Hyundai Gifts Four Santa Cruz Trucks To Lifeguards In California

Hyundai has donated four brand-new Santa Cruz pickup trucks to the Marine Safety Division of the Santa Cruz Fire Department in California.

The four Santa Cruzes with an approximate combined value of $164,000 were donated during the National Public Works Week and National Beach Safety Week. The pickup trucks stand out from regular customer-owned Santa Cruz models thanks to red stripes running along the sides and yellow text denoting them as lifeguard vehicles for the Santa Cruz Fire Department.

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“These vehicles are going to be game-changing in terms of bolstering our current fleet of vehicles that are available not only for patrol, but for the emergency response for the water rescues we have all year round, Santa Cruz fire chief Rob Oatey said. “Especially the way they are designed in terms of being lightweight and more compact. It provides better visibility. Our dense beaches can be extremely hazardous to navigate in vehicles, and the better visibility all around is going to enhance safety.”

Hyundai started selling the Santa Cruz two years ago. Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that pumps out 191 hp and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque, sent to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, Santa Cruz customers who need a little extra practicality can opt for an all-wheel drive system for an additional $1,500.

A turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine option is also available with a more impressive 275 hp and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm). Hyundai has made no mention of what engines the four models it donated to the Santa Cruz Fire Department have.

“Santa Cruz comes with powerful and efficient engines and superb maneuverability to ensure it is a pleasure to drive in urban or off-road environments,” senior manager of product planning at Hyundai Motor North America, Trevor Lai added. “Santa Cruz comes with powerful and efficient engines and superb maneuverability to ensure it is a pleasure to drive in urban or off-road environments.”