South Korean automaker Kia Corporation plans to launch production of its new dual-cab Tasman pickup truck next year in Ecuador, South America, according to local reports.

The Tasman, the automaker’s first one-ton pickup truck, went into production at its Hwaseong plant in South Korea in March of this year, with domestic sales reaching 5,265 units by the end of July and a further 7,730 units exported to markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Australia.

Kia has revealed that it plans to begin assembly of the Tasman from completely knock-down (CKD) kits at its existing Aymesa plant in Quito, Ecuador, in 2026, with local sales expected to exceed 6,000 units per year. The plant will become the first overseas production location for the Tasman.

The Tasman is scheduled to be rolled out across Latin America by the end of the year, starting with launches in Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, and Peru in the next two months, taking on best-selling models such as the Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger.

Analysts expect the Kia Tasman to achieve annual sales of up to 100,000 units in Latin America, once the regional roll-out has been completed.