If recent comments by Audi CEO, Markus Duesmann, are to be taken with more than a pinch of salt, an Audi bakkie might very well be on the horizon…

Bakkies are big business, especially in markets such as South Africa and Australia, and you just need to look to the success of the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger for evidence. But that doesn’t mean that success is guaranteed. In fact, most often, the opposite is true, especially when a luxury brand with no proven bakkie track record tries to enter the market.

Remember the spectacular failure that was the Mercedes-Benz X-Class? Who can forget?

In an interesting development, it has emerged that Audi might be eyeing out the mid-size bakkie segment to potentially introduce a luxury rival to the range-topping versions of the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.

Responding to questions from journalists ahead of the Volkswagen Group’s Annual Media Conference 2022, Audi CEO, Markus Duesmann, was asked if an Audi pick-up was a possibility and his response didn’t deny that the Ingolstadt-based firm was considering the prospect.

He responded, “I can’t promise that we will do one, but we are looking into it.” He then added, “Actually, we will present – not too far from now – maybe something”. This implies that something, perhaps a concept bakkie, may very well be revealed at some point in the near future.

In light of the Volkswagen-Ford agreement that will see the next-generation Amarok being underpinned by the new Ford Ranger, it’s conceivable that Audi could leverage this development to form the basis for a bakkie wearing Audi’s four-rings. When it comes to powertrains, Audi may very well share the new Amarok’s next-generation 3.0-litre V6 powertrain but considering that Audi will be an all-electric brand in coming years, an electric Audi bakkie is, therefore, plausible too.

As for the interior, expect a luxurious cabin equipped with Audi’s latest digital and driver assistant technology.

We will keep you updated as soon more details come to light…

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