The Forgotten Micro Truck: Why The Kia Metro AM251 Foreshadows Kia's 2025 Truck Revolution
The Kia Metro Micro Truck is a ghost from the past, an almost forgotten piece of Kia’s history that is suddenly relevant again in 2025. While the name might conjure up images of a modern, compact city hauler, the original model—the Kia AM251 MicroTruk—was a quirky, utilitarian vehicle from the mid-1990s that predated the brand's global success. This tiny Korean-made truck was a niche player, often sold in the US for off-road or campus utility use, and it stands as a curious precursor to Kia’s aggressive and high-profile entry into the global pickup market today, which is currently dominated by the buzz around the new 2025 Kia Tasman and a confirmed electric truck for North America.
As of late 2025, the automotive world is witnessing a massive resurgence of interest in small, practical utility vehicles, a trend perfectly encapsulated by the booming market for imported Japanese Kei trucks. The story of the AM251 is a fascinating look back at Kia’s first attempt to tap into this segment, contrasting sharply with their current, multi-billion-dollar strategy to challenge established players in the mid-size and electric truck categories.
The Curious Case of the Kia AM251 MicroTruk
The vehicle commonly referred to as the "Kia Metro Micro Truck" is officially the Kia AM251 MicroTruk. It was a small, cab-over-engine utility vehicle that Kia manufactured during the 1990s and early 2000s. It was not a mainstream product and was often imported and sold in markets like the United States by third-party distributors, sometimes under names like "Metro Motors" or "Tiger Trucks," primarily for non-highway use such as on farms, large properties, or industrial campuses.
Key Specifications and Features of the AM251
The AM251 MicroTruk was built for maximum utility in a minimal footprint. Its design and engineering placed it firmly in the category of a mini-truck, similar in concept to Japanese Kei trucks, though it was a Korean product.
- Model Name: Kia AM251 MicroTruk
- Production Era: Mid-1990s to Early 2000s (e.g., 1995, 1998, 2001 model years)
- Engine: CD800 Model, 800cc (0.8L), 3-cylinder, 4-stroke, OHC (Overhead Camshaft)
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual
- Drivetrain: 2WD (Two-Wheel Drive)
- Steering: Available in Left-Hand Drive (LHD) for export markets
- Design: Cab-over configuration with a short or long bed option, prioritizing cargo space over passenger comfort.
- Intended Use: Utility, maintenance, farming, ranching, and low-speed internal transport.
With an 800cc engine, the horsepower was minimal—likely under 50 hp—and its payload capacity would have been in the range of 700 to 800 pounds (approx. 320–360 kg), consistent with its mini-truck peers. The AM251’s primary appeal was its tight turning radius, fuel efficiency, and simplicity of maintenance, making it a cost-effective workhorse.
The 2025 Micro-Truck Resurgence and the AM251’s Legacy
The historical significance of the Kia AM251 is amplified by a major market trend in 2025: the explosive demand for small utility vehicles. The North American market, in particular, has seen a massive boom in the importation of Japanese Kei trucks, with some reports indicating a 300% increase in imports since 2018.
This resurgence is driven by consumers seeking affordable, practical, and highly maneuverable vehicles for off-road use, property maintenance, and light commercial duties. The AM251, being a non-Kei, but Kei-sized, alternative, represents a missed opportunity for Kia to capitalize on this niche decades ago. Today, the demand for small, efficient trucks is higher than ever, pushing manufacturers to reconsider their lineups.
Kia's New Truck Strategy: From Micro to Mid-Size and Electric (2025–2026)
While the old AM251 MicroTruk was a small-scale, niche experiment, Kia’s current strategy in 2025 is anything but. The company is making a major, two-pronged global push into the truck segment, proving they are serious about utility vehicles—just on a much larger, more modern scale. This new approach contrasts the AM251's 800cc engine with powerful, modern powertrains and electric architecture.
1. The Global Mid-Size Challenger: The 2025 Kia Tasman
The most immediate and significant news is the global launch of the 2025 Kia Tasman, the brand's first-ever body-on-frame mid-size pickup truck.
- Vehicle Type: Mid-size, Body-on-Frame Pickup Truck
- Global Launch: Confirmed for 2025
- Target Markets: Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and other international markets (but NOT confirmed for the US)
- Engine Options: Expected to include a powerful 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing around 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.
- Design Philosophy: Rugged, utilitarian, and designed to compete directly with established global rivals like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.
The Tasman represents Kia's commitment to building a tough, capable work truck, a massive leap in capability from the tiny AM251 MicroTruk. While US enthusiasts hoped for its arrival, the focus remains on other markets for this particular model.
2. The North American Game-Changer: The 2026 Electric Pickup
For the North American market, Kia has confirmed a separate, dedicated pickup truck: a new all-electric model. This EV truck is set to be a game-changer, built specifically for the demanding US and Canadian consumers and the growing electric utility segment.
- Vehicle Type: All-Electric Pickup Truck (Mid-size segment)
- Target Market: United States and North America
- Platform: Built on Kia’s next-generation modular EV architecture, the eM platform, which is specifically optimized for utility vehicles.
- Projected Launch: Expected to arrive around the 2026 model year.
- Market Position: Kia aims to enter the EV truck market with a value-first approach, potentially undercutting rivals while still offering competitive range and features.
The introduction of a bespoke EV truck demonstrates Kia’s evolution from the simple, gas-powered AM251 to a high-tech, zero-emission utility vehicle. It highlights a strategic move to capture a significant market share, with an annual sales target of 90,000 units in the North American segment alone.
Conclusion: From Niche Micro to Global Powerhouse
The Kia Metro Micro Truck (AM251) is a fascinating historical footnote—a relic of a time when Kia was experimenting with small, specialized utility vehicles. It serves as a stark reminder of the brand's humble beginnings in the truck segment. Today, in 2025, the narrative has completely shifted. Kia is no longer a fringe player but a serious contender, launching the rugged, mid-size Tasman globally and confirming a dedicated, advanced electric pickup for the US market.
While the current market is clamoring for micro-trucks and Japanese imports, Kia's focus is on the future: powerful, body-on-frame capability and cutting-edge electric utility. The AM251 was a small step; the 2025 Tasman and 2026 EV truck are giant leaps that confirm Kia's ambition to become a dominant force in the global utility vehicle landscape.
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