Hyundai Aims to Manufacture Trucks in the US for Global Markets: TDS
The Hyundai Boulder concept was unveiled at the 2026 New York Auto Show.
Good morning, and welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short, which is The Drive’s daily roundup of the most significant automotive news from around the globe.
Each entry in The Downshift features a link for a more in-depth look at the story. Here’s your news brief for Thursday, August 27, 2026.
🛻 Hyundai has been hinting at a new body-on-frame platform for trucks and SUVs for some time, and CEO Jose Muñoz added to the anticipation this week by stating that the company might export these vehicles from the U.S., where they are anticipated to be manufactured. Hyundai sees ladder-frame vehicles as a vital growth area in the upcoming years, but the quantity of products sharing the platform will depend on whether Kia and Genesis also produce vehicles that utilize it. The first body-on-frame model, a midsize pickup, is expected to launch in 2029. [Automotive News]
🤏 For those looking forward to the Honda Fit returning to the U.S. market, it might be a while. American Honda’s sales chief, Lance Woelfer, recently informed the media that there are no current plans for a Fit resurgence, though he didn’t entirely rule it out, stating that it’s “always something we can consider and evaluate,” and that the automaker is “reviewing everything” regarding more affordable vehicle options. [Road & Track via Motor1]
🔧 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has concluded its investigation into tie-rod failures in approximately 250,000 Nissan Rogue SUVs without calling for a recall. [Autoblog]
💺 Kia has recalled just over 20,000 EV9 electric SUVs due to concerns that the front passenger airbag could deploy even if the seat is occupied by a child or car seat. [Autoblog]
🚪 Following a recall of around 3 million Tesla vehicles in China for difficult-to-locate or use backup door handles, the Dutch auto regulator RDW confirmed it is not currently considering similar action in Europe, although it did not rule out the possibility for the future. [Automotive News]
🏇 The Mazda MX-5 Miata will remain available in the U.K., but it will only come with a smaller 1.5-liter engine providing 134 horsepower, as the 2.0-liter version with 180 hp has been discontinued in the area due to emissions standards. [Autocar]
🏁 McLaren announced that its forthcoming hypercar endurance racer has undergone over 30 hours of testing at the Aragon circuit in Spain, simulating the distance of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and more. [Motorsport.com]
⛐ Mini is entering its first complete season in the American Rally Championship and has decided to send two dealer technicians to each rally to support the Mini John Cooper Works Race Team, which is operated by LAP Motorsports. [Automotive News]
Do you have a tip or feedback for TDS? Contact us at tips@thedrive.com.
Other articles
Colov: I am very pleased with how the first tests went.
Nikola Tsolov worked a day on tests in Imola as part of the TPC program with the Racing Bulls team.
Carlos Sainz denies that he was in talks with Audi.
After extending his contract with Williams, Carlos Sainz stated that he did not negotiate with Audi.
Alonso: I would give Max a 9.9. Because only I am a 10!
Viaplay journalists asked Fernando Alonso: who is harder to beat, Michael Schumacher or Max Verstappen...
Raikkonen's son is considering F1 academy programs.
Formula 1 | Kimi Raikkonen's son Robin, who is 11 years old, might make a major stride towards Formula 1 by the year's end. In an interview with Ilta-Sanomat at (…)
Marquez clarifies the reasoning behind Hadjar's withdrawal.
Formula 1 | Marc Marquez has stated that Isack Hadjar reached out to him for guidance before opting to skip the Dutch GP due to his wrist injury. Hadjar had (…)
Max's jumpsuit will be sold at a charity auction.
Max Verstappen's jumpsuit, which he wore at the last Dutch Grand Prix, will be sold at a charity auction.
Hyundai Aims to Manufacture Trucks in the US for Global Markets: TDS
Hyundai views ladder-frame pickups as a key area for future growth and plans to export its upcoming trucks and SUVs globally from the United States.