The company’s focus is on global projects.
Australia is expecting two new Hyundai models. These include a pickup and a body-on frame SUV. However, it seems unlikely that either of these models will be available anytime soon. Two new reports by CarsGuide from Kia shed light on their development. It seems like neither vehicle is a priority right now, as the company focuses more on high-volume vehicles.
It will be late for its 2022 delivery date. If it does arrive, it may take a few years. The Kia Australia COO Damien Meredith stated to the publication that there is still no clear direction on the situation with the model. This puts into doubt the future of Kia’s SUV. Kia had planned to use the truck platform as the foundation for the new off-roader. Ronald Rivers, Kia Australia General manager – Product, stated to CarsGuide, that Kia’s priority was “wherever the largest volume is.”
Kia stated in July 2019 the development of a pickup truck for Australia had started. Last September, rumors of an SUV surfaced. Rumours suggested that the truck would be available in both single- and double-cab configurations, with either gasoline or diesel options. Meredith stated that it wouldn’t be a “lifestyle vehicle”, like the Hyundai Santa Cruz at the time. The pickup truck segment in America is very competitive so it’s not clear if either model will be available.
Meredith told the publication that a pickup with a body-on frame could be a good seller on the continent. He also said that he had told Kia executives many years ago that 20,000 sales were possible. He stated, “I haven’t changed my opinion on that.” He said that neither project is dead but that the company is shifting its focus to other projects and could be affected by a changing market. Surprisingly this won’t be the brand’s first body-on frame SUV, as the company already sells the Mohave which was updated in 2019.