South Korean automaker Kia Motor has recently announced its highly-anticipated entry into China’s rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market. The automaker is set to launch its super popular EV6 crossover as an import in August, marking the start of its foray into the country’s increasingly crowded EV market. Kia has been gaining significant traction with its lineup of all-electric vehicles, and its expansion into China is poised to take its growth to the next level.
Kia is the second largest automobile manufacturer in South Korea behind Hyundai Motor Group, which owns a minority stake. The automaker recently held a virtual Investor Day in March 2022, where it unveiled its ambitious 2030 strategy focused on increased sales, new BEV models, and entry into delivery vehicles. The strategy includes launching at least two new BEV models per year starting in 2023, leading up to a complete lineup of 14 BEVs by 2027.
See also: Kia Unveils EV5 Electric SUV Concept as Part of Expanding EV Portfolio
The company’s flagship EV9 model has already garnered a lot of attention, with Kia providing a first official glimpse of the vehicle ahead of its full debut later this month. The automaker has also been generating buzz with its GT version of the EV6 crossover, which recently raced a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. The EV6 will be the first Kia model to enter China’s EV market, followed by the EV9. Kia also unveiled several new concepts during a recent launch event in China, including the EV5, which will be its first global model built in China and is set to debut in November.
In addition to the EV5 and EV9, Kia is planning to launch an entry-level BEV SUV in 2025, a premium electric sedan based on its next-generation EV platform in 2026, and a new midsize electric SUV in 2027. Kia’s ambitious expansion plans come as China continues to embrace and develop all-electric vehicles at a quicker pace than most other continents. To promote its entry into the EV market, Kia is working on implementing the necessary sales channels, dealerships, and showrooms in China, including City Stores in core business districts throughout the country.
See also: Kia Reveals EV9 In First Official Images, a Three-Row Electric SUV with Upscale Design
Kia is aiming to sell 450,000 units annually by 2030, with 40% of those sales being BEVs. With its impressive lineup of all-electric vehicles and its entry into China’s EV market, Kia is poised to make an immediate impact in the industry. The company’s expansion plans are focused on staying ahead of the curve and keeping up with the changing landscape of the global automotive industry. By embracing the EV market and providing consumers with cutting-edge technology and features, Kia is setting itself up for continued growth and success in the years to come.
