At a recent annual media conference, Audi
, the luxury automobile manufacturer, showed an interest in getting into the truck market. This carmaker, known for high-end sedans and SUVs, and premium-spec sports cars, is likely to offer an electric truck model like the Ford F-150 Lightning.
The luxury truck market is the next money maker
As Hot Cars
explains, SUVs are the mainstay of the automobile industry. This has seen many automakers focus on the segment, which has resulted in high competition. However, the pick-up market seems to be doing great even when everyone else is scrambling for SUVs. Therefore, it makes sense for luxury automakers to consider entering the truck market. There is a wide market for high-spec truck trims as a few manufacturers are offering them at the moment.
The CEO, Markus Duesmann, explained that the company is looking into the matter and could unveil a concept in the near future.
He, however, said that he does not promise that the model will be a pickup, but industry analysts believe that it could be a matter of time before a concept comes into play.
Is an Audi luxury truck viable?
The current product lineup at Audi does not give any clues about a luxury truck. However, the automaker would not have a hard time developing one since it’s a member of the Volkswagen group, which already has a pickup truck on the market.
The truck, called the "VW Amarok," is not offered in the United States market. However, it can provide a good basis for Audi to create a luxury truck for this market. A second-generation Amarok will soon be presented by VW and is likely to have a T6 body-on-frame platform like the Ford Ranger.
Audi could use the same platform for its truck development, saving on research and development costs. On the other hand, the automaker is focused on electric vehicles, having launched the A6 Avant e-tron concept a while back.
So there’s a possibility that Audi may produce the new luxury truck as an electric model.
MORE: What is Currently the Fastest Audi?
Why many luxury truck projects have not taken off
There have been several attempts at creating luxury trucks in the recent past, with mixed results. The VW Amarok is one of the premium-spec pickup trucks on the market. Mercedes also has the Mercedes-Benz X-Class.
However, The Drive
explains that none of these models are available in the United States. Other premium automakers, such as Lincoln, have tried creating a pickup for the American market with little success. While electric off-roading is on the rise
, the failure of the luxury trucks to take-off can be attributed to the fact that customers are looking for rugged, high-towing capacity models in the market as opposed to just luxurious pick-ups. This practicality requirement may cause many luxury automakers to lose their competitive advantage over the current offers in the market. Customers may also not find a reason to pay a higher price tag for just the interior luxury when buying a new truck.
Purchase cheap insurance cover for your truck
A truck's insurance coverage should not cost you an arm and a leg. Always go for providers that offer adequate protection at affordable prices.
The Jerry
app, the world's number one online broker, offers you a chance to compare quotes from different providers. It has an easy-to-use interface and provides you with all the information that you need to make the right choice. You can also use Jerry
to cancel your existing subscription and replace it with something better.