BMW is “Watching” the Pickup Truck Market

BMW M3 Pickup April Fools (Credit: © BMW)

Next to the SUV and crossover markets, the pickup-truck market is arguably the second hottest at this point. So far, we’ve seen Toyota revamp its full-size pickup and actually make it competitive, GM has reentered the midsize pickup segment, and even Mercedes-Benz is working on a pickup. Now, a new report indicates that an unsuspecting luxury automaker is keeping close tabs on this segment and considering diving in.

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According to a report from Aussie site, Motoring.com.au, BMW is closely watching the pickup truck segment and is ready to pounce if the conditions are ideal. This report comes from a conversation the site had with Marc Werner, BMW Australia’s managing director, where the words “never say never” crossed his lips followed by “we are watching the space [pickup trucks] closely” in reference to the newly confirmed Mercedes pickup.

Werner did clear up that this is in no way a confirmation of a new pickup as there are some difficulties Bimmer has to work through. Unlike other luxury automakers, like Mercedes and Audi, BMW lacks an acceptable platform for a pickup. The managing director is quick to point out that Mercedes already builds buses and heavy trucks, and Audi has the VW Amarok to work with. BMW, on the other hand, would likely have to borrow a platform from a partner—like Toyota—or develop its own.

These statements are counter what Wener’s boss, Hendrik von Kuenheim, said last year. Specifically, he told the same site that BMW would “definitely not” build a pickup.

These mixed messages are nothing new in the automotive world as plans tend to change with the wind.

We’ll keep an eye on BMW’s interest in pickup trucks and bring you updates as they become available.