Kia’s new Tasman pickup truck has made a strong debut, selling over 4,000 units in South Korea in less than a month after its February 13 launch. This impressive performance has sparked optimism for a revival of the nation’s declining pickup truck market, according to company officials.
The Tasman’s sales figures represent nearly 30% of all pickup trucks sold in South Korea in 2024. These numbers are particularly significant because the overall pickup truck market has been shrinking. Sales plummeted from 42,619 units in 2019 to 17,455 units in 2023. Market analysts believe the Tasman’s arrival could reverse this downturn.
Before the Tasman’s introduction, South Korean consumers had limited options, with only four pickup models available: two from KG Mobility and two from GM Korea.
The Tasman, which had its global debut at the 2024 Jeddah International Motor Show in Saudi Arabia, boasts an all-wheel-drive system, a 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 281 horsepower, and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Overall, Kia experienced a 4.5% year-on-year increase in total sales for February, reaching 253,850 units. This growth was fueled by robust demand both domestically and internationally. The Sportage SUV led the brand’s sales, followed by the Sorento and Seltos.
Looking ahead, Kia officials have indicated plans to maintain their growth trajectory with upcoming model launches, including the EV4 electric vehicle, and further expansion of the Tasman pickup.
