All manufacturers are aware of the fact that the market for small crossovers is booming, and so far, everybody who’s had the necessary resources to make one has done so, and has been rewarded with strong sales.
Who would have thought that an awkward little car like the Nissan Juke would end up being so successful that it was even crossed with the firm’s GT-R supercar with excellent results.
However, this piece is not about Nissan and its Juke, and the introduction was meant to show just how big these small tall cars are in terms of market potential. Moreover, it seems that no matter how many are launched, they are eaten up and some automakers are having trouble keeping up with demand. It is therefore natural that Hyundai would want to get in on the action, as a report posted by Edmunds suggests.
It says that “Hyundai Motor America is considering adding a third crossover to its lineup,” because they are “very under-represented” in that particular segment. Currently selling the Tucson (also marketed as the ix35) and Santa Fe, the Korean automaker can’t reach lower into the market, as its smallest offering is from the class above and therefore bigger and more expensive.
The report contained statements by North American CEO John Krafcik, who argued that while the company “leads the industry in sedans,” they are severely impaired by having only two crossovers/SUVs. He did specify, though, that they “don’t have any plans. (But) it does seem like there is a lot of action in stuff below RAV4- and Tucson-sized vehicles. A new segment is emerging.”
By Andrei Nedelea
Note: 2011 Hyundai Curb Concept pictured
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