Classy German Pickups

The Volkswagen Jetta Truck Kit Turns a Sensible Sedan into an El Camino

Those who know a thing or two about cars will instantly think of Australia and the El Camino when looking at this stunning Volkswagen Jetta truck kit. Pickup trucks based off of coupes were popular in America many years ago and are still wildly popular in Australia, where they are known as utes. Nowadays, should you want a truck that looks like a car, you'll have to do it yourself. That's where Smyth Kit Cars comes in.

The Volkswagen Jetta truck kit sells for $3,500 and requires you to own a fourth-generation Jetta. The company claims the DIY makeover can be completed in a weekend, and once finished your new truck can haul up to 750 pounds. Utes are making a comeback in the U.S. thanks to kit makers and modders, and it may only be a matter of time before one of the big American automakers takes notice.

DIY Vehicle Modification
The popularity of DIY vehicle modification kits like the Volkswagen Jetta truck kit offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in the automotive industry.
Revival of Utes
The resurgence of pickup trucks based on coupes, like the Volkswagen Jetta truck kit, indicates a potential market for manufacturers to develop modern and stylish utes.
Innovative Vehicle Hauling Solutions
The development of compact truck conversions, such as the Volkswagen Jetta truck kit, presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the transportation and logistics industry.

Who This Affects Most

Automotive
The DIY vehicle modification trend, as seen with the Volkswagen Jetta truck kit, creates new opportunities for innovation and aftermarket sales in the automotive industry.
Manufacturing
The revival of utes based on coupes, demonstrated by the popularity of the Volkswagen Jetta truck kit, opens up possibilities for manufacturers to create specialized conversion kits and accessories.
Transportation and Logistics
The emergence of compact truck conversions like the Volkswagen Jetta truck kit presents innovative solutions for efficient and flexible transportation and hauling services.
SCORE
5.8 out of 10
GENDER
90% Men10% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 95%
Activity 72%
Freshness 8%

Solutions for innovators working at the edge of change. We help transform emerging ideas into practical, durable solutions by combining strategic thinking, creative exploration, and hands-on execution.

Trends © 2026 Trend Hunter Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LinkedIn Instagram X