Kia's Soulster concept, a design study based on the Soul compact, could soon get the green light for production. Some recent online speculation suggests that Kia is more intently looking into bringing the tiny truck to market.
Back in February, we reported that the Soulster had received an "overwhelming" positive response when it debuted at the Detroit auto show one month prior. At the time, Alex Fedorak, a Kia Motors America spokesman, said, "It is clearly a vehicle that was built as a concept in a fashion that was production-capable."
Shortly before that, PickupTrucks.com talked with Peter Schreyer, Kia's senior executive vice president and chief design officer. He said that Kia would "be very happy if we could build it," depending on attendee and media feedback to the Soulster.
Recently, Kia has been trying to secure the Soulster name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The name was published for public opposition in mid-April. If the name receives approval soon, Kia may give the Soulster the official nod for production and the first examples could be on the way to dealerships by the end of 2010.
Source: PickupTrucks.com