Students Design Innovative Ute Concept Blending Volkswagen SUV and Sedan Features

FYI: Students in India Build an Impressive Utility Pickup Truck from Volkswagen Models

Cool, utility-based pickup trucks are a rarity in the United States, but that hasn’t stopped a group of innovative students in India from creating their own. Using a Volkswagen T-Cross (known as the Taigun in India) small SUV and a Volkswagen Virtus sedan, a dedicated team of students from Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited turned these vehicles into a unique and adventure-ready pickup truck.

Student Car Project Ute

The Volkswagen T-Cross, designed with urban living in mind, is not typically seen as a basis for a rugged ute. However, the students’ project aimed to defy these conventions. They meticulously researched, designed, and built a light pickup truck, taking nine months to complete this ambitious venture.

Combining an SUV and a Sedan to Create a Pickup Truck

The students fused the Volkswagen T-Cross and the Polo-based Virtus sedan to achieve their final product. Both vehicles are part of Volkswagen’s affordable front-wheel-drive lineup based on Indian platforms, ensuring availability and affordability. The team conducted comprehensive market analysis, sourced necessary components, and manufactured the truck, subsequently putting it through rigorous testing.

One of the standout features of this project was the creation of the truck bed and the coupling of two vehicle bodies. Critical additions, such as underbody protection, elevated the vehicle’s capabilities for off-road excursions.

Cutting-Edge Manufacturing Techniques

A major tool in this project was the 3D printer. The students designed and printed various essential parts, demonstrating their proficiency in contemporary manufacturing techniques to overcome design challenges. This included fabricating bespoke components not readily available in the market.

Key enhancements included:

• Off-road tires
• Roof-mounted lights
• Increased ground clearance
• A snorkel for deep-water navigation

Guided by Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited staff, the students collaborated with suppliers and industry experts, bringing the pickup truck concept to fruition.

The Future of Ute-Style Vehicles

Though this isn’t the first pickup truck from the Student Car Project, it certainly won’t be mass-produced. The initiative, however, stands as a testament to student ingenuity, as noted by Andreas Dick, Director of Production and Logistics at ŠKODA AUTO: "The successful completion of the Student Car Project 2.0 in India provides an opportunity for young talent to showcase cutting-edge technology, precision, and industry-leading efficiency."

Scout’s Upcoming Electric Pickup

While we may not see the student-created ute in showrooms, an exciting development is on the horizon for the U.S. market. Volkswagen-backed Scout is gearing up to launch a body-on-frame electric pickup truck, reminiscent of the Ford F-150 Lightning. Set to go on sale on October 24, this will mark 44 years since the last Scout vehicle was produced.

Conclusion
The Student Car Project highlights the remarkable potentials of young automotive minds and their capability in blending creativity with practical engineering. While utility-based pickup trucks like the student’s creation might be rare in the U.S., similar innovations pioneer the next generation of vehicles, showcasing the dynamic potential within the automotive industry.

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Author: Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi