Auto giants Hyundai and GM join forces for the creation of a new dual-cab pickup truck model.
Hyundai Australia CEO Don Romano has revealed that everything is on the table for the co-developed vehicles, including the possibility of reusing the Kia Tasman platform. This collaboration comes as Hyundai and General Motors are jointly developing five new cars, one of which is a mid-size pick-up aimed at competing with the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger in New Zealand and Australia.
The planned sales launch of this mid-size pick-up is set for 2028. The vehicle could potentially include a modern Hyundai version of something like the Colorado, a name that was previously associated with a vehicle produced by GM's former brand Holden.
The new ute may revive the Colorado name, which could help Hyundai stand apart from sibling brand Kia's Tasman. However, it's not explicitly mentioned that the new ute is destined for Australasian shores.
Meanwhile, the Hyundai/GM partnership is also developing a ute for Central and South America, where Chinese competitors like BYD already have a foothold. BYD's Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute has made an immediate impact in New Zealand and Australia, and more Chinese utes from Chery, Geely, LDV, and MG are headed for these markets.
An Hyung-jin, Chief Investment Officer at Seoul-based hedge fund Billionfold Asset Management, has suggested that the new ute may struggle to compete with cut-price Chinese rivals. The partnership aims to produce 800,000 utes a year, which could provide a strong challenge to the established players in the market.
The mid-size pick-up will offer petrol and hybrid options, providing consumers with a choice based on their preferences and environmental concerns. As the launch date approaches, more details about the features and specifications of the new Hyundai/GM ute are expected to be revealed.
