More news on the Hyundai Global Pickup
Hyundai Australia will be very closely monitoring how the most expensive luxury and performance dual-cab utes perform in Australia over the next couple of years.
That's because the local division is preparing to unleash its own high-end one-tonne load-lugger from around 2020, with an eye on the top end of town.
Although Hyundai has not officially green-lit a one-tonne utilitarian pick-up, or ute as we call them here, alongside the company's US-centric lifestyle Santa Cruz pick-up, executives within the company are openly – and positively – talking about such a vehicles Indeed, the company appears confident a one-tonne ute to rival the top-selling Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux will happen if and when a new factory is constructed, with evidence pointing towards Thailand.
Andrew Tuitahi, senior manager of product planning at Hyundai Australia, told motoring.com.au that Australia will play a key role in shaping the new ute.
"We're making our way through the first milestones now, providing feedback to head office as to what key criteria need to be met in order to be successful in Australia. Things like towing capacity, engine performance, off-road ability et cetera," said Tuitahi.
The new ute would be expected to be sold in South-East Asia, Africa, South America and of course Australia. But it's not a slam dunk just yet, explains the Hyundai product boss.
"There's a few things that need to take place before we can really be confident in a product coming to market in the next two or three years. So I think first we need to identify a factory, before we go through more milestones before we build the pickup.
"As it stands right now we don’t really see a suitable location. Once that's been finalised then we'll get through the gates pretty quickly," he said.
