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● The Musso EV has already secured 3,200 contracts shortly after its launch, marking a new chapter for electric pickups.

● The competition intensifies with the Tasman and Rexton Sports, leading to a three-way battle in the domestic pickup market.

● As pickups rise in popularity as "daily drivers," they may face limitations without regulatory improvements.

Hello.

I am Uniji, an automotive influencer.

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Pickup trucks, once known as "work vehicles," are evolving. They are now gaining popularity as camping, leisure, and family vehicles. Kia and KG Mobility are launching new domestic pickups, stirring up the market. A fresh breeze is blowing through the once stagnant domestic pickup market.

Once regarded solely as vehicles for transporting construction materials or equipment, pickup trucks are now capturing attention as "lifestyle vehicles." They serve diverse daily activities, including camping, surfing, traveling with pets, and shopping at large supermarkets. Consequently, consumer perceptions are rapidly changing, positively influenced by tax benefits as well. Structurally, pickups separate the front seating area from the cargo space, boasting greater versatility than standard SUVs. Additionally, government policies supporting eco-friendly vehicles, such as electric vehicle subsidies, reduced acquisition taxes, and lower vehicle taxes, contribute to this shift.

The domestic pickup truck market peaked at 40,000 units in 2019 but has since declined. In 2023, sales fell to 18,000 units, and early this year, they hovered just above 10,000. However, signs of recovery are emerging. In April alone, 2,336 units sold, marking a staggering 102.6% increase compared to the previous year. This figure represents the highest monthly sales in two years and seven months since October 2022. The surge is primarily driven by KG Mobility's electric pickup, the Musso EV, and Kia's first true pickup, the Tasman.

The Musso EV is KG Mobility's first electric pickup. It modernizes the retro appeal of the popular 1990s model, the Musso, and made a strong impression on the market by securing 3,200 contracts within just two weeks of its launch. The exterior design of the Musso EV reflects the "Handy & Tough" concept, combining a robust tech structure with the sleek silhouette typical of electric vehicles. Inside, it offers SUV-like comfort with features such as 32-degree reclining second-row seats, 39.4 inches of headroom, power seats, heated and ventilated seating.

Moreover, it fulfills its role as a commercial vehicle. The Musso EV can carry a maximum load of 1,102 pounds and has a towing capacity of 3,968 pounds, featuring a trailer sway control function for stable towing.

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Additionally, it comes equipped with an 80.6 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, allowing for approximately 248 miles of driving on a single charge. It can charge up to 80% in just 24 minutes with fast charging. Inside, the V2L feature enables users to power electronic devices outdoors.

On another note, the Musso EV qualifies as an electric commercial vehicle, allowing buyers to reduce the actual purchase price to around 22,500 USD through government subsidies and tax reductions. The base trim MX starts at approximately 36,000 USD, while the premium Black Edge trim is priced at around 38,000 USD. It also offers favorable maintenance costs. For an annual driving distance of 12,427 miles, the total operating cost over five years is about 4,400 USD, representing a savings of around 1,000 USD compared to internal combustion engine pickups.

The Kia Tasman, which is gaining attention as a rival to the Musso EV, is a traditional mid-size pickup built on a body-on-frame platform, known for its high towing capacity and rugged appearance. While the Musso EV targets urban electric pickup users, the Tasman leans more towards the traditional off-road pickup experience. Additionally, the Rexton Sports has maintained its position as the top model in the domestic pickup market. Although it relies on an internal combustion engine, it earns trust through its reasonable pricing and sturdy frame. While the Tasman and Rexton Sports continue the traditional pickup legacy, the Musso EV sets a new standard as a quiet, comfortable, and economical "urban electric pickup."

Of course, challenges still remain. Vehicles like the Musso EV, while performing similarly to passenger cars, are legally classified as "commercial vehicles." This classification imposes restrictions such as prohibiting travel in the fast lane on highways and requiring more frequent inspections. For instance, SUVs enjoy a five-year exemption from inspections, followed by inspections every two years, while pickup trucks must undergo inspections starting two years after delivery, with annual inspections thereafter. These factors may restrict consumer choices, making regulatory improvements and flexible policy adjustments crucial variables for market expansion.

However, it is clear that the domestic pickup truck market is waking up again. The arrival of the Musso EV and Tasman is changing the market structure that has centered around the Rexton Sports. Pickup trucks are transforming from "work vehicles" to "fun vehicles." If regulatory constraints are lifted, their market presence is likely to expand significantly. We would appreciate your valuable opinions in the comments, and we hope you have a joyful and happy day as we conclude this post.

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#MussoEV #ElectricPickup #KGmobility #KGM #RextonSports #UrbanPickup #PickupTruck #KGM #Musso #MussoElectric #NewCarNews #Automobile #Uniji #CarIssues #CarNews

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