The ute market just grows year on year and looks set to intensify with new players – Hyundai Australia the latest player to throw its hat into the ring – with newly appointed Chief Executive Don Romano confirming his company cannot be competitive in Australia without one. The local company hopeful its parent can redesign sister company’s Kia Tasman with a hybrid or plug-in by hybrid powertrain to suit Hyundai’s requirements. The new local Hyundai boss adamant that the company can’t be a viable brand here without a ute in its range. The inability to rejig the Tasman could see Hyundai look to its strategic partnership with General Motors to source a U.S. produced pick-up for this market. Romano adamant that Hyundai needs something to compete with the likes of the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, the two top selling vehicles in the country.

IMAGE CREDIT / KIA AUSTRALIA & FORD AUSTRALIA

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