Kia 2030 goals announced; 15 EVs, autonomous driving tech, PBV on cards

KUALA LUMPUR: At the recently held CEO Investor Day in Seoul, Korea, Kia detailed its mid-to-long-term business strategy that focuses on electrification. It comes in the form of an update to the automaker’s Plan S strategy announced in 2020. 

Over the past three years, Kia gained success in establishing itself as a strong global EV brand. Now, it plans to maintain momentum and continue to pursue its four core goals set last year to achieve its new goals for 2030. 

Kia’s updated goals are as follows -

2030 global sales goal of 4.3 million units: The automaker has set a target to outperform market growth with competitive models and improved brand perception. It aims to sell 3.2 million units this year, 4.01 million in 2026, and 4.3 million by the end of the decade. As for electric vehicles, it expects a hike from 21% in 2023 to 55% by 2030.

Annual EV sales goal of 1.6 million units by 2030: By 2027, the South Korean automaker will introduce its EV lineup consisting of 15 models that include the EV9 and the EV5, adding one additional model from last year's plan. It targets to sell 258,000 EVs this year, 1,005,000 EVs in 2026, and 1.6 million units in 2030, which is 33% more than what it announced last year. The company also aims at the local assembly of EVs to catch up with the fast-growing EV markets around the globe.

Apply connectivity to all new models by 2025: Kia has identified connectivity services; autonomous driving technology; performance; and design as its four key product attributes to lead the future mobility market and develop differentiated products. It will build a connected car data cloud and apply connectivity features to all newly launched vehicles from 2025. 

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Establish a tailored business structure and integrated solution for PBV: The company has started its Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV) business with a focus on the needs of customers. It is setting up a PBV factory in Hwaseong with the first dedicated PBV to be unveiled in 2025. It will gradually expand its PBV lineup to include a PBV robotaxi with autonomous driving, a small PBV for delivering goods, and a large PBV for public transportation.

“In 2021, Kia went through a full-scale transformation of its corporate name, logo, product, and design, as well as corporate strategy. As a result, our brand value has improved significantly, helping us to win a number of 'Car of the Year' awards in key markets,” said Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song.

“In order to become a Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider, Kia needs to continue its efforts to strengthen Kia brand identity and establish an innovative and customer-centric business model,” he added.

Also read: 2023 Kia Sorento launched in Malaysia; price starts from RM 211k