Volkswagen Saveiro Robust spotted on road in USA

[JimmyH]

I saw one of these yesterday morning on I-10 just east of Houston, TX. Google told me that it is a Volkswagen Saveiro Robust. It looks like they are not sold in the US. I didn't think to check the plates to see where this thing is from. I probably wouldn't buy one, but it was cool to see something different on the roads. Reminds me of the tiny work trucks we used years back, when I was in Japan. I believe there will soon be more competition out there in the compact pickup/ute class of vehicles for US customers. At least, I hope so.

Sponsored

 

[Rnmedic45]

I have to say it's not my cup of tea but it's "cute". There are a lot of foreign made cars that we don't have access to. I originally thought that it was due to not meeting our safety standards being to high. HAHA. Silly me it's all politics and dates back to an import tax called a "Chicken Tax" if your not familiar google it and see how things spiral out of control in DC.

 

[Traegorn]

Mexican plates I presume?

 

[Gooberhamm]

Reminds of the Subaru Brat cum Wildereness:

 

[Gooberhamm]

Or worse, the mini truck: https://usminitrucksales.com/buy/

 

[LM42]

I saw one of these yesterday morning on I-10 just east of Houston, TX. Google told me that it is a Volkswagen Saveiro Robust. It looks like they are not sold in the US. I didn't think to check the plates to see where this thing is from. I probably wouldn't buy one, but it was cool to see something different on the roads. Reminds me of the tiny work trucks we used years back, when I was in Japan. I believe there will soon be more competition out there in the compact pickup/ute class of vehicles for US customers. At least, I hope so.

Ive seen these in Mexico for years. They have a ton of Maverick sized trucks down there that are not sold in the US

 

[LM42]

Reminds of the Subaru Brat cum Wildereness:

You realize this is a photo shopped Hyundai, right?

 

[Traegorn]

Or worse, the mini truck: https://usminitrucksales.com/buy/

Hey, Kei trucks are fun as heck.

 

[OrangeBlue]

Seriously.
I'd love to have one of those little Daihatsu flatbeds!

So cool.

Hey, Kei trucks are fun as heck.

 

[TheWizziard]

I like the bed on the KIA Bongo

 

[Tiger Dude]

my recollection is that it's hard to get these to pass collision requirements in the US, plus they may not count as "trucks" under CAFE. Collision is why our Mavericks weigh so much. I have no doubt they would sell like mad here.

 

[Tterrag]

I know it's really out of fashion/but I do love me some two-door truck action!

 

[TheWizziard]

my recollection is that it's hard to get these to pass collision requirements in the US, plus they may not count as "trucks" under CAFE. Collision is why our Mavericks weigh so much. I have no doubt they would sell like mad here.

Modern Mexican vehicle laws have come a long way and are pretty much in line with VMVSS.

I am sure that they could be made to pass anything that doesn't if they were to be sold here.

Demand is the biggest reason they are not made in NA and sold in the US.
We used to have smaller trucks. Chevy LUV, Datsun, etc.
The trend has been bigger is better. Check out some early generation F150's. (F1 - F100)
With the success of the new Ranger, Colorado, Maverick, and Santa Cruz we are seeing resurgence in interest in small trucks.
We will see how many more will come to our shore. I am sure that more will if the demand stays strong.

All of the above is my humble opinion.

 

[OrangeBlue]

You could import one if they are over 25 years old. They are dirt cheap in the Bahamas, and Mexico too, I'm sure.

my recollection is that it's hard to get these to pass collision requirements in the US, plus they may not count as "trucks" under CAFE. Collision is why our Mavericks weigh so much. I have no doubt they would sell like mad here.

 

[Nw_adventure]

LOL

Sponsored