Kia may develop a pickup truck that will be named Tasman

A Korean company has filed trademark applications in several countries, including Australia, New Zealand and France.

Kia brand products are sold in many markets, and the range is very wide, although it does not include a global pickup. At the same time, the medium-sized truck segment has received a new impetus for development relatively recently: many brands (including, for example, Hyundai) presented their new products in it. It is possible that Kia will also decide to develop and produce its own pickup truck.

Pictured: Toyota Hilux Rogue Double Cab (Australian version)

Another round of rumors that Kia will have its own pickup appeared amid information about the new name, which the company decided to register. According to the Australian publication CarsGuide, the Korean company has filed applications for the Tasman trademark in several countries. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, the list includes Australia, New Zealand, France, Uruguay and Costa Rica.

It is speculated that the Korean brand's global pickup truck could be called the Kia Tasman. Note that earlier Kia representatives announced that a pair of electric pickups will appear in the brand's lineup by 2027. However, it is possible that the novelty, unofficially announced for Australia and a number of other countries, will be equipped with an internal combustion engine. Such a car with an internal combustion engine could appear on the Australian market as early as 2025 (Kia dealers told the publication, citing a local dealership).

In the photo: Ford Ranger Wildtrak X Double Cab (Australian version)

According to preliminary information, a four-door frame pickup with a double cab will act as a novelty, its development is likely to continue from 2020. It is expected to be fitted with a diesel engine that will allow the truck to meet towing and payload targets set by the automaker. Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger are tipped as competitors for Kia Tasman.

As a reminder, the third generation Ford Ranger was introduced at the end of November 2021. This pickup truck was created by the Australian division of Ford, and as part of a partnership agreement with the German concern Volkswagen: the model is the “twin” of the second generation VW Amarok. Note that the starting price tag of the Ranger in the local market is 48,346 Australian dollars, and for the top version with an increase in the Raptor, they ask for at least $94,912. The cost of the Kia pickup will be made public later.

Most likely, the Kia Tasman with a diesel engine will not appear on the US market. However, fans of the brand in the US will likely get an all-electric pickup. Moreover, it is reported that its production will be established in the States next year. Note that over the past few years, many automakers have introduced their «green» full-size pickups: the list includes the GMC Hummer EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV, as well as the recent novelty — Ram 1500 REV.