Volkswagen to Launch New Light Utility Van in Brazil by 2027 via Saic Partnership

Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus (VWCO) will introduce a new light utility vehicle in Brazil in 2027, designed to transport cargo or people in a manner similar to the classic Kombi. The project is being developed through a partnership with the Chinese company Saic, utilizing the Saic Maxus Deliver 9 as the base model. According to VWCO CEO Roberto Cortes, developing such a vehicle from scratch would cost approximately R$ 1 billion; however, the current project involves an investment of R$ 300 million. The van, which features a 2.0 turbodiesel engine and a payload capacity of up to 1.5 tons in European specifications, will have its official name revealed at Fenatran, the main commercial vehicle fair in Latin America. VWCO is currently studying the possibility of assembling the vehicle at a local partner's industrial facilities, similar to the arrangement for the Saic controlled luxury brand MG Motor in Horizonte, Ceará.

In addition to the new van, VWCO announced several updates to its truck lineup for Fenatran. The Delivery line will include the 14.180 version with a 10 ton load capacity. The electric e-Delivery range will introduce a 17 ton configuration tailored for e-commerce and urban deliveries, as well as an updated 12 ton model with 7 percent more torque and faster battery charging. The heavy duty Meteor line is expanding with 540 cv versions, specifically the 29.540 and 28.540, to compete directly with the Volvo FH 540. The Meteor line also adds a 500 cv configuration. Finally, the Constellation line will incorporate four new versions, including three 500 cv models and one 540 cv model designed for off-road operations with a capacity of up to 91 tons.