A new information just released about the production version of the Hyundai Santa Cruz concept, a pick up truck revealed at the 2015 Detroit AutoShow.
According to Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America’s CEO, the U.S. Hyundai team expects the Santa Cruz to be approved by the Korean mother ship this November. The positive public reaction to the Santa Cruz helped Hyundai America build the case, and the automaker’s shifting of several manufacturing facilities from building cars to building crossovers will help carve out the necessary production capacity. “The pickup is under consideration and could get the green light in November.” he added.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz will use the 2016 Tucson platform. Will be available with all-wheel drive as well as a five seat configuration. Engine line-up would presumably carryover but one insider said a diesel engine is also under consideration.
Hyundai Motor America director of product planning Scott Margason wouldn’t go into specifics but told the publication “We would not be starting from scratch with this vehicle, that is fair to say.” He also noted the company would save one to two years worth of development by basing the truck on an existing model.
While the Hyundai Santa Cruz hasn’t officially been green-lighted, a final decision is expected by the end of the summer.
News Source: [Car&Driver]
Comments
3 commentsThey have said several times that is not a pickup truck like the Chevy Colorado. It isn't intended to tow and haul the same way. It is a soft roader for Millennials to haul around their toys. The Chevy Colorado is a body on frame truck and can't be used for comparison. It is NOT a soft roader and is nearly the same size as a full-sized pickup truck. The compact pickups such as the Chevy Luv, original Ford Ranger, Nissan Hardbody, etc. have been long gone and what Hyundai is hearing is that there is a place for them still, but they probably don't need to be as stout as a body on frame vehicle.
And yet, no front drive based truck-like architecture has succeeded in the U.S. market. It remains to be seen if Hyundai's concept to production will be the one. I am very skeptical that this will unless they can get the packaging, pricing and MPG to upend the Colorado so it becomes a truly worthwhile alternative.
SUVs all used to be RWD body on frame and now they are mostly FWD CUVs.