The Koreans To OFFICALLY Enter The US Pickup Market - Can They Do Better Than The Japanese?

Hyundai Motor Co. plans to launch a pickup in the United States as part of a broader plan to catch up by shifting away from sedans in one of the Korean automaker's most important markets, a senior company executive told Reuters.

Michael J. O’Brien, vice president of corporate and product planning at Hyundai's U.S. unit, told Reuters that Hyundai's top management has given the green light for development of a pickup similar to a show vehicle called the Santa Cruz that U.S. Hyundai executives unveiled in 2015.

Hyundai, which will launch the subcompact Kona crossover in the U.S. this year, also plans to launch three other new or refreshed crossovers by 2020, according to people familiar with the automaker's plans.



(NAIAS) Detroit Auto Show

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 8/22/2017 1:56:27 PM

0 Boost

I always find it funny that the other mfg's can't just follow the script set out by the US big 3. I can't be that hard. Toyota wasted years making 1/2, 3/4 and then finally a full size pick up truck. But still no diesel or any of the other key features. Nothing wrong with going after the segment the old Ford Ranger used to occupy either and where the Tacoma is now. But if you are going to do a 1/2 Tonne truck. do it right. Towing power, multiple bed lengths, diesel option, lots of tech, dually, 5th wheel, crew cab, luxury cowboy version, etc. Follow script to the letter and you will find buyers.

ilovecar2015 - 8/22/2017 2:22:40 PM

0 Boost

@canadiancomments, you couldn't be more right. But I do think the Tundra is now at least a good alternative for the full size pickup if one prefers Japan. Tacoma obviously the leader on mid size.

As for the picture above, didn't Hyundai learn the lesson from Honda's Ridgeline? Bad bad design for truck and functionality.

Tiberius1701A - 8/22/2017 3:35:49 PM

-1 Boost

That sir, is not a pickup.

TomM - 8/22/2017 4:10:06 PM

+4 Boost

The reason why other MFG's cannot follow the script of the American Makers is that they don't have a Body on Frame Chassis - to work with. ANd Until they see some sales from lesser vehicles - they won't spend the money. THE USA pick up market is one of the few areas where being made either in AMerica - or by an OLD LINE AMerican company makes a real difference- THERE are a lot of Pick Up Buyers who simply will not consider any other possibilty. EVen if Toyota does make its truck here - is still has the Toyota Name on it - a definite negative.

Dexter1 - 8/22/2017 5:10:36 PM

-3 Boost

Yet another Asian eyesore littering the roads.

MDarringer - 8/22/2017 8:57:27 PM

+1 Boost

The crossover pickup is bound to catch on sooner or later as a market segment. I'm actually surprised it hasn't been a thing yet. There is room for room for an F150, a Ranger below it, and a "Ranchero" below that.

Firewombat - 8/23/2017 4:48:49 AM

+4 Boost

They should build this, it could compete against the Wrangler pickup (Scrambler apparently)