, but we are open to… other regions.”
It’s rumoured that Walkinshaw Automotive has started exploring the idea of establishing a remote development/manufacturing facility in South Africa to support global demand, as this is where one of the factories for the new Amarok is located.
“There’s been some discussions about that… there’s always opportunities in doing that, but at the same time we’ve got to make sure that program makes sense in other markets and there’s obviously risk as well – setting up a manufacturing plant in a country where we don’t have expertise,” said CEO Ryan Walkinshaw.
“If it makes sense we’re always open to these sorts of opportunities but for now, the full focus of Walkinshaw Group and VW is to ensure that we deliver a great product manufactured locally with Australian hands.”
Should VW and Walkinshaw Automotive take the plunge, it would follow in the footsteps of Nissan which in partnership with Australian firm Premcar recently started assembling the souped-up Navara Warrior in South Africa, for South Africa.
What is the W-Series?
The Amarok W-Series has thus far only been sold in Australia.
The modified bakkie takes the standard Amarok and turns it up to eleven with a range of unique upgrades that aim to boost its off-roading prowess.
While the enhancements of the new model have yet to be detailed given that we’re still about a year from its official unveiling, it’s expected that, just like its predecessor, the new W-Series will be on the receiving end of larger wheels and tyres resulting in a wider track, which will be framed by extended wheelarches.
Suspension upgrades such as new springs and dampers are all but guaranteed, too.
Powertrain details likewise remain unclear at the moment, though VW did confirm that the W-Series won’t be fitted with the 3.0-litre, V6, twin-turbo petrol plant found in the potent Ford Ranger Raptor.
Instead, it’s anticipated that the bakkie will hold on to the 3.0-litre, V6, turbo-diesel mill in the standard Amarok that’s good for a very respectable 184kW and 600Nm.
Walkinshaw Automotive confirmed that the design of the new Amarok W-Series is “now locked in,” but it didn’t give much details beyond that.
From the dimly lit teaser, the most noteworthy design hallmarks we can see are a lack of roof rails, the fitment of a rear sports bar, and bespoke alloy wheel designs.
“What should you expect? Everything you’d expect from a Walkinshaw product – next-level design, performance, and handling,” said the company.
“The new Walkinshaw W-Series will be a car to remember.”
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