Korean automaker Hyundai has long been considering entering the bakkie segment, but a new report out of Australia suggests it won’t be any time before 2020.
Back in early 2015, the brand revealed the soft-roading Santa Cruz pickup truck concept (pictured above) in the United States, receiving a fairly positive reception that prompted speculation that a production version was on the horizon.
But Car Advice believes Hyundai will also build a workhorse bakkie to compete with the likes of the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
In fact, Hyundai Australia chief operating officer Scott Grant – who has long been attempting to convince his Korean bosses to invest in a proper light commercial pickup – told the publication that his message appeared to be gaining favour.
“It’s been advanced as we understand it, [but] it won’t be anything this side of 2020,” Grant told Car Advice.
“We’ve got a planning horizon in place where they’re looking at the vehicle quite seriously, but there is yet to be a commitment to produce. But I believe that’s different to where we’ve been in the past.
“In the past, [the response from Korea has always been] ‘yes, thanks for information, we will consider’, [but now it is] ‘yes, there’s a similar requirement in other markets’, so we’re working towards something.
Grant, however, emphasised that no concrete plans were yet in place.
“I can’t confirm what or when, but it’s a slightly different message. Not any time soon, but it’s starting to feel like there’s some movement,” Grant said.
