At a special dealer convention in Berlin, held 29-30 May, Kia has brought together around 2,900 dealer partners from across 41 European countries to outline new business opportunities.
Under the theme ‘It’s #OurMove’, the convention involved a focus on the key points of Kia’s strong Momentum (award-winning vehicles and continued success), Opportunity (new products, services, and offerings), Vision (built-for-purpose mobility and enhanced connectivity), and Experience (emotional appeal and brand-specific services). Following the success of the COTY winning EV6 and the flagship EV9, Kia is reinforcing its commitment to electrification in Europe with the launch of the electric compact SUVs EV3 in 2024. This is part of the brand’s plan to secure full EV line-up by 2026.
“Given the importance of Europe to Kia’s global sales and electrification strategy, we will launch the EV3 in the region this year,” said Ho Sung Song, Kia President and CEO. “Following the success of the EV6 and EV9, the Kia EV3 will actively lead the transition towards EVs. We will focus our efforts to reinforce Kia’s evolution into a customer-oriented brand by enhancing the products and customer experiences that differentiate us.”
As an established brand in Europe, Kia continues to make a strong move in the market, achieving a record-breaking 572,297 sales in 2023, with a 4.5 per cent market share in passenger vehicles. Sales of electrified vehicles have surpassed 217,000 units, and electrified models now account for 37.9 per cent of Kia’s retail sales. In addition, Kia plans to build on the momentum of the last eight years that have seen a 56 per cent growth in sales (from 2015-2023), by achieving annual sales of 800,000 units by 2028, with a five per cent market share, while sales of electrified vehicles should account to up to 85 per cent.
Kia’s strategy for the future is clear: meet market demand by expanding its charging network and continuing to deliver new electric vehicles models with ultra-fast charging capabilities to further complement the range, as well as electrifying appreciated vehicle nameplates. Fully connected vehicles continue to provide the expected experience through over-the-air updates and features available in the Kia Connect Store. The launch of further innovative technologies such as bi-directional charging (V2G, V2L, V2H) will guide us to add further value to the overall customer’s experience.
Along with a move towards sustainable mobility, Kia is pioneering the design and development of a PBV range, a total mobility solution that combines fit-for-purpose EVs with advanced software solutions, setting the benchmark for future mobility, with a smart approach to customer needs. Kia is also setting the industry standard with the goal to transition to become a sustainable mobility solutions provider, redefining transportation globally by 2040. As with the EV3 and the EV9, all future launched EVs will also feature the 10 must-have sustainability items that are recycled, bio-produced and chemical-free.
