Kia Motors is ready to enter the aggressive pickup truck market with its upcoming medium-sized mannequin, the Tasman (mission title TK1). However in contrast to different producers, Kia is already working in an electrical model of the pickup. Right here you might have the primary particulars.
Tasman Gross sales Plan
Kia has already finalized its plans to supply the ICE model of the Tasman at its Autoland Hwaseong facility in South Korea. The corporate has set an aggressive annual manufacturing purpose of 65,000 models, a notable goal for its first-ever devoted pickup truck mannequin. It’s nonetheless unknown the gross sales goal for the electrical mannequin.
Kia’s technique for the Tasman entails preliminary shipments to worldwide markets beginning early subsequent 12 months. The first marketplace for the Tasman is Australia, a rustic the place pickup vans are immensely well-liked, second solely to america. Australia alone has an annual gross sales quantity of 200,000 pickup models, dominated by main gamers like Toyota and Ford. The electrical mannequin received’t be showcased till the top of 2025.
TASMAN prototype testing within the Arctic Circle with Ford Ranger Raptor
Powertrain, Electrification and Future Growth
The Tasman ICE is anticipated to supply a sturdy powertrain, combining a four-wheel-drive system with an computerized transmission. Engine choices will embrace a 2.5-liter gasoline turbo and a 2.2-liter diesel engine. Moreover, the Tasman might be out there in two configurations: a single cab with a one-row seat and a double cab with a two-row seat.
Aligning with Kia’s mid-to-long-term electrification technique, an electrical model of the Tasman can also be below growth. This model is anticipated to function a high-capacity battery of over 100 kWh, offering greater than 400 km of mileage. Kia can also be exploring potential expansions into different main markets, together with america and Europe, the place it’s at present testing Tasman fashions below camouflage to make sure high quality.
Challenges within the U.S. Market
Coming into the U.S. market poses particular challenges for Kia, primarily as a result of 25% tariffs on pickup vans produced outdoors the U.S. To avoid this, native manufacturing within the U.S. can be crucial, which is at present into consideration by Kia in step with the Korea-U.S. Free Commerce Settlement (FTA). This might be even worse for the electrical mannequin, that would additionally lose tax credit.