Kia has put plans for a five-door Tasman SUV on hold, prioritizing the success of its current pickup-style ute. The company won’t develop an SUV version until it meets sales targets both locally and overseas.
Key Takeaways
- Kia will focus on making the Tasman Ute a hit before moving to an SUV variant
- The ute’s current sales volume is less than half of what Kia predicted, delaying plans for expansion into new models.
- No firm timeline exists yet for when an SUV version might come out.
Kia Australia’s general manager of product planning, Roland Rivero, told Drive that any development on a Tasman SUV depends heavily on the success of its ute. The company aims to hit sales targets but is currently falling short with less than half of expected numbers in Australia alone.
Despite interest from both Kia executives and engineers involved in developing the current model, plans for an SUV version are now put aside until the ute’s performance improves globally. A top engineer behind the Tasman project confirmed that discussions about expanding into other body styles have not been abandoned but are on hold.
Kia’s decision reflects a cautious approach to market demands and financial considerations. The company aims to ensure its existing model is well-received before committing resources towards new versions, which could include an SUV variant in the future if sales improve as expected or better.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Kia release a Tasman SUV?
Kia hasn’t set a specific timeline for releasing a Tasman SUV. It depends on the success of its current ute model.
Is an SUV version still being considered by Kia?
Yes, it is still under consideration but only if and when the existing ute achieves sales targets both in Australia and internationally.
Kia’s approach shows a strategic focus on ensuring its current model performs well before expanding into new variants. This cautious stance aims to maximize market acceptance and financial returns for future models like an SUV version of the Tasman.
