We've been aware of the Kia Tasman pickup for some time, but it was generally thought that this vehicle would not be sold in the U.S. market. Despite this expectation, the company's chief executive has revealed recently confirmed It was focused on a pickup truck for the U.S. market, though it won't be the Tasman model.
During last week's Seoul Mobility Show in South Korea, CEO Ho Sung Song informed journalists that Kia was "considering" this concept. He also stated that the company will provide further information during their upcoming annual Investor Day on April 9. Additionally, he clarified that the Tasman model is not intended for the U.S. market, mentioning, “This car is not designed with the American market in mind.”
"But in the interim, we are currently closely examining ways to enter the pickup truck market in the United States via a distinct approach rather than the Tasman," he went on. Speculation has suggested that an electrified or hybrid pickup could hit the American markets by the close of this decade, potentially manufactured at Kia’s facility in Georgia.
Considering the current "chicken tax" and recent tariff changes, it comes as no surprise that Kia is developing a new truck specifically tailored for American consumers. Every single new truck available in the U.S. market is manufactured within North America to bypass substantial import duties levied on pickups. Therefore, Kia’s strategy for introducing this vehicle stateside hinges upon producing it locally and leveraging parts from their existing lineup.
[Images: Kia]
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