Kia Admits Its First Pickup Disappointed As Early Updates Are Already Coming

Kia’s Big Pickup Debut Didn’t Go To PlanKia invested years preparing for the Tasman, with teasers, trademark filings, and plenty of discussion about what its first pickup would offer. By the time it launched in Australia, expectations were high.Those expectations weren’t met, though. The Tasman entered a tough segment, already populated by long-running nameplates like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. Rather than making an impact, Kia’s new ute struggled to gain traction.Kia executives have acknowledged that the Tasman’s launch has not met their expectations. According to global business planning head Spencer Cho, the company is still working to address feedback on both styling and drivetrain options, particularly in Australia.Instead of waiting for a typical mid-cycle update, Kia is already developing short- and mid-term changes to impr …