New Volkswagen Amarok Takes Down 140-Tonne Chimney

Marking the launch of its new Amarok pick-up in the UK, the British division of Volkswagen decided to go for a more aggressive approach to promote the new pick-up model. Specifically, the company used the Amarok to demolish a 67 m high steel chimney weighing approximately 140 tonnes and standing at nearly the same height as Westminster Abbey.

The structure was prepared using a standard procedure for any ‘pull-down’ demolition of flame cutting a ‘shark’s mouth’ into the base of the chimney, reducing its structural integrity, though ensuring that it remained free standing.

Four 200m lengths of rope were rigged to the top of the chimney and attached to the towbars of four standard Amarok pick-ups, each powered by a 2.0-litre TDI engine producing 163 PS of power. For this demonstration they were fitted with a ‘quick release’ safely mechanism for the towing ropes, ensuring the safety of the stunt drivers in the unlikely event of the structure falling in the wrong direction.

The Volkswagen Amarok goes on sale on May 9, available as a four door doublecab in three trim levels, with on the road prices starting from £21,343.

“The new Amarok is packed with power and intelligence, and we wanted to achieve something extraordinary to demonstrate this for its launch.  Working with the right experts and taking a scientific approach, by demolishing a 67 metre steel chimney we’ve shown the maximum strength and power of the Amarok,” said Simon Elliott, Director, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

“EDS has a reputation for taking on highly complex demolition projects that really test our engineering abilities, so we were thrilled to work with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to see if the new Amarok could bring down such a vast structure. Thankfully our combined skills were up to the challenge!” said Eldon Stevens from worldwide decommissioning experts EDS.