PunchTruck (no punchbacks).

Autoblog reports, "According to Automotive News, Volkswagen is considering a pickup truck for the U.S. based off the second generation Beetle, which is due out around the turn of the decade."   The idea, apparently, "Stems from VW's goal to boost annual vehicle sales in the U.S. from its current 230,000 units to 1 million vehicle sales per year by 2018. Other derivatives of the new new Beetle could also include a crossover and a wagon."

VW does have a plan for a serious truck.  PickupTrucks.Com reports, "Volkswagen recently unveiled a rugged concept version of its all-new world pickup at the 2008 IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover, Germany. Rumored to be called "Robust," VW's first in-house designed, engineered and manufactured pickup isn't destined for our shores. ... VW officially says the midsize Robust will be a one-ton pickup. Perhaps if a Beetle-based truck arrives in the U.S., it will try to market it as a half-ton."

Most in the automotive press seem to dismiss the idea.  Autoblog comments, "We somehow doubt that the U.S. consumers could warm up to a Beetle-based truck -- nostalgia can only go so far." PickupTrucks.com concludes, "Maybe someone at VW has a wicked sense of humor."

But maybe that's the point.  VW has often sold whimsical with great success.  German aftermarket tuner shop CargoFun has actually built Beetle trucks before (pictured above), and no, they're not particularly practical ... but they are cute.  As a niche vehicle, it could work ... and it certainly gets people talking.  Besides, sources have said the Bug was in for a manly makeover soon.  What's more masculine than a Beetle Pickup?

Okay, scratch that last one.  Need more coffee...

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