While looking every bit a ladder-frame pickup truck, the Mojave is based on the unibody Sedona minivan and midsize Sorento sport utility, so the possibility of it coming to market is considerable being that a new platform is not needed and profits could potentially be high. Kia would need to expand its current factory or build an additional production facility first, so that it could keep up with capacity mind you. And partial-parent (40 percent) Hyundai's new Alabama facility is out of the question, being unsuitable for pickup production.
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| The Mojave is based on the unibody Sedona minivan and midsize Sorento sport utility, which increases its chances of actaully being built for production. (Photo: Kia Canada) |
"In order to make it economically feasible because of the tax laws, we would need to build it in North America," Butterfield commented. "We'd have to build a plant or find a plant to build these things."
Obviously Kia won't be targeting the Big 3 trucks, nor Toyota's Tundra or Nissan's Titan, but rather focus its attention on the Gen Y buyer, that might otherwise purchase a Honda Element or Pontiac Vibe. Like these two multi-functional vehicles, the Mojave features a power-sliding bulkhead that is said to "expand the size of its cargo bed" from 1,803 mm (71 inches) to 2,108 mm (86 inches), according to Kia. No doubt this feature would not make it to production if the vehicle did.
The Mojave concept is powered by the brand's 3.8-L 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.
Look for Kia to take the Mojave on the road, featuring it in localized auto shows over the coming year to gauge potential customer reaction.