Honda has released a design sketch that reveals the silhouette of the next-generation Ridgeline pickup truck.
Scheduled to launch in less than two years from now, the second-generation Ridgeline appears to have a more traditional shape, as well as more rounded edges. Honda doesn’t say it, but judging from the teaser photo, the new model may ditch the closed-box unibody platform used by the current model.
It is unclear whether the second-generation Ridgeline will continue to be based on the Odyssey minivan platform or get dedicated underpinnings. Honda didn’t give any technical or size details either. However, it said that production of the current Ridgeline will end in mid-2014, with the new model to be built at the same facility in Lincoln, Alabama.
Just like the current model, the second-generation Ridgeline will be designed and developed by Honda R&D Americas at its Los Angeles and Ohio research and development centers.
“The next generation Ridgeline will build on Honda’s role in creating new value with a new take on advancing form and function in the truck segment,” said Michael Accavitti, senior vice president of automobile operations for American Honda Motor. “With a clear path forward, Ridgeline will play an even more important role in our future product portfolio and strengthen an already class-leading lineup of light trucks,” he added.
Honda Ridgeline sales increased 29 percent in the first 11 months of the year to 16,160 units boosted by the introduction of a new top-of-the-line Special Edition model for 2014. However, the pickup remains the segment’s lowest volume seller behind competitors from Ram, Ford, GM, Toyota and Nissan.
By Dan Mihalascu
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