Hyundai: Light-Truck Relief Likely With Santa Cruz, Small CUV - Ward's Auto
“We used the response from the media, consumers, employees and dealers and got a lot of energy in Korea around this…(so) we feel pretty good about it,” Zuchowski says of the likelihood of a Santa Cruz production model. Feedback on the concept, which has been traveling to other U. S. auto shows this year following its Detroit debut, has been 90% positive, Zuchowski says. Zuchowski emphasizes his brand is trying to do something different from traditional compact pickups such as the new Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. The Santa Cruz concept, riding on the same platform as the new Hyundai Tucson compact CUV, blurs the line between a people- and cargo-mover with an extendable tailgate that when fully out creates a bed length similar to that of midsize pickups on... Preserving the Santa Cruz’s design is seen as essential if a production model is to be successful, Zuchowksi says. “The expandable bed and all that are really important to execute (and) the really unique styling is really important,” he says, noting the truck also needs to be fuel efficient. The brand commissioned analysis, both in-house and externally, that shows there’s “good volume potential for” a production Santa Cruz, Zuchowski says without divulging a number. He expects HMA’s Korean parent to decide whether the Santa Cruz is a go later this year. Source: wardsauto.com
