Volkswagen may develop its own body-on-frame truck platform for the US if it cannot reach an agreement with Ford Motor or another automaker, Bloomberg reported, citing company executives.

The move forms part of Volkswagen’s effort to strengthen its US business, which has long underperformed the group’s expectations.

Chief executive Oliver Blume has identified North America as a major remaining growth opportunity, particularly in rugged SUVs and pickups, where Volkswagen has limited presence.

Volkswagen is in discussions with Ford on possible cooperation for vehicles in these segments, including a petrol-powered SUV and pickup, Bloomberg previously reported.

The talks are continuing, and Volkswagen executives said a final decision is expected by the end of the year.

Volkswagen and Ford have maintained a broad European partnership since 2020.

Ford produces its Explorer and Capri models on Volkswagen’s MEB electric vehicle platform at its Cologne plant in Germany.

Ford’s Tourneo commercial vehicle uses technology from Volkswagen’s Caddy.

Volkswagen’s Transporter, meanwhile, is based on Ford’s Transit platform and is built alongside the Transit at Ford’s factory in Turkey.

Audi is also central to Volkswagen’s North American plans.

The premium brand relies heavily on US imports, making it vulnerable to tariffs, and Volkswagen has been considering local production.

Executives said decisions on developing Audi vehicles in the US are being considered separately from the proposed truck programme.

Volkswagen is also assigning greater responsibility to its North American management and pursuing increased local production.

Marco Schubert assumed overall responsibility for the region this month.

The group’s Scout Motors business is building a South Carolina factory for SUVs and pickups.