Sales Launch and Expectations
Even before the official debut of the Kia Tasman pickup, questions arose regarding buyer reaction to its bold and controversial design. A few months after the start of sales, the results turned out to be not what the company had hoped for. Sales proceeded slower than expected, forcing the brand to introduce significant discounts in Australia — a key market for this new model.
Price Adjustments and Offers
It is now possible to purchase the top-of-the-line Tasman X-Line version for 67,990 Australian dollars, which is 3,000 dollars less than the starting price of 70,990 dollars. Furthermore, all X-Line models now include the Sports Pack at no additional cost — a kit that usually adds nearly 4,000 dollars to the cost. This pack includes a soft tonneau cover, side steps, metallic paint, and a sports bar, making the offer advantageous for those who were already planning on additional accessories.
Overall, the cost of a Tasman X-Pro with these accessories could be nearly 7,000 dollars lower compared to the initial prices three months ago. It is important to note that these discounts will only be valid until October 31, unless existing stock is sold out earlier.
Sales Dynamics and Competition
Tasman sales have proven to be quite modest: only 2,262 units were sold in Australia over three months. For comparison, during the same period, the Toyota Hilux sold 14,546 units, the Ford Ranger sold 13,739, the Isuzu D-Max sold 6,654, and the Mitsubishi Triton sold 4,797 units.
Future Plans
Kia stated its intention to sell 20,000 Tasman pickups in Australia next year, which could place it fourth among pickups after the Hilux, Ranger, and D-Max. However, achieving this goal requires a significant improvement in sales dynamics. The company has been gradually introducing various Tasman variants since the end of June, although the single-cab chassis version has not yet started deliveries. This model could become one of the most popular, especially among corporate clients who value practicality.
The first opportunity to test the Tasman X-Pro is expected next week, so it is worth keeping an eye on reviews to get full information about its characteristics.
The pickup market in Australia remains highly competitive, and the success of new models often depends not only on price but also on consumer trust in the brand. Kia, having a reputation as a reliable manufacturer, can leverage this, but it will take time for buyers to appreciate the advantages of the Tasman compared to established competitors. Additional offers, such as discounts and free packs, can be a temporary solution to stimulate demand, but long-term success will depend on quality, reliability, and feedback from the first owners.