Jim Press: little trucks could be big
click above for more pics of the 2002 Dodge M80 Concept
Jim Press thinks that there's an emerging market for small, fuel efficient trucks. You know, the kind of trucks his former employer, Toyota, used to build. Press put in 37 years at Toyota, and he saw the evolution of the HiLux into the Tacoma, which is no longer the diminutive hauler it once was. Press owns a second home in Thailand, and observing how trucks are used in that country leads him to believe that there's a worldwide need for a small, versatile pickup. Dodge's Dakota saw its sales drop by one third between 2006 and 2007, and Press thinks that's likely due to buyers shifting to crossovers.
There's not a whole lot of incentive to buy a midsize truck right now – they cost nearly the same as an entry level full sizer, the mileage is only marginally better, and the size differential isn't that great. We can recall two Dodge concept pickups of the recent past that we think buyers who miss the small pickup market might take a liking to. First, there's the 2006 Dodge Rampage Concept, which packed a lot of utility in a small footprint. Then there's the 2002 Dodge M80 Concept, one of the few Chrysler concepts that got a great reception but wasn't produced. Put the M80 into production on a unibody platform with some unique powertrain options, Jim. Trust us, you won't be sorry.
[Source: PickupTruck.com]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Ron 7:37AM (1/28/2008)
Just build it.
Even the people who don't want a small truck will want one. People are dying for a car that doesn't look like every other vehicle on the road these days.
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Dave 7:50AM (1/28/2008)
The problem with these so called little trucks is they are not little. The Hummer H4 concept coming out soon isn't small either. We need truely compact mini-trucks like we had years ago with the Chevy Luv, Ford Courier, Datsun p/u, VW p/u, Dodge D-50, etc. Most drivers of trucks don't use the pickup bed but on rare occasions and they are driven like a car.
Dave 8:03AM (1/28/2008)
Like the Hummer H4, which isn't techically a p/u but considered small, they are only small because they are short. Remember the name mini-truck.
rgseidl 7:46AM (1/28/2008)
Designing a small truck is so easy, any five-year old could do it. And it looks like one did.
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Ron 8:03AM (1/28/2008)
Many buyers have the mindset of a five-year old; maybe me included!
As long as they have the pocketbook of a 25 to 50 year old, that's fine.
Avinash machado 7:49AM (1/28/2008)
Mahindra of India is planning to launch small trucks in the US soon.
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calebe 8:26AM (1/28/2008)
I haven't heard any more about Mahindra's entry into the USA. Has anyone read anything.
Avinash machado 8:43AM (1/28/2008)
Calebe, check out this link.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/reviews/scorpio-review/
Dave 8:01AM (1/28/2008)
I saw the India truck a couple of months ago and that is more like a mini truck which is what the majority of so called truck buyers need being that they are used as commuters. I have owned both full sized trucks and my current 1992 S10 and feel that because of the state of gasoline full size truck buyers should have to pay a premium at the pump for driving what they do unless it is a certified company work vehicle.
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MGBYG 7:56AM (1/28/2008)
BUILT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2.7l flex-fuel V-6 w/ 6-speed manual and auto.
4-cylinder turbo-diesel w/ 6-speed manual.
$21,000-$24,000.
Built it in Warren.
Done.
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Dave 7:56AM (1/28/2008)
Adding a bed to a Dodge Caliber would satisfy the needs (if not the wants) of 50% of pickup truck buyers.
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MGBYG 8:06AM (1/28/2008)
http://www.allpar.com/cars/dodge/caliber-photochops.html
Frank 8:13AM (1/28/2008)
Check out the link above.
Ya know that little ute idea looks really good. the Caliber's front end looks much better as part of a trucklet than car/SUV thing. I don't know if the market would accept a FWD truck though. One thing for sure is it wouldn't compete against the RAM or Dakota.
ScottC 8:01AM (1/28/2008)
Small trucks are all but gone from the automotive landscape. The smallest thing you can buy is the Ford Ranger / Mazda B series and they are bloated beyond their lineage.
I own and drive a 1987 Mazda B2000. It is perfect for the around the house chores that require hauling. If I need to haul something bigger than the old Mazda can handle (which seldom happens), I have it delivered!
I fell in love with the Jeep Gladiator concept when it first hit the scene. I am disappointed that Chrysler / Jeep are not going to tap into this market, they are missing a true opportunity.
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Menice 8:37AM (1/28/2008)
i had a '91 b2000.
best damn truck i ever had.
Learned stick on it, and drove hard to 186k and was still running when i donated it to charity... (sorry poor kids but wish i still had it).
That was the LAST year mazda actually made it, after that it was the redressed ranger.
THAT is what we need, good, standard small/mid p/u... not some dressed up plastic moon buggy looking 'pick up like' truck .... that m80 is nasty.
Dave 8:07AM (1/28/2008)
Just so readers know we are two different Dave's and the Caliber p/u might be to your your liking but the public is having a hard time accepting the Caliber as is so I doubt it would work.
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Throwback 8:01AM (1/28/2008)
It's about time they automoakers woke up! Mid-szie trucks cost about the same as a full-size when you factor in the discounts, and the Full-szie trucks keep their value better. A Small extended cab truck would sell well. My suggestion is they build the Jeep concept from last year. Build it on the Liberty platform, with a diesel option and they will sell.
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MGBYG 8:02AM (1/28/2008)
PS
Press says: "Dodge's Dakota saw its sales drop by one third between 2006 and 2007, and Press thinks that's likely due to buyers shifting to crossovers."
No.
Why buy the Dakota when a Ram is usually just a thou$and or so more? Why buy "slightly smaller yet not much better in fuel economy"?? C'mon... even at $2.75 a gallon, it's still half the price in Europe and Japan, and I still see plenty of full-sized trucks with new registration plates every day here in Phoenix.
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Dave 8:09AM (1/28/2008)
Maybe the Jeep would work if they had a descent diesel engine to offer and not that low tech old Mercedes diesel collecting dust in the warehouse that gives poor mpg.
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Jerry Hightower 8:14AM (1/28/2008)
I was looking forward to buying the next generation Ford Ranger but no, Ford pulls the plug and will no longer build the Ranger. I refuse to buy a F-150 as it's just too big for me. Detroit needs to wake up and quit pushing these big expensive monsters on us. Sure they make money for them, but overaseas they seem to do all right with smaller vehicles and they have families and go to soccer games and haul things the same as we do. And yet they get by just fine. We're just spoiled in the US of A.
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