Volkswagen Amarok rust bucket

In June 2022 I purchased a new VW Amarok. Now less than 2 years later, I noticed the skid plate (bash plate) under the engine compartment is severely rusted on the outer side corners and the black paint is flaking off.

I have never been bundu bashing and have not scratched or damaged the skid plate in any way, nor have I crossed rivers or driven in deep mud, in which case I would have expected the skid plate to show some wear and rust where the paint may have been damaged.

Apparently, the Amarok has an anti-corrosion warranty. "Amarok - 6 year anti-corrosion warranty." source: https://www.vw.co.za/en/owners-services/service-and-parts/maintenance-and-service-plans.html

I understand that this is anti-rust protection and cover for the body panels. Naturally, I expected that rest of the vehicle would have a similar good build quality and at least some good protection for painted metal surfaces.

However, when I phoned the local dealership's maintenance department I was told the following.

"Rust on engine parts, gearbox parts, chassis parts and so on and so forth is not protected against rust on any of our vehicles."

"None of those parts are rust proofed or coated to prevent rust or treated for rust protection."

I am very disappointed in the fact that my VW Amarok which I believed to be a premium brand bakkie, is rusting away from under me and apparently, I should not be surprised when the whole chassis, engine and gearbox rusts away too. Fortunately, I know the engine and gearbox is aluminum and they should hopefully last until they fall on the ground when the skid plate, chassis and mountings rust away.

I am also dismayed at the way my concerns are brushed off in a don't care attitude.

I am left feeling that my expectations of the VW Amarok and the Volkswagen brand were too high.

My great expectations will not be disappointed, because I expect nothing more from Volkswagen. I have been driving Volkswagen vehicles my whole life. This Amarok is my last one.

Maybe my expectations were unrealistic, but I will switch to another vehicle brand and will encourage my family and friends to steer clear of the Volkswagen brand.