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After years of speculation, it appears that a Hyundai pickup truck is set to enter production, with a Kia version likely to follow closely behind.
As interest in the mid-size pickup market continues to grow, more automakers are eager to join the fray, and Hyundai is looking to claim its share of this expanding segment. Although production plans for the pickup, which is reportedly based on the Santa Cruz concept unveiled three years ago, seemed uncertain as late as October 2018, Hyundai’s chief design officer has now confirmed that the project is officially moving forward.
Luc Donckerwolke, Hyundai Group’s chief design officer, stated in a recent interview with British magazine Autocar, “You’ve seen the [Santa Cruz] pickup from the 2015 Detroit show; that car is under development at Hyundai.”
He noted that the project has progressed to the stage where sketches and clay models are being transformed into metal prototypes. However, the public will need to wait to see how the final production model compares to the original Santa Cruz concept. While manufacturing of the Hyundai pickup is set to commence “as soon as possible,” it will still take some time before the truck is available at dealerships.
Donckerwolke also mentioned the possibility of a Kia counterpart, which would utilize the same basic platform but feature distinct design elements. If the Kia pickup receives approval, it will arrive after the Hyundai model. Unfortunately, no additional details about the Kia truck could be confirmed at this time.
Currently, the mid-size import truck market is primarily dominated by the Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline. However, by the time the Hyundai pickup makes its debut, it may also face competition from a Volkswagen model that has yet to be officially announced. Additionally, the Hyundai truck will have to contend with strong domestic competitors like the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado within the segment.
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