Hyundai Santa Cruz pick-up truck made its debut in the US in 2021, presenting itself as a solid alternative to the Ford Maverick. While not a traditional pick-up truck, it is essentially a Tucson with a truck bed. However, Hyundai has now confirmed that they are working on a true pick-up truck with full capabilities, although it may not be destined for America.
CEO of Hyundai Australia, Don Romano, confirmed to Drive that the company is developing a new medium-sized ute, or pick-up truck, that will compete with body-on-frame alternatives in the region such as the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, and its cousin, the Kia Tasman.
“I’m confident that a ute will be in the schedule,” Romano stated in the interview. “But I’m not sure about the timing. It will depend on the type of ute we are developing. If we use a body-on-frame platform like the Tasman, it could happen sooner.”
Details are still murky, according to Romano, and it remains unclear what will power the pick-up truck. Diesel, hybrid, and even fully electric options are all on the table. Considering Australia’s increasingly stringent emissions regulations, sharing a platform with the Tasman seems unlikely. However, Hyundai may seek assistance from General Motors; the two companies recently signed a deal for joint production of trucks and vans.
“We will look at what’s available from GM,” Romano told Drive. “My goal is to continue to look forward, and we have a strategic alliance with GM, not just in electric vehicles. We want to have a variety of options, and GM is part of that.”
Hyundai aims to manufacture its new pick-up truck in Australia within the next three years. As for the Santa Cruz, significant changes are not expected for this compact pick-up truck in the US. This pint-sized truck has just received a refresh.
Sources:
– Motor1: Hyundai to Build a Pick-Up Truck
