Kia’s First Pickup Truck, the Tasman, Gets a Makeover
Kia is gearing up to enter the competitive truck market with its first-ever pickup, the Tasman. While the design of the Tasman may be a bit unconventional, Kia is already working on a solution to address any concerns about its quirky appearance. The CEO of Kia Australia, Damien Meredith, recently revealed that the Tasman will be available with optional fender flares to replace the unusual wheel arches that have garnered mixed reactions.
The addition of extended fender flares will give the Tasman a more rugged and traditional look, making it less polarizing for potential buyers. Alternatively, customers can choose to stick with the standard fenders, which can be color-coordinated with the rest of the body for a more cohesive appearance. This design update aims to make the Tasman more appealing to a wider range of consumers who may have been put off by its original styling.
Kia recently teased the production-ready Tasman in shadowy images, hinting at its impending debut at the 2024 Jeddah International Motor Show on October 29. The initial lineup is expected to include a double cab configuration, with plans for a single cab and chassis cab variants in the future. While the Tasman may not be headed to the US due to import taxes, Kia is targeting markets in Australia, Africa, and the Middle East for its new truck.
Although the Tasman is marketed as Kia’s first truck, the company has actually been producing the Bongo, a cabover truck, in South Korea since 1980. The Tasman represents Kia’s first pickup with a more global presence, signaling the brand’s expansion into the competitive truck segment. With its rugged design and practical features, the Tasman is poised to make a splash in the market and establish Kia as a serious player in the truck industry.
