Amid declining sales and intensifying domestic competition, KG Mobility has announced plans to diversify its powertrain lineup for the Musso Sport pickup, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine to be introduced from the first quarter of 2026.
The move represents a strategic pivot for the South Korean automaker, whose pickup range—formerly marketed under the Rexton name—has long been centred on diesel engines. The announcement comes as sales figures for the Musso Sport continue to contract. In May, just 746 units were sold—down 23.4 percent compared with the same month in 2023. Year-to-date sales for the January–May period have fallen 30.2 percent, totalling only 3,692 units.
In contrast, KG Mobility’s all-electric variant, the Musso EV, posted 1,167 units in May—up 62.3 percent from the previous month—indicating a shift in consumer interest away from diesel-powered offerings.
Kwak Jeong-hyun, president of the company’s business strategy division, made the announcement during a media and analyst briefing at the company’s headquarters in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. “In the first quarter of next year, we will respond to various powertrain demands by adding a 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine to the Musso Sport and Musso Khan,” Kwak said, referring also to the extended-wheelbase variant of the pickup.
Industry analysts suggest the decision is also driven by the recent entrance of Kia’s Tasman pickup into the domestic market—a model offered exclusively with a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The Tasman has recorded a steady uptick in sales since its launch, rising from just 96 units in March to 1,248 in April and 1,348 in May.
The Tasman’s 2.5-litre engine produces 206 kW at 5,800 rpm and 422 Nm between 1,750 and 4,000 rpm. No diesel variant is offered, and while there has been speculation about a battery-electric version, Kia has not confirmed plans.
KG Mobility appears to be positioning its upcoming 2.0-litre petrol Musso as a direct competitor to the Tasman, offering buyers a downsized alternative in a market increasingly receptive to non-diesel pickups.
While the company recorded an operating profit of ₩12.3 billion in 2024, with revenue reaching ₩3.78 trillion, long-term profitability remains under scrutiny. Despite two consecutive years of operating surpluses, the company faces pressure to consolidate its position after years of accumulated losses.
KG Mobility has signalled that a broader diversification of its powertrain offerings—including hybrids and electric pickups—will form the cornerstone of its future growth. “We will use our 70-year heritage to build a lineup of practical models that are preferred anywhere in the world,” Kwak said. “We will develop and expand eco-friendly systems at reasonable prices.”
