Honda SUT Concept Debuts at 2004 North American International Auto Show

Detroit - The Honda SUT Concept made its world debut this week at the 2004 North American International Auto Show as American Honda announced plans for the launch of an all-new sport-utility truck slated for introduction in calendar year 2005. The all-new model will be based on Honda’s Global Light Truck Platform and will be produced by Honda Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario.

The Honda SUT Concept is a next-generation truck concept that takes a clean slate approach to the light-duty truck segment. Taking advantage of its unibody underpinnings, the Honda SUT Concept integrates a roomy and practical SUV-style interior and a large, useable cargo bed with superior packaging efficiency, ride comfort and handling dynamics and adds in traditional Honda strengths including refined styling, superior ergonomics, innovative design and world-class build quality.

"The pickup market is evolving to meet the changing tastes of a new generation of truck buyers," said Tom Elliott, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The Honda SUT Concept takes this evolution to the next level with higher levels of refinement and sophistication in a sporty and socially responsible package with Honda durability, quality and reliability."

Envisioned as a next generation truck, the SUT Concept’s reinforced unibody chassis design allows for new inroads into the light truck market where truck utility is combined with innovative packaging, sporty handling and advanced safety technology.

The SUT Concept features a refined and spacious cabin with seating for five adults and a five-foot long cargo bed with an extra-deep box and significantly reduced intrusion of the real wheel arches for maximized cargo hauling capabilities.

Built around the image of a "cool dad" customer with an active family and hobby life, the Honda SUT Concept represents a fusion of the target customer’s family life stage and active lifestyle – where everyday work life and family responsibilities are combined with weekend sports, hobbies and family activity in one highly practical, rugged and functional vehicle.

The Honda SUT is also designed as the ultimate vehicle for bringing together Honda’s diverse line of products including motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), personal watercraft, marine engines and power equipment. "Honda finally has a vehicle that can haul all of the cool Honda toys," said Elliott. "The Honda SUT Concept can accommodate motorcycles, ATVs and personal watercraft better than any Honda vehicle in our history."