Kia’s Aussie Pickup Targets Nation’s Love of Gas-Guzzling Trucks
- The move capitalizes on the popularity of utes in Australia
- The Kia Tasman name was confirmed in a trailer on Thursday
AFL great Dermott Brereton in a scene from Kia’s TV ad for its new Australian ute.
Source: Kia/YouTube
As global automakers pivot to electrify their fleets, South Korea’s Kia Corp. has gone against the grain by unveiling its first pickup truck — a diesel model designed specifically for the Australian market. The move is testament to Australians’ abiding love for hardy off-roaders and another sign of just how difficult it will be to wean the country off gas-guzzling vehicles.
Last month, Kia released a teaser for the truck, with some of Australia’s most-loved sports stars — including tennis champion Ash Barty, around-the-world sailor Jessica Watson, Australian Football League legend Buddy Franklin, Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold and cricketer Steve Waugh — arguing the vehicle should be named after them. In a follow-up video released Thursday, the ute’s actual moniker was confirmed — the Kia Tasman.