Taro enters pickup ring
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• Volkswagen UK has now launched its new Taro pickup.
The result of a co-operative agreement between VW and the Japanese giant Toyota, the Taro is a re-badged version of the popular Toyota Hilux onetonne pickup. Like its Japanese equivalent, it is being offered in the UK in 4x4 petrol and diesel and 4x2 petrol versions.
All two-wheel-drive Taros and Hiluxes are being produced at VW's Hanover plant, while the four-wheel-drive models will be made by Toyota at its Tahara factory.
The Hanover-built pickups should escape the voluntary, quota limits which currently restrain sales of Japanese products, despite the fact that EC local content is less than 60%. A VW spokesman explains: "The gentlemen's agreement only applies to Japanesemanufactured vehicles."
This should allow VW to mount a serious challenge to established competition like the Ford P100, although the company's plans will depend on how well the 'I'aro is received. "There will not be a vigorous sales campaign — the vehicles should sell themselves," says Volkswagen.
Much will depend on the Taro's pricing, and VW has pitched the vehicle slightly below the Hilux, though the company explains that any difference is due to small variations in equipment. The petrol 4x2 is a competitive 26,432 (exVAT), compared to 27,222 for the equivalent P100; the 4x4 retails at 28,811 for the petrol and 29,716 for the diesel.
Mechanically, the Taros are indentical to the Hiluxes (as tested by Commercial Motor 612 July 1989), with the 61kW (82hp) 1.8 titre petrol unit powering the 4x2, and the 69kW (94hp) 2.2-litre petrol and the 60kW (81hp) 2.4-litre diesel engines in the 4x4s.
Volkswagen is believed to be preparing its own drivelines for the Taro, but these are unlikely to be produced for UK'' sale before 1991.