Kia’s first ute to arrive in NZ earlier than expected
Keywords: Kia, Tasman, ute, New Zealand, launch, August, Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton, EV3, Todd McDonald, local production, sales targets, BYD Shark 6
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Tuesday, 01 April 2025
Never have consumers had more choice when it comes to buying a ute. In recent times, BYD, GWM, JAC, and LDV have all launched new ute models, and soon Korean carmaker Kia will join the fray with its all-new Tasman dual-cab pick-up.
First unveiled last October, the Tasman is a fully fledged body-on-frame ute designed to take aim at the best-selling utes in the segment, namely the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Mitsubishi Triton.
Kia New Zealand confirmed at this week’s launch of the all-new Kia EV3 electric crossover that the Tasman is set to arrive in the country this coming August — months earlier than the brand’s previous ‘late 2025’ timeline.
Kia New Zealand general manager Todd McDonald confirmed that the brand’s local parts staff and accessory makers have been given a tour of the Tasman already in preparation for the model’s arrival.
He confirmed that the brand is foregoing sourcing Tasman accessories from Korea or Australia, and instead plans to build them locally using New Zealand companies.
“The feedback has been absolutely outstanding and we have very high hopes for the volume of this car going forward,” McDonald said, adding that local pricing details will be announced prior to August.
Along with competing in a busy segment, the Tasman has a challenge on its hands in swaying customers in favour of its very unique styling — styling that divided ute faithful on social media when the Tasman first broke cover.
Whilst the ute segment is full of options, Kia’s rapidly improving reputation could see the Tasman immediately land ahead of most Chinese competitors upon its arrival.
Whilst he wouldn’t be drawn into outlining specific sales goals, McDonald said the brand expects to spend 2025 building a foundation for the Tasman before gunning for big sales targets in 2026.
The BYD Shark 6, which arrived earlier this year, is an interesting point of reference. In its first two full months on sale, it has firmed as the fourth most popular ute in the country behind the Hilux, Ranger, and Triton — landing in front of the Nissan Navara and Isuzu D-Max.
Whilst the Shark 6 is a petrol plug-in hybrid, the Tasman will arrive powered by a traditional 2.2-litre turbodiesel developing 154kW of power and 441Nm of torque. A more powerful 2.5-litre petrol will also be offered in other markets. A fully electric Tasman is reportedly also in development.
First unveiled last October, the Tasman is a fully fledged body-on-frame ute designed to take aim at the best-selling utes in the segment, namely the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Mitsubishi Triton.
Kia New Zealand confirmed at this week’s launch of the all-new Kia EV3 electric crossover that the Tasman is set to arrive in the country this coming August — months earlier than the brand’s previous ‘late 2025’ timeline.
Kia New Zealand general manager Todd McDonald confirmed that the brand’s local parts staff and accessory makers have been given a tour of the Tasman already in preparation for the model’s arrival.
He confirmed that the brand is foregoing sourcing Tasman accessories from Korea or Australia, and instead plans to build them locally using New Zealand companies.
“The feedback has been absolutely outstanding and we have very high hopes for the volume of this car going forward,” McDonald said, adding that local pricing details will be announced prior to August.
Along with competing in a busy segment, the Tasman has a challenge on its hands in swaying customers in favour of its very unique styling — styling that divided ute faithful on social media when the Tasman first broke cover.
Whilst the ute segment is full of options, Kia’s rapidly improving reputation could see the Tasman immediately land ahead of most Chinese competitors upon its arrival.
Whilst he wouldn’t be drawn into outlining specific sales goals, McDonald said the brand expects to spend 2025 building a foundation for the Tasman before gunning for big sales targets in 2026.
The BYD Shark 6, which arrived earlier this year, is an interesting point of reference. In its first two full months on sale, it has firmed as the fourth most popular ute in the country behind the Hilux, Ranger, and Triton — landing in front of the Nissan Navara and Isuzu D-Max.
Whilst the Shark 6 is a petrol plug-in hybrid, the Tasman will arrive powered by a traditional 2.2-litre turbodiesel developing 154kW of power and 441Nm of torque. A more powerful 2.5-litre petrol will also be offered in other markets. A fully electric Tasman is reportedly also in development.
