Mercedes-Benz->ke187 has just announced it will build a midsize pickup truck->ke242 by 2020. Yes, you read that correctly – Mercedes will build a pickup. But before you get all excited with thoughts of a well-appointed Chevy Colorado competitor, the German automaker is quick to point out its new addition will be targeted at Latin America, South America, Australia, and Europe.

What’s more, the planed truck will expand Mercedes commercial reach; a road already paved with its Sprinter and upcoming Mertis vans. Though the trucks will be available for private use as well, the trucks won’t likely cater to that market like U.S. pickups do with leather-lined cabins and luxurious price tags.

Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, says: "As part of our 'Mercedes-Benz Vans goes global' strategy, the pickup is the ideal vehicle for the international expansion of our product range with a newly developed model."

So in Mornhinweg’s own words, the pickup will almost act like an expansion of the Mercedes van line. However, Mercedes won’t skimp out on “car-like specifications” within is cabin. Mercedes’ official announcement states the global demand for pickups is growing with more consumers using pickups for private purposes.

I suspect the truck will land somewhere between the more utilitarian Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux and the posh SUVs the brand is used to building. Sure, the truck will have all the usual electronic gadgets, but don’t expect Alcantara or AMG->ke8-quality materials. This will be a workin’ man’s truck.

Admittedly the sketch above suggests otherwise, looking more like a GLE with the rear cut off, but the sketch is obviously an early one and not really in line with Mercedes’ official statement. Either way, the world is about to get a Mercedes truck. Except North America, that is.

Continue reading to learn more about Mercedes' future pickup-truck.

Why it matters

It’s hard to blame Mercedes for jumping on the midsize truck bandwagon. It’s a growing and profitable segment. That’s true for most of the world, perhaps even more so outside the U.S. where these smaller trucks are more useful than our larger, half-ton trucks thanks to tight roads and compact infrastructure.

The world might be surprised when Mercedes rolls out the concept version of this truck and it doesn’t come with an S-Class interior. I say expect something more like the Volkswagen Amarok. It’s decently appointed and well designed, but it’s no Audi.

But whatever the outcome, it’s a great day for truck fans.