
Hyundai debuted the HCD-15 Santa Cruz concept at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. With smaller trucks, like the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and the upcoming Toyota Tacoma, Hyundai is looking at getting final approval for the Santa Cruz to compete in this growing segment.
Hyundai Motor America CEO Dave Zuchowski told TheDetroitBureau.com that "There is a very high probability we get the approval of the truck soon." Final approval still has to come from Hyundai corporate headquarters in South Korea.
The Santa Cruz was almost universally liked by focus groups. It got a 90% approval rating from potential buyers in product clinics. The exception to this approval were Texans, who weren't such big fans of the small pickup.
The production Santa Cruz may differ quite a bit from the concept as a platform still hasn't been decided on, though the Tucson platform seems likely. One thing that looks likely to stay from the concept is the slide-out bed extension.
So we should all be on the lookout for when final approval comes in from Hyundai's South Korean HQ.
Hyundai Likely to Build Santa Cruz Pickup, New B-Segment SUV | TheDetroitBureau.com