Kia To Globally Launch Its Pickup Truck 'Tasman'

South Korea's second largest automobile manufacturer, Kia has confirmed the name of its highly anticipated pickup truck as 'Tasman'. Pioneering the spirit of Tasmania, the island at the southernmost tip of Australia, the name evokes a spirit of adventure and exploration. 

Kia plans to debut its first-ever pickup model in 2025, implementing a phased global launch that includes markets like Korea, Australia, Africa and the Middle East. This strategic approach aims to cater to the unique demands and preferences of each region, considering factors such as Australia's strong market for pickup trucks, Korea's growing interest in outdoor pursuits, and Africa and the Middle East’s need for off-road vehicles in diverse terrains, including deserts.

The Kia Tasman represents the company’s first bold step into the global C-segment pickup truck market and with its launch the company is trying to gain popularity in the Australian market and beyond, solidifying its position as a leader in the development of multifunctional outdoor vehicles.

The Tasman moniker was selected from a pool of names sourced from Kia's global markets and was initially proposed by Kia Australia. It was ultimately chosen for its connection to Tasmania, known as the ‘island of inspiration’, and the Tasman Sea.

To showcase this connection, Kia has released a video that features a blacksmith drawing inspiration from Tasmania's breathtaking landscapes to create the Kia Tasman emblem.

Kia first confirmed its venture into the Australian Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market in March of this year, releasing a TV commercial in which 20 of Australia’s sporting figures debated what the Kia pickup truck should be named.