He indicated the US market will be the priority, which makes sense, given that sales of trucks have always been stronger here than anywhere else.
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Speaking to the media at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show, Hyundai Motors President for America, Dave Zuchowski said that the Santa Cruz utility model might hit dealership stores soon.
Hyundai is expected to position the Santa Cruz as a lifestyle vehicle rather than a truck for work and heavy-duty use.
The first time we saw the Hyundai Santa Cruz truck was back in January 2015 when the concept was unveiled in Detroit.
We’re waiting more for an announcement than we are for an approval, right? HMC [Hyundai Korea head office] is going to dictate [when that happens, but] we feel really good about it. It hasn’t been officially announced yet.
It is also being speculated that the upcoming Hyundai Santa Cruz could probably be exclusive to the United States at launch. The Ridgeline has revealed itself to be focused for tailgating activities, but it looks like the Santa Cruz doesn’t have a big enough bed to compete in that regard.
A Hyundai executive told reporters last March that the Korean automaker wanted to build the Santa Cruz but still face some hurdles. It also used the HTRAC all-wheel drive system from Hyundai’s production cars and crossovers.
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When it comes to pickup trucks, the name Hyundai doesn’t immediately spring to mind.
