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Future
Trucks from Kia and Hyundai
By: Mark StehrenbergerPosted:
10-01-06 00:11 PT
© 2006 PickupTruck.com, Mark
Stehrenberger Design Studios
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Kia's
Future Pickup
Kia Motors
has done well in America during its relatively short initiation period,
with its small cars selling well and larger Sedona minivan and Sorento
suv changing perceptions about the brand.
No doubt
perceptions would change further once the South Korean automaker begins
to build a pickup truck.
A pickup
would represent a great opportunity for Kia to continue to affirm its
commitment not just to the North American market, and it will continue
to invest heavily in the U.S. and around the world to support the steady
expansion of sales and market share globally.
While looking
every bit like a ladder-frame pickup, the as yet unnamed truck is based
on the unibody Sedona minivan and midsize Sorento sport utility, so a
new platform is not needed and profits could potentially be high.
Obviously
Kia would be targeting the big 3 trucks, Toyota's Tundra and Nissan's
Titan, and focus its attention on the gen-y buyer. like other multi-functional
vehicles, the Kia truck features a power-sliding bulkhead that is said
to "expand the size of its cargo bed" from 71 inches to 86 inches.
The new model
could be powered by the brands 3.8-liter V6 engine, which delivers 192-hp
at 5,500 rpm and 217-hp at 3,000 rpm in the sorento suv. It features pillarless
clamshell-type doors for ease of entry and exit, plus a luxurious interior.
The condition
of the truck market segment in the coming months will help Kia decide
if the timing for this truck is right!
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