Auto makers are investing in a new breed of infant ute, potentially providing spending budget-minded clients a cheaper alternate to the likes of the popular Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.
The new types will be based on automobile underpinnings somewhat than the rugged “ladder on frame” design and style favoured for work utes.
Leaked slides from a presentation by Ford to buyers demonstrate the Blue Oval ideas to place a new machine into creation next yr.
The ute, which could be called the Maverick, will be based on the Emphasis hatchback.
The slide refers to a “Whitespace” car or truck that will fill a perceived void in the market place.
The product would be similar in ethos to compact utes these as the after-well-liked but now defunct Holden and Falcon utes — a lesser, lifestyle-oriented automobile that drives like a auto.
Ford has reserved the “Maverick” identify for an approaching product — a moniker beforehand utilized in Australia and abroad.
Automotive Information published a report in March proclaiming a handful of Ford sellers experienced currently noticed the new design, which will be constructed in Mexico.
Identical products are common in Latin America.
Volkswagen’s Brazilian outpost has a strike on its palms in the Saveiro, a tray-again variation of the Brazilian-crafted Volkswagen Gol hatchback (not to be confused with the Golf).
Furthermore, Fiat’s Strada is a top-10 best-seller in Brazil.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ RAM Vehicles is set to rebadge the four-cylinder Strada as the RAM 700, and US stores this kind of as Muscle mass Vehicles and Vans are reporting that the RAM 700 could go to The usa and over and above to choose on the likes of Ford’s Maverick.
These kinds of types are by no indicates assured to appear to Australia.
Ford’s community arm has missed out on a handful of new types like the new Bronco four-wheel-travel, Mustang Mach-E electrical vehicle, Mustang GT 500 coupe and Ford GT supercar, which are only supplied in left-hand-push.
But, specified Australia’s really like of utes and the good results of Ford’s risky final decision to create the preferred Mustang in appropriate-hand-travel, the Maverick may get a operate in area showrooms.
Hyundai’s Australian arm is also interested in the generation variation of the Santa Cruz select-up initially demonstrated in notion form at the 2015 Detroit motor clearly show.
Tipped to share its platform and engines with the Santa Fe SUV, Hyundai’s approaching ute is established to go on sale in the US up coming calendar year as a lighter, softer choice to American-design “trucks”.
Again, correct-hand-travel creation of the car has not been confirmed. But as with Ford, Hyundai’s neighborhood arm will be eager to get a new ute on the menu.
