The early MY Touareg's are robust off road platforms with >22" of OEM spec fording capability, yet it is true how few are actually used as designed, vs school pickups and soccer practices. Demand-driven international distribution is the main hurdle, with regional suppliers already solving the problems most people will have. Used vehicle prices have really come down in the decade since introduction which may help. As for parts: German OEM VW modifier, Seikel GmbH [
www.seikel.de], make under ride protection plate, and a beefier suspension lift kit. A group out of South Africa, Sportvans Off Road Centre [
www.sportvans.co.za], make a 99mm "Mad Maxx" Suspension Spring Kit that will also add 600kg of cargo capability. There is also a Russian outfit, Motodor [
http://www.4rn.ru], that is making underbody protection over there. There are a bunch of intrepid fellas making their own armor, winch mounts, spare tire racks, and homemade lift kits out of their garages all over. Obviously, not a lot of OEM dealer options, but there are some international distribution possibilities for someone entrepreneurial. When the Amarok hits North America, this may change attitudes.