KIA OUTLINES BOLD MOVE TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY AND ELECTRIFICATION TRANSITION AT PAN EUROPEAN DEALER CONVENTION

  • Kia hosts a Pan European dealer convention in Berlin, 29-30 May, with the theme ‘It’s #OurMove’
  • Kia outlines new business opportunities and presents the brand’s expanding EV product line-up to Kia dealers from across Europe
  • Focus points: Momentum, Opportunity, Vision, and Experience are integral to Kia becoming a sustainable mobility solutions provider

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.

In a VIP setting the goal was to showcase new additions to the brand’s product line-up and provide key details of how the brand is continuing its bold evolution to become a sustainable mobility solutions provider. The event was attended by Kia executives, including Ho Sung Song, Kia President and CEO, Marc Hedrich, President and CEO at Kia Europe, and Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design.

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.

Kia bold new move towards electrification
Kia bold new move towards electrification

“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.”

Sustaining the momentum

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.

“With our bold brand transformation, I’m very proud to say Kia is now a frontrunner as a sustainable mobility solutions provider,” said Marc Hedrich, President, and CEO at Kia Europe. “This evolution, driven by our commitment to being progressive, bold and responsible, has sparked significant growth and development, strengthening our position in the industry for years to come.”​

Kia bold new move towards electrification

Avenues of opportunity

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.

The vision for success

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.

The Kia experience

The brand is focused on ensuring satisfaction through all the touchpoints of the consumer journey, with vehicles that are emotional, reliable, practical, and connected, a key differentiator for Kia. Kia Connect enables real-time support for customers to solve any issues with their vehicle via assistance from the technical service centre. Finally, Kia is also digitising the ownership and maintenance experience through MyKia for customers and MyService for dealers.