We’ve just learnt that Mercedes is, in fact, looking to create a midsize pickup truck with a double-cab design. Additionally, the source of the information says the model has a high likelihood to be badged GLT.
The biggest piece of news launched by Car Magazine is the fact that the GLT will be co-developed and co-produced with/by Nissan. This move obviously makes sense since Mercedes is already collaborating with Renault-Nissan on other (smaller) commercial vehicles and they’re also using Renault-sourced diesels too.
One of the people in charge of the project, Volkwer Mornhinweg (former AMG boss), explains that they “are not going to develop a fat cowboy truck for North America”. He adds that “After all, the big three – Ford, GM/GMC and Ram – already own about 90% of that market which typically absorbs in excess of two million units per year. In this cut-throat environment, newcomers like us would invariably fight an arduous uphill battle. That’s why our focus is on a smaller and lighter pick-up truck which is already perceived as premium product in South America, Africa and the Middle East.”
The model will be very car-like, as is the trend most eloquently expressed by the VW Amarok, which really is as close to car-like as you can get in the sector.
Engines for the truck would be four- and six-pot petrol or diesel units (mostly diesel, obviously). A solid rear axle might be offered as standard but you will be able to opt for an independent setup too, at extra cost. Pricing for the model si set to kick off at $30,000 or ~€27,700.
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