Kia unveils new pickup brand Tasman
이 글자크기로 변경됩니다.
(예시) 가장 빠른 뉴스가 있고 다양한 정보, 쌍방향 소통이 숨쉬는 다음뉴스를 만나보세요. 다음뉴스는 국내외 주요이슈와 실시간 속보, 문화생활 및 다양한 분야의 뉴스를 입체적으로 전달하고 있습니다.
Korean automaker Kia on Thursday officially unveiled its first-ever pickup truck, the Kia Tasman, setting its sights primarily on the Australian market with a diesel-powered model planned for 2025.
The Tasman, whose name pays homage to the Tasman Sea that lies between Australia and New Zealand, represents Kia's most direct nod to Australian culture. It is the first Kia product to bear an Aussie-inspired name.
The name also reflects the country’s deep affinity for pickup trucks, colloquially known as "utes" -- short for utility vehicles -- in Australia.
Pickups lead vehicle sales in Australia. The launch places Tasman in direct competition with established leaders such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max. Kia aims to capture a 10 percent market share, setting a sales target of 20,000 units annually.
The campaign leading up to the announcement involved a series of promotional videos featuring Australian sports celebrities to boost local interest and engagement on Kia Australia’s YouTube channel.
Kia's strategy involves a broader rollout of the Tasman across three key markets by 2025, including its home base in Korea and the Middle East, catering to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts and adapting to diverse terrains, from city landscapes to deserts.
By Moon Joon-hyun(mjh@heraldcorp.com)
Copyright © 코리아헤럴드. 무단전재 및 재배포 금지.