Official: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe "LWB" to replace Veracruz.

With the All-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe presented at the NY AutoShow past wednesday, we only had one question, what about the Long Wheel Base version? But, HMA CEO John Krafcik confirmed today that the all-new seven passenger 2013 Santa Fe will replace the Veracruz model. “The Veracruz is going away,” Krafcik told. “It ends production around November.”

The seven-passenger Veracruz was a new nameplate for Hyundai when it rolled out in 2007. It never gained much acceptance in the U.S., so Hyundai has found a new way around that problem. 

“It’s hard to establish a new brand name,” Krafcik said. “It can take $50 to $100 million dollars. Santa Fe is a golden nameplate for us, it’s a great product, and now it will be much more efficient in my marketing spend.” 

Indeed. It will also be more efficient producing a five and seven-passenger Santa Fe than two different vehicles. From the B-pillar forward, there will only be minor differences between the two Santa Fe models.