Kia, the South Korean automaker, has made significant strides towards introducing its first ute by filing a trademark application for the name “Tasman” in multiple countries. This move suggests that the Tasman nameplate could potentially be assigned to the forthcoming vehicle. While the application is still under review, it was submitted in April and seeks to safeguard the Tasman name for various motor vehicle categories, including automobiles and trucks, through various global patent offices.
Although Kia has not officially confirmed the name of its initial ute or provided any comments regarding the trademark filings, it is speculated that the Tasman moniker draws inspiration from Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer renowned as the first European to reach Tasmania and navigate the waters between Australia and New Zealand, now known as the Tasman Sea.
Recent reports from Kia Australia dealer sources indicate that the upcoming ute will be powered by a diesel engine and built on a novel ladder-frame platform. This development positions Kia, Australia’s third-largest automotive brand, to directly compete with the country’s leading sellers, the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger utes, for the first time. The new ute, reportedly part of the TK-series, has been in the works since 2020 and has been spotted in South Korea in the form of a dual-cab 4×4 pick-up. It is expected to boast a towing capacity of 3500kg and a payload of up to 1000kg, aligning it with its formidable rivals.
Unlike some manufacturers that have opted for partnerships with other carmakers to develop mid-size one-tonne pick-ups, such as the Isuzu D-MAX and Mazda BT-50 collaboration, as well as the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok joint venture, Kia has chosen to independently venture into the ute market without a confirmed Hyundai counterpart.
In March, Kia made an ambitious announcement regarding its plans to introduce 14 new electric vehicles (EVs) by 2027. Among these EVs are two all-electric pick-ups, including a dedicated electric pickup truck and a strategic model for emerging markets. If the latter model aligns with the anticipated 2025 Kia Tasman, it implies that Kia’s first challenger to the Toyota HiLux will be available in an all-electric variant within two years of its local launch, showcasing the brand’s commitment to sustainable mobility.
