The highly anticipated Kia Tasman ute has made an appearance at the 2025 Australasian Police and Emergency Services (AP&ES) Games. The AP&ES Games is hosted every two years by a city in Australia or New Zealand. Fittingly, the 2025 are being hosted in Hobart, Tasmania from the 15th to 22nd of March.
Showcasing a potential future in law enforcement and emergency services, the Tasman is adorned in checkered police livery, equipped with red and blue beacon lights and a snorkel. The vehicle provides a glimpse into how it could serve as a general duties paddywagon or emergency response vehicle in the near future.
A Strong Candidate for Police and Emergency Fleets
The Kia Tasman’s robust design and payload capacity make it a viable option for law enforcement agencies looking for a capable and versatile vehicle. In a police fleet, the Tasman could be deployed as a general duties paddywagon, dog squad vehicle, or even into a public order and riot squad role.
Hyundai and Kia have a growing track record of supplying vehicles to government fleets worldwide, including police departments. In Australia, the Kia Stinger replaced outgoing Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons as highway patrol vehicles due to its performance, size and reliability. While sister company Hyundai supplies the Staria as a transport van, which uses a similar Smartstream 2.2L diesel engine as the Tasman.
Combined, Hyundai-Kia sold over 150,000 in Australia in 2024, second only to Toyota. This expanding footprint, with parts availability and servicing being key factors for fleet buyers, explains the growth in government contracts. This suggests the Tasman will be a prime candidate for government fleets, as an affordable and efficient alternative to Toyota and Ford, but with a stronger presence than Isuzu Ute and Mitsubishi.
Beyond Policing: Potential for Emergency Services
Beyond law enforcement, the Tasman could serve various emergency response organisations such as the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and State Emergency Service (SES). These agencies require durable, high-clearance vehicles to navigate challenging terrain, especially in bushfire-prone regions and during flood response operations.
Equipped with four-wheel drive and a strong chassis, the Tasman could be outfitted as a command vehicle, a rapid response unit for medical emergencies, or even a mobile supply vehicle. With Kia’s increasing focus on commercial and fleet markets, it would not be surprising to see the Tasman enter government procurement discussions in the near future.
Military Use: The Tasman’s Role in the ROK Army
While its civilian application is generating interest, the Tasman is also set to play a critical role in military operations. Kia has already confirmed that the vehicle will be used in the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army in multiple capacities, including troop transport, an off-road ambulance, and a mobile mechanic workshop. This demonstrates the Tasman’s adaptability to demanding environments, reinforcing its suitability for use by emergency services in Australia and beyond.
