Remember NFTs? Yeah, non-fungible tokens, that blockchain-based digital rights management system that spawned a shitty photo craze, even if its name makes it sound like something that can’t be turned into a mushroom. What a disaster that was. In hindsight, it’s pretty embarrassing to have been caught up in the hype, and it seems like Hyundai’s in the same camp. In fact, Hyundai is willing to trade a brand new car for one as a symbol of atonement of sorts.
See, back in 2021, Hyundai ran a contest around the launch of its then-new Santa Cruz compact pickup. Anyone who mentioned their favorite Santa Cruz feature on social media with the hashtags #HyundaiSantaCruz, #SantaCruzNFT, and #Sweepstakes would be entered into a contest to win one of 10 Santa Cruz-themed NFTs. The drawing itself is quite neat but the idea has aged like milk. Plus, with the tanking of the NFT market, there’s a good chance many of these Santa Cruz NFTs have been forgotten about.
Still, if anyone has a Hyundai Santa Cruz NFT lying around, the first person to reach out to Hyundai with proof of NFT ownership will be able to exchange their previously worthless NFT for a brand-new 2025 Santa Cruz. Now, there are a few caveats. Firstly, eligible applicants must be 21 or older with a valid driver’s license, and they must be a resident of the 48 contiguous states. Next, they must actually own the NFT and be able to sign into their Ethereum digital wallet to show it. But, that’s about it.
Admittedly, this is a brave move on Hyundai’s part, as pretty much everyone forgot the Santa Cruz NFTs existed, and NFTs are currently about as uncool as liking Morrissey for his politics. Considering how few Google hits there are for “Hyundai Santa Cruz NFT”, sweeping the whole questionable decision under the rug and having everyone move on. However, as a self-deprecating way of hyping the new facelifted Santa Cruz while also owning up to the past.
Oh yeah, the new Santa Cruz. For 2025, it’s got a blockier face, more physical controls on the dashboard, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a new soft-roady XRT trim with all-terrain tires and a carved-out front valence for increased approach angle. It’s still a fun little compact truck that, in turbocharged trims, can be surprisingly potent. If you’re looking for something that’s a bit more pickup truck than crossover, the Ford Maverick is probably still where it’s at, but if you’re looking for something more crossover than pickup truck that still has a bed, the Hyundai Santa Cruz still does the business.
Anyway, if you do happen to have one of those ten Hyundai Santa Cruz NFTs lying around, hop over to this form Hyundai has set up and see if you can trade your rights-locked JPEG for a useful little truck. Assuming all Santa Cruz NFTs stayed in the lower 48, you have a one-in-ten chance at a brand-new car, it’s just a matter of getting there first.
(Photo credits: Hyundai)
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FIFY.
I never understood the NFT thing, so I couldn’t fall for the scam I guess. Paintings and lithographs I get, but a digital picture of something tied to a block chain?
Now there’s going to be a little blip on the graph of NFT Market Value vs Time, since a Hyundai Santa Cruz NFT is now worth the MSRP of a Hyundai Santa Cruz. The bitter irony is that it’s probably now the most valuable NFT.
NFT’s aside. I really dig the Santa Cruz. But I have always loved these type of things, Santa Cruz fills a Baja sized hole in my heart.
Exactly this. I always wanted a Baja but now most of them I find for sale are pretty ratty. I am eyeing a Santa Cruz to replace my wife’s Outback, probably won’t happen for a bit though.
I think you meant, “the inevitable conclusion of a pump and dump scam”
I was laughing when people bought those things and I’m still laughing now. It was an obvious scam. It’s even hard take someone serious who called it a “market”.
I also think the same thing about crypto, but it’s still going. I’ll have to keep waiting on that one.
My neighbor bought like 10K of the Trump ones.
All the very best ones.
Reselling them for a profit was his retirement plan.
Now he lives in his garage after his wife filed divorce papers.
Santa Cruz NFT? Not a Frigging Truck?
Wonder how many Integra buyers opted for the NFT when they first opened the order books? They were giving up to 500 away. https://acuraverse.com/