Hyundai has confirmed plans to introduce a small pickup truck, which is part of a larger plan to boost its truck/ SUV lineup in response to declining sedan sales. Michael J. O’Brien, vice president of corporate and product planning at Hyundai’s U.S. unit, revealed to Reuters that Hyundai has given the green light to a pickup that’s similar to 2015’s Santa Cruz concept.
Hyundai hasn’t revealed when the new pickup will be introduced. Regarding its crossover lineup, Hyundai is introducing the new Kona compact SUV this year, which will be followed by three new crossovers by 2020. This includes a new Santa Fe Sport, a larger seven-passenger crossover to replace the current Santa Fe in 2019 and a new Tucson by 2020.
Hyundai’s dealers are eager for the new crossovers and pickup, since Hyundai’s sales were down 11 percent in the first 11 months of the year, with its sedan lineup taking the biggest hit. The Sonata’s sales are down 30 percent this year, while its crossover lineup is up 11 percent.
Source: Reuters
