Volkswagen Amarok accessory range launched
VOLKSWAGEN Australia has launched a new range of official accessories for the Amarok dual-cab ute range, which the German brand hopes will secure more customer spend at the dealership.
The new range of genuine products – which is considerably more extensive than was available for the first-generation Amarok – will comprise more than 80 available items, aimed both at lifestyle and leisure applications as well as work-focused, tradie-spec gear.
It means the Amarok will have the biggest accessory range of any Volkswagen model, but as the catalogue continues to lack a bull bar due to European policy regarding vulnerable road user safety, customers seeking this form of frontal protection must rely on an aftermarket supplier.
All the genuine Amarok accessories fall under the Volkswagen’s five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, and the cost of any add-ons available at the dealership can be rolled into the finance package and monthly repayments, making it less of a potential impost on the finances of businesses and enthusiasts alike.
The range comprises an array of roof accessories including roof bars (from $465), a roof platform ($1440) and even a rooftop tent ($3345), the latter of which takes advantage of the Amarok’s static roof load capacity of 350kg.
A raft of off-road accessories (some of which are still in development) include a nudge bar with integrated LED light bar ($1600), a snorkel for V6 models ($1180), lift kit options (40mm increase from $1515), an underbody protection system ($1660), recovery boards and a snatch strap kit.
There are also auxiliary battery kits (either under-bonnet or tub-mounted), plus a solar panel blanket, accessory switch bank, and an array of canopy options (from $5550), plus a sliding tub drawer ($3045), and wheel arch flares which will be offered in two different designs.
Soft tonneau covers, roll-top covers (electric is $4690, manual $4255), drawer systems, and tub liners also feature in the catalogue.
Volkswagen Australia Commercial Vehicles director, Ryan Davies, said the range of accessories offered for the second-generation Amarok “completes the picture” for the dual-cab-only, 4x4-only ute range.
“Every accessory has been designed with customer lifestyles in mind, and that includes the seamlessness of their purchase, their ability to buy accessories or finance them from the dealership as part of buying their Amarok,” said Mr Davies.
“From off-road lift kits, to roof-top camping tents to an Australian-designed integrated canopy, every Volkswagen accessory gets a factory backed five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty for the ultimate in quality and resale.”
The company is pushing to achieve a higher profitability for dealers and the business as a result of this expanded product range, which has increased from 55 items in the last-generation catalogue.
The company stated that it achieved an average of $1000 of accessories sales per vehicle at launch back in 2011, and by 2018 that figure had increased to an average of $1800 per vehicle. By 2022 – amid an unprecedented appetite for local travel in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, that figure stood at $2500 per vehicle.
With the new range of products, the company is aiming for a $3500-average accessory add-on, with more items offering better choice and less need to shop the aftermarket.
However, there are some omissions from the VW accessory product line, including a bull bar option. Many other ute makers sell multiple bull bar options, but this is not the case for the German brand, which has a stance against those types of vehicle protection systems due to potential pedestrian, cyclist and other road user impacts when they are involved in accidents.
VW Group Australia product and PR communications manager, Daniel DeGasperi, said Volkswagen the new range of items is “extensive and well beyond that of the previous generation”, but confirmed there is no bull bar imminent for customers looking for that item in particular.
“We are always assessing the number of accessories we can offer, however at this stage the nudge bar with illumination will be our offering,” said Mr Degasperi.
“External companies will no doubt create their own range of products distinct from those that we will sell via Volkswagen dealerships and with the same five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty as the vehicle.
“Most alluring for customers, they will also be able to bundle their Volkswagen-approved accessories into one complete finance package.”
Volkswagen launched the new-generation Amarok in Australia less than two months ago, and the company has just launched its entry-level Core and Life versions, both of which are available with four-cylinder engines only.
The entry-level Core manual, which was listed at $50,990 plus on-road costs at launch, has already been deleted from the range, with the new starting point for the TDI405 variant being the version with the six-speed automatic and selectable four-wheel drive, at $52,990 before on-road costs.
Stepping up to TDI500 Life grade that adds a number of features and steps up to a 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder and 10-speed auto, while also moving from rear drum brakes to discs, costs an extra $4000.
