Honda SUT Concept Debuts at 2004 North American International Auto Show

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

"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 reduced intrusion of the real wheel arches for maximized cargo hauling capabilities.

Built around the image of an active young father, the Honda SUT Concept represents a fusion of this "cool dad's" family life stage and active life style - 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. "This vehicle serves as the hub of Honda activity," said Dave Marek, chief designer of the Honda SUT Concept.

Combining fun-to-drive performance with environmental responsibility, the concept vehicle is powered by a high performance, high torque all-aluminum VTEC V-6 engine coupled with an advanced electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system for outstanding all-weather handling performance and medium-duty towing and off-road capabilities, along with ultra-low emissions and class-leading fuel efficiency.

With its wide track and sophisticated four-wheel fully independent suspension, the SUT Concept also delivers a new level of ride comfort and handling prowess to the light truck segment.