BERLIN: Volkswagen's new Amarok pick-up, which has been developed together with Ford in order to cut costs, has plenty of North American DNA but it remains a genuine Volkswagen, the German mobility giant has promised.

The two companies are pooling their resources as part of a global alliance and the Amarok will be assembled alongside the newly-announced Ford Ranger at a plant in South Africa.

The revamped Amarok, which hits showrooms later this year, is the second generation of the load-hauler first introduced in 2010. Its name comes from the language of North American Inuit and means "wolf".

The new car comes with a V6 diesel as standard and the Amarok name debossed in very large letters on the cargo box at the rear.

This one of a number of styling cues which prevent the Amarok from looking like a badge-engineered version of the Ranger. VW said the clear, taut body surfaces and upmarket interior with different switchgear sets the car apart from its rivals.

VW Commercial Vehicle CEO, Carsten Intra, said the Amarok will be a "genuine Volkswagen with clear DNA in both technology and design."

North America is one of the biggest markets for pick-ups and US-made examples accounted for five of the industry’s 10 best-selling vehicles in 2020.

With year-end sales of almost 726,000 units, the Ford F-Series was the best-selling light truck in the United States last year, according to Statista, which gathers market-relevant data on companies worldwide.

Although not very fuel-efficient, high-riding pick-up trucks appeal to a wide range of American motorists for their robustness and versatility.

Designed for towing and hauling, many modern pick-ups can also comfortably fit a family of five. Most models also cope well with the rigours of off-road driving.

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