What on earth is happening at Kia? We’re not just talking about the wild graphics package/camo on the new Kia Tasman pickup truck prototype, but about a lot of what is going on in this teaser video. A teaser ad that has us sad, because it might be the only time the Tasman is ever actually driven in California.
The Kia Tasman is Kia’s Ute. A pickup truck designed for the rest of the world that will compete with the likes of the Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi L200. Those are serious competitors, which means that Kia needs to make sure it is up to the challenge.
Tasman Comes to America
Where do you take your truck if you want to show it can handle serious off-roading in the most remote parts of the world? To California, of course. Kia brought the Tasman to Alabama Hills, Calif., where it could put the truck through its paces.
Those paces will include all-terrain tires and, if we’re to believe the Kia engineer in the video, 4Lo. They also include some questionable behavior.
We’ve spoken before about irresponsible off-roading and a reckless regard for public land. That has Kia’s choice of drifting the Tasman pickup in the desert, rubbing us the wrong way. While Kia didn’t say where exactly the whole thing was shot, it is likely on BLM land. Tread lightly, folks.
The Tasman is named for the sea off the coast of Australia. Australia is a country that is serious about driving responsibly, with fines that can exceed $28,000 (AUD) and even jail time for doing a skid. Just saying.
There’s also the Tasman’s engine noises. We’re not sure what will power this pickup, but we’re pretty sure that Kia’s audio/video time doesn’t know either. This ad’s sounds couldn’t possibly have been recorded on-scene. Or in sync. Especially since there’s a near-100% chance that this truck, bound for Africa, the Middle East, and Australia, will be diesel-powered.
But Kia’s Pickup Is Not Coming to America
Do we sound a bit salty? Maybe we are, but consider this: We love off-roading, and that means we love pickups. The truck is having its durability tested in California, but will not be sold in California.
Kia USA told us that “the Tasman is currently not planned for the U.S. market.” To be fair to Kia, this is not a huge surprise. Any pickups not built in North America are subject to very hefty tariffs if the company wants to sell them here.
Kia’s U.S. plant in Georgia is currently pumping out the Sorento, Sportage, and Telluride at a rate that is filling its capacity. An expansion is already earmarked for EV9 electric production, so there’s probably not room for one more model. But here’s where you can find out more about Kia’s Tasman pickup.
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