The head of Kia Motors in Australia says there is “no chance” of the Telluride being produced in right-hand drive.
During a wide-ranging interview with CarExpert.com.au, Kia Motors Australia chief operating officer Damien Meredith was asked whether there was “any chance” of the Telluride being offered Down Under.
His response? An emphatic “no”, followed by the statement “they’re not going to build it in right-hand drive”.
The news is particularly interesting considering the Hyundai Palisade, which shares its platform with the Telluride, has been confirmed for a launch in that country in 2021.
Revealed in January 2019, the boxy eight-seater Telluride was “designed specifically” for the United States and is the largest Kia yet, slotting in above the Sorento. Despite being restricted to a small number of markets, the hulking SUV was named World Car of the Year in April 2020.
The Korean firm says the Telluride provides “comfortable seating for up to eight” and draws its urge from a naturally aspirated 3,8-litre V6 petrol engine worth 217 kW and 355 N.m. It is offered in North America with an eight-speed automatic transmission and active on-demand all-wheel drive.
