Kia Tasman Pickup Truck Sees Strong Initial Sales
Seoul, March 9 – Kia, South Korea’s second-largest automaker, has reported brisk sales for its inaugural pickup truck, the Kia Tasman, selling over 4,000 units in less than a month since its February 13 release. According to company officials, this figure represents nearly 30% of all pickup trucks sold in South Korea during 2024.
In the first month, the Tasman sold more than 4,000 units. Before its release, the market offered only four pickup truck models
This rapid uptake is particularly notable considering the broader market context. In 2024, the five major automakers in the country – Hyundai Motor Co., Kia, GM Korea Co., Renault Korea Motors Co., and KG Mobility Corp. (KGM) – collectively sold 13,475 pickup trucks, as reported by the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA). This market segment had been experiencing a decline, falling from 42,619 units in 2019 to 17,455 in 2023.
Market analysts suggest that limited model options have contributed to the decrease in demand. Before the Tasman’s arrival, only four pickup truck models were available: two from KGM and two from GM Korea. The launch of the Kia Tasman, however, has generated some interest.
The Kia Tasman, which made its debut at the 2024 Jeddah International Motor Show in Saudi Arabia, features a 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 281 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Beyond the Tasman’s success, Kia’s overall sales performance in February also showed positive results. The automaker saw a 4.5% year-over-year increase in monthly sales, reaching 253,850 units, up from 242,917 units in the same period last year. Domestic sales increased by 4.5% to 46,003 units, while overseas sales grew by 4.4% to 207,462 units. The Sportage SUV was the top-selling model, with 46,287 units sold globally, followed by the Sorento and Seltos.
A Kia official stated that the company intends to sustain its sales momentum through the introduction of new models, including the EV4 electric vehicle and the Tasman pickup truck.
