VW Amarok Desert World Record

1Latest newsAmarok record: 
Volkswagen’s ute conquers Australia’s 10 deserts in six days and 17 hours
16 August 2024

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The Amarok ute has collected Volkswagen’s second Guiness World Record in Australia in two months, this time with a 1000km per day trek across every desert on the continent.

Volkswagen Group Australia Managing Director Karsten Seifert said the twin records – the first in an EV, the second in a ute – demonstrated Volkswagen’s breadth of capability during the brand’s 70th year in this country.

“Only Volkswagen could achieve two unique records in two such diverse vehicles,” Mr Seifert said. “The extent and capability of Volkswagen’s showroom is unrivalled. We have a vehicle for everyone and for every purpose, whether it is re-fuelled or re-charged.”

Last month, Mr Zietlow and Mr Biela, in a factory standard ID.4 GTX electric SUV, established the Guiness World Record for the largest GPS drawing made by a Battery Electric Vehicle, inscribing “70 Year VeeDub” on a 23,849km journey across the Australia.

Now, Volkswagen’s Amarok pick-up has established a record time for crossing Australia’s 10 deserts – an exceptional six days and 17 hours.

Leaving from Maree in South Australia, the accessorised Amarok V6 Style was driven across the Great Victoria, Great Sandy, Tanami, Simpson, Gibson, Little Sandy, Strzelecki, Sturt Stony, Tirari and Pedirka deserts, arriving in Alice Springs 6,421km later. 

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A journey worth a
Guinness World Record

A journey worth a
Guinness World Record

Driving in shifts, the three man crew was German endurance driver and multiple record holder Rainer Zietlow, his compatriot Marius Biela and Australia’s Brad Howe. 

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Director Ryan Davies thanked the partners ARB, Kumho, Club 4x4 Insurance, Volkswagen Financial Services and MotoKinetic, whose team provided support throughout the planning phase and the journey.

“The new generation Amarok was designed and engineered with Australian conditions as the foremost consideration,” Mr Davies said. “Our vehicle has handled the very toughest conditions in this country in a way that has exceeded even our expectation.”

The Amarok used 1,199 litres of diesel and only 0.5 litres of oil during the trek. It suffered single puncture. 

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will next year release the Amarok 10 Deserts Limited Edition of some 300. This is based on the Amarok Life model grade.

Experience the full journey

We captured all the highlights, twists and turns from the journey as our team navigated the Amarok across the desert and into the record books.

A visual record of the journey can be seen here

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