Kia’s long-awaited debut into the pickup truck segment is just around the corner, and while its first truck—the Tasman—boasts some unconventional design choices, the automaker is already preparing a “fix” for those who find it too quirky. Specifically, the truck’s distinctive wheel arches, which some have likened to a “Tom Selleck mustache,” will have an alternative design option for customers who want a more rugged look.
Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith revealed to Carsales magazine that an official accessory, a fender flare, will be available at launch to address the design concern. “It’s very good news. I can assure you that accessory [fender flare] will be there at launch,” said Meredith, confident that the extended fender flares will give the Tasman a more conventional, tough-truck profile. Customers will also have the option to order body-colored fenders to create a more seamless look.
The Tasman is expected to debut at the 2024 Jeddah International Motor Show on October 29, where we’ll first see the double-cab variant, with single-cab and chassis-cab versions to follow. The truck will primarily target markets in Australia, Africa, and the Middle East, and it’s unlikely to appear in the U.S. due to the hefty 25% “Chicken Tax” on foreign-made pickups. However, Kia’s electric pickup, confirmed for North America, might have a better shot if produced in the company’s Georgia factory to avoid the import tariff.
While the Tasman is Kia’s first foray into the pickup market with a global presence, it’s not technically the brand’s first truck. That title belongs to the Bongo, a cabover truck that has been sold in South Korea since 1980. The Tasman, however, marks Kia’s leap into the broader, competitive world of pickup trucks.
As the world awaits the official debut, Kia’s entry into the truck market is being met with anticipation and curiosity, particularly with its promise to cater to those seeking a more traditional and rugged design.
