Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun is reported to have directly received updates on the launch preparations for Kia’s new pickup truck, the Tasman. Pickup trucks have remained a challenge for Hyundai following the successful establishment of its premium brand Genesis.
According to industry sources on Aug. 21, Chung recently reviewed marketing videos of the Tasman and received a direct briefing on the vehicle. He reportedly urged the team to “prepare well.” The Tasman is expected to be unveiled not only in the domestic market but also in overseas markets, including Australia, the Middle East, and Africa. Kia has been releasing the documentary series “One More Round” about the Tasman development process since unveiling the teaser last month.
The Tasman is Kia’s first pickup truck, developed entirely in-house, and will be the first pickup model introduced by Hyundai Motor Group in South Korea. Previously known as the TK1 project, the Tasman is based on the mid-size SUV Mohave and was trademarked in Australia last year. The exact specifications of the Tasman have not yet been released. The name “Tasman” is derived from Tasmania, the island at the southern tip of Australia, and the Tasman Sea. Kia plans to unveil the Tasman later this year.
Chung also spent a considerable amount of time at Kia’s booth during the Busan Mobility Show in June, closely examining the Tasman. He had previously overseen the research and development process for the Genesis brand and even took the stage with a microphone in 2015.
The Tasman is slated to be launched sequentially, starting in South Korea next year, followed by Australia, the Middle East, and Africa. If successful in these regions, a U.S. launch could be considered. Similar to how Ford’s mid-size Ranger pickup truck was developed first in Australia before being sold in the U.S., Hyundai released the Santa Cruz pickup truck, based on the Tucson, in the U.S. in 2021.
The success of the Tasman could serve as a stepping stone toward developing an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) pickup truck. Hyundai and Kia are reportedly planning to equip their upcoming pickup trucks, code-named TE and TV, with EREV powertrains, targeting a launch around 2028 and 2029.
