The Volkswagen one-tonne utility is currently being previewed in Hanover, Germany, at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show, as the Volkswagen Pickup Concept.

The dimensions for the concept vehicle are:

• length: 5.18 metres
• width: 1.9 metres

The concept vehicle is displayed with 'Search and Rescue' type equipment.

The four seater ute features four doors. The cargo 'bed' is capable of taking a standard sized Euro pallet sideways.

Power will be provided by new common rail turbodiesel engines.

It is expected that the new VW ute will be aimed at both business and recreational buyers.

The production model, based on the concept vehicle, will commence production in late 2009. The new model will be manufactured at Volkswagen's production plant in Argentina.

This important new model is slated for markets in South America, Europe, South Africa and Australia. The release date in Australia is not yet confirmed. However, expectations are for an early 2010 release.