In 1994 Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Europe and Volkswagen of Brazil launched the jointly developed L80 light truck for the European market.

The L80 came in only one specification with a MWM 4.3L 4cylinder diesel motor producing 103 kW (138 hp) at 2600 rpm with torque of 430 N⋅m (317 lbf⋅ft) at 1,600 to 2,000 rpm. It met the European exhaust and emissions tests of 91/542/EEC Standard to EG/70/157.

The chassis of the L80 was tested extensively on South American roads and had a gross vehicle weight of 7,490 kg (16,513 lb) and a 3,270 kg (7,209 lb) loading capacity. Tyres had a dimension of 215/75 x 17.5 which complied German standards of the time.

The cab was borrowed from the Volkswagen LT series; a different front bumper and headlights it gave the L80 a different appearance.

The L80 was discontinued from sale in Europe in 2000 due to stringent European emission regulations.