The Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup concept unveiled at this year’s Detroit Auto Show may get the green light for production in the near future.
The chief executive of Hyundai Motor North America, Dave Zuchowski, said he is confident the study will get approval soon from the company’s headquarters in South Korea. “There is a very high probability we get the approval of the truck soon,” Zuchowski was quoted as saying by The Detroit Bureau.
According to the executive, more than 90 percent of the potential buyers the company has surveyed like the Santa Cruz concept.
“It’s proven very popular,” Zuchowski said. Considering that Hyundai’s top Korean executives believe that the key to future sales growth depends on expanding its SUV and truck line, the fact that people like the Santa Cruz is really good news.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz study distinguishes itself from pickups currently on sale thanks to its more car-like characteristics. It targets young, so-called “Urban Adventurers” who lead active lifestyles and need a space for tools or dirty sportswear and gear, rather than carrying them inside their car or crossover. The study even features a built-in cargo bed extender.
Along with the production version of the Santa Cruz, Hyundai may also add a new subcompact crossover to compete with models like the Chevrolet Trax and Jeep Renegade. In addition, Hyundai also plans to unveil a new version of the Elantra sedan at the LA Auto Show in November.
Note: Hyundai Santa Cruz Concept pictured in the gallery, Carscoops rendering in the opening pic
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