Kia Motors, a subsidiary of the Hyundai Motor Group, recently shared its ambitious goals for the future at the company’s 2023 CEO Investor Day. The Korean automaker aims to generate gross revenue of 160 trillion Korean Won, equivalent to $122 billion, by 2030 and sell 4.3 million vehicles annually by the end of the decade.
Kia’s aspirations are not limited to just revenue and vehicle sales, however. The company is also investing heavily in the development of autonomous driving technology and Purpose Built Vehicles (PBVs) that are tailored to specific use cases with varying degrees of autonomy. By doing so, Kia aims to establish itself as a leader in the future of mobility.
In terms of autonomous driving technology, Kia’s focus is on the Highway Drive Pilot (HDP), which is slated to be introduced in the upcoming EV9, a three-row electric SUV. The HDP will allow drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel on certain sections of the road, with OTA updates scheduled for 2024 to enable higher speeds and increase the number of recognized roads.
In 2026, an enhanced version of the Highway Drive Pilot (HDP2) will arrive, utilizing “high precision navigation” to enhance the vehicle’s autonomous driving capabilities. Furthermore, Kia pledged that all new vehicles launched from 2025 will have connectivity to Kia’s new data cloud, allowing customers to access a range of services and features via OTA updates.
Kia is also investing in the development of PBVs, which are electric vehicles designed for specific use cases with varying degrees of autonomy. Mass production of the first PBV is scheduled to start in 2025, and Kia has already presented development versions to potential customers for feedback. This “medium-sized” vehicle is designed to accommodate various types of bodies on a flat, skateboard-type platform and will be followed by other PBVs, including a PBV robotaxi, a small PBV for delivering goods or food, and a large PBV that can replace public transportation or be used as a mobile office.
Kia’s commitment to the future of mobility goes beyond autonomous driving and PBVs. The company is also investing in Advanced Air Mobility operations and exploring opportunities in the last-mile mobility sector. By doing so, Kia aims to create sustainable mobility solutions for consumers, communities, and societies worldwide.
As Kia CEO Ho Sung Song said, “Our vision is to create sustainable mobility solutions for consumers, communities, and societies worldwide. We are committed to leading the future of mobility by developing advanced technologies and services that put people first.” With these plans and goals, Kia is poised to make a significant impact on the future of transportation.
