Kia reveals plans to build hybrid powered ute

Kia has revealed plans to produce a hybrid-powered ute during an investor conference in South Korea. 

News of this comes after the brand somewhat rescinded plans to produce an entirely electric mid-size pick up truck. 

This upcoming ute will reportedly be ladder chassis-based, and be offered with the choice of petrol-electric hybrid or range-extender hybrid options. 

The presentation suggested these new models will go on sale in 2029, with the range extender, and then the hybrid coming in 2030. 

Despite Kia revealing this news, there’s a chance we might see this new ute arrive Down Under with a Hyundai badge. 

This is down to the fact it will be produced in Hyundai’s Georgia-based factory, and Hyundai has previously expressed interest in bringing a ute to NZ. 

Speaking on the prospect of a ute, Hyundai Australia chief operating officer Gavin Donaldson’s statement to the media last year sounded promising. 

“It’s still in a work progress. It’s probably more towards another couple of years from now. It’s still in consideration, to work in collaboration with the US.”

Of course if a right-hand drive Hyundai ute is produced, it also leaves the door open for a Kia ute to be built in the same layout.