Hyundai to Add Pickup Truck to U.S. Lineup

Hyundai Motor Co. is developing a pickup truck to introduce in the American market a few years from now.

Michael O’Brien, head of corporate and product planning in the U.S., tells Reuters the project has been approved by Hyundai’s top management. The truck will be a production version of the Santa Cruz concept vehicle unveiled two years ago.

The pickup comes in response to dealer pressure on Hyundai to add more SUVs and crossovers to its car-heavy lineup. Hyundai sales in the U.S. are down 11%, mainly because of sagging demand for sedans.

Hyundai has said it will add the subcompact Kona crossover in the U.S. this autumn. The company plans three more SUV/crossovers within three years, according to Reuters.

Next up will be a revamped Santa Fe Sport midsize crossover in 2018. It will be followed in early 2019 by an all-new, seven-passenger crossover to replace the current three-row Santa Fe. Reuters says Hyundai also will debut a redesigned Tucson crossover in 2020.