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Hyundai pickup truck sounding more likely

Hyundai looks poised to get into the pickup market, according to the latest report from Automotive News. The Korean automaker revealed the Santa Cruz concept at the Detroit Auto Show this past January, previewing a vehicle that combines the best attributes of a pickup truck with those of a small crossover – sort of like a Honda Ridgeline, but smaller. It's an idea whose time has come, says Hyundai's US chief Dave Zuchowski. "We're assuming that it's going to get done," he told AN. "It's just not officially done yet." He expects it to be approved sometime within the next decade, and when it does enter production, Zuchowski said it could emerge as the first diesel-powered Hyundai offered in America. The biggest challenge, however, may not lie in convincing the head office in Seoul to give it the green light. The company's plant in Montgomery, AL, is strained enough producing the Sonata, Elantra and Santa Fe. In order to produce the pickup as well, Hyundai would need to either expand the current plant or build a new one.

2018 Hyundai Accent starts at under $16,000

Hyundai has finally announced pricing for its latest Accent subcompact. The cheapest base-level SE trim is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and starts at $15,880, and adding a 6-speed automatic bumps that price up $1,000. Moving up to the mid-level SEL will cost at least $18,180, and the top-trim Limited starts at $19,780. Both of these trims are only available with an automatic. All versions come with the same naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder making 130 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. The SE trim comes reasonably well equipped for a budget subcompact including air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, and Bluetooth. While one might expect those to be standard on every car now, that's not exactly the case. For example, the base level Kia Rio does not come with power windows, cruise control, or Bluetooth, though the Rio is also expected to cost a bit less than the Accent. Choosing SEL adds a number of more desirable features including four-wheel disc brakes, alloy wheels, a bigger touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic headlights, heated mirrors and a telescoping steering wheel. The Limited offers even more convenience features such as forward collision avoidance, LED lights, sunroof, bigger alloy wheels, keyless entry, heated seats and automatic climate control. All versions of the Accent should be arriving at dealers soon. Related Video:

Hyundai recalls Santa Fe Sport for seatbelt warning light

The Basics: Hyundai will recall 34,200 examples of the 2016 and 2017 Santa Fe Sport with production dates between September 1, 2015 and February 12, 2016. The Problem: The front seats' height adjuster mechanism can damage the wiring that controls the seatbelt warning. If this occurs, then owners wouldn't get an audible reminder to buckle up. The problem puts the vehicles out of compliance Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. The Fix: Dealers will inspect and reroute the wires to the proper location If You Own One: Hyundai will begin the recall on May 6. RECALL Subject : Absence of Front Seat Belt Audible Warning Report Receipt Date: MAR 10, 2016 NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V145000 Component(s): SEAT BELTS Potential Number of Units Affected: 34,200 All Products Associated with this Recall Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) HYUNDAISANTA FE2016-2017 Details Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America SUMMARY: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015 to February 12, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses may be damaged by the seat's height adjuster mechanism, resulting in a failure to provide an audible warning when front seat occupants do not fasten their seat belts. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." CONSEQUENCE: Without a warning to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash. REMEDY: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reroute the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses to their proper locations, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 141. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.