Hyundai to Build Santa Cruz Pickup in 2021
Hyundai will begin production of its Santa Cruz compact pickup in 2021 at its Montgomery, Ala., manufacturing plant, the company has announced.

Hyundai will begin producing its Santa Cruz pickup in 2021 in Alabama.
Photo: Hyundai
Hyundai will begin production of its Santa Cruz compact pickup in 2021 at its Montgomery, Ala., manufacturing plant, the company has announced.
The Santa Cruz, which the company is calling a compact utility vehicle, was initially unveiled as a concept at the 2015 Detroit auto show.
To allow for production, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama is investing $410 million to expand the assembly plant. The expansion will bring additional space in the stamping, welding, and parts processing areas. The Santa Fe, Sonata, and Elantra are also built at the location.
The plant will add 200 jobs to bring total employment to 3,000 associates. Companies that support the plant are expected to add 1,000 new jobs, according to Hyundai.
The Santa Cruz will compete against midsize pickups, as well as smaller SUVs and crossovers.
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
More Vehicle Research

Ford Fathom Production Takes Shape at Louisville Assembly Plant
Ford is rebuilding Louisville Assembly Plant around an entirely new EV manufacturing process. Here’s how the Universal EV Production System will change the way the Ford Fathom midsize electric truck comes together.
Read More →
Second-Quarter 2026 Commercial Vehicle Data Signals Key Shift in Fleet Turnover and Market Velocity
Work Truck Solutions’ Second-Quarter 2026 Commercial Vehicle Market Analysis reported positive indicators suggesting fleet managers are now rotating aging units, relieving pre-owned inventory friction as business owners move quickly to secure assets.
Read More →
EV Fleet Reality Check: What Operators Wish They Knew Before Electrifying Their Work Vans
Electric work truck upfits bring new compatibility questions. Learn how parts availability, OEM guidance, power demands, and route planning can affect fleet performance.
Read More →
Ford Unveils Name for Under-$29K Midsize Electric Truck
Ford has unveiled the name of its new midsize electric truck: Fathom. It will have a starting MSRP of $28,350, and preorders will begin in early 2027.
Read More →
DTNA Plans to Build New U.S. Manufacturing Facility
Daimler Truck North America plans to build a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the United States to strengthen its production capabilities across North America. The location has not been disclosed.
Read More →
Recalls You Need to Know About in August 2026
If you have Altec, Autocar, Chrysler, Daimler Truck, Ford, Heil, International, Orange EV, Paccar, Shyft Group, Volvo Trucks, or Wabash vehicles in your fleet, you should check these important recalls issued by the National Highway Safety Administration.
Read More →
DTNA to Close Portland Facility, Move Manufacturing to the Carolinas
Daimler Truck North America will shift production of the Western Star X-series, Freightliner eCascadia, and Freightliner eM2 from its Portland, Oregon, manufacturing facility to its manufacturing operations in the Carolinas.
Read More →
Kenworth T880: Powertrain & Customization Options
Vocational fleets often require trucks tailored to specific applications, and the Kenworth T880 is designed with flexibility in mind. In this video walkaround, Rachel Woods explains how the T880 can be configured to support a broad range of industries and operational requirements.
Read More →
Electrification Incentives: The Acquisition Windfall Fleets Can't Miss
Discover how fleets can use tax credits, grants, rebates, and vouchers to dramatically reduce electric truck and charging infrastructure costs—before today’s funding disappears.
Read More →
Back at Star Nation for a Closer Look at Western Star Trucks and the People Behind Them
Work Truck returned to Western Star’s Star Nation Experience for another hands-on look at the trucks, technology, and operator community behind the brand.
Read More →

