Rising Demand Sparks Urgency for Fast-Tracking of BYD Shark Rival: The Kia Tasman PHEV

Kia Australia Considering Plug-In Hybrid Power for the Tasman Ute

Kia Australia has revealed that there is a growing interest in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power for the upcoming Tasman ute. Customers and fleet operators have already expressed their desire for this technology, prompting Kia to potentially prioritize the introduction of PHEV powertrain options during the model’s lifecycle.

In a conversation with CarExpert, Roland Rivero, Kia Australia’s general manager for product, acknowledged the demand for a competitor to models like the BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger PHEV. He stated, “So naturally and organically, some fleets [and] customers are actually asking for that type of powertrain to be brought forward.”

While no official confirmation has been made regarding the electrification options for the Tasman, Rivero previously mentioned that Kia’s global parent company is actively exploring hybridized and electric powertrains. The versatile nature of the Tasman’s ladder-frame chassis allows for the potential implementation of various powertrains in the future.

For now, the Australian market will receive a Euro 5 emissions-compliant version of the 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains. However, plans for introducing a hybridized or fully electric version of the Tasman are still under consideration.

Earlier this year, the Hyundai Motor Group unveiled its next generation of hybrid technologies in the new Hyundai Palisade SUV. These advancements are expected to enhance performance, efficiency, and overall driveability. A rear-wheel drive-biased version of the 2.5 turbo hybrid system is slated for a 2026 debut, potentially aligning with Kia’s future product plans.

While Kia has not confirmed the timeline, a battery-electric version of the Tasman is on the horizon. Reports suggest that Kia South Africa is working on an electric variant, hinting at a broader shift towards electrification in the automotive industry.

In conclusion, Kia’s exploration of plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains for the Tasman reflects the industry-wide trend towards sustainable mobility solutions. With competitors also investing in electric utes, the future of the automotive landscape is poised for significant electrification.

Transform the following sentence into the passive voice:

“The company released a new product last week.”

Answer:
“A new product was released by the company last week.”