In order to keep mini-truck enthusiasts up to date on the myriad things happening in our sport from month to month on an inside angle, we present Inside Out. This forum is directly aimed at keeping our readers informed about items pertaining to the aftermarket as well as providing a vital link to what's happening at World Mini Truckin' Headquarters. This way, you'll know a little more of what's happening in our sport from an angle seldom seen.
Texas ToysIn February, Toyota made a decision to build a new plant, ending long-awaited anticipation by several other states. The sixth North American Toyota plant will be built in San Antonio, Texas, and will generate upwards of 2,000 new jobs in the area. Unfortunately, it won't be building mini-trucks there. The primary function of the new plant is to put out 150,000 Tundras annually. Its decision to build the $800 million plant in Texas is based on the fact nearly 25 percent of all fullsize trucks purchased are currently driven in Texas. The news of the new plant comes on the heels of Toyota's last plant-building decision to pump Tacomas out of Tijuana.
Fast 411* Honda is taking supplier bids for an unnamed, midsized sport/utility with a small pickup bed. The vehicle will follow the same segment as the Ford SportTrac. The all-wheel-drive vehicle is expected in the '05 model year on the Accord platform.
* The four-door Mitsubishi L200 compact pickup may indeed see the light of U.S. shores. The truck is being looked at for possible import from Thailand, beginning with the '06 model year.
* Nissan is already planning a redesign for the Frontier. Only King Cab and Crew Cab models are expected at first.
* Recently bankrupt Daewoo may see its vehicles re-badged as Suzuki products.
* Toyota is toying with the idea of discontinuing the production of standard cab Tacomas to focus solely on XtraCabs and four-door trucks.
www.browsinaround.com.orgwww.groundlevelminitrucks.comCheck out a super-cool site from a down-under club based in Sydney, Australia.
www.automotiveplayground.com See what psychotic things Jimmy Boykin and crew are working on now.
www.readersrides.com Post shots of your ride, and let the online world know how killer it is.
www.the620.com Do you love the Datsun Bulletside? We do. And we nearly crapped when we found this site!