VW Trucks Chief Cites U.S., China as Key Areas for Expansion

Volkswagen’s troubles with diesel-powered cars that were cheating on emissions regulations have caused some to speculate that the German company’s appetite for expansion, including on the commercial truck side, might be stymied. But in an interview with Bloomberg, the head of VW’s truck business said the U.S. and China are among key regions for possible expansion.

Andreas Renschler, who VW hired away from rival Daimler to head up its trucks business, told Bloomberg that “We’re keeping all options open on our way to becoming a global champion.”

One of Renschler’s responsibilities is reaping financial benefits from the takeovers of MAN and Scania.

“North America remains the largest undeveloped territory for the truck holding Volkswagen formed last May to better coordinate MAN, Scania AB and its namesake VW truck and bus brand,” Bloomberg reports.

Because of the major differences between U.S. and European truck models, expansion in the U.S. would probably involve an acquisition. Renschler would not comment on specific plans, but in the past, Paccar and Navistar have been rumored as potential targets for VW to pursue.