Kia To Streamline Its Lineup With EVs & Hybrids For Asia Pacific

In line with its major 2021 makeover, Kia has changed its focus to become what it calls a “sustainable mobility solutions provider.” One of its main goals is to sell 1.6 million EVs a year by 2030, which would translate to 38% of its total sales. The firm intends to accomplish this, in part, by offering a comprehensive range of EVs at more reasonable prices, especially in emerging markets like those in the Asia Pacific area, including Malaysia.

Kia EV5

Ki Seok Ahn, President and CEO of Kia Asia Pacific HQ, reaffirmed the company’s intentions for an extended lineup in the region, namely in the price range of USD 35,000 to USD 50,000 (about RM157k to RM224k), during his remarks at the recent 2024 Kia EV Day Asia Pacific.

The Kia EV3, EV5, and EV4 Concept will be among them; the former will make its Asia Pacific debut during the event and commence sales in the region in 2025. With a good WLTP-rated range of 605 km, the small B-segment EV SUV is powered by an 81.4 kWh battery pack.

In contrast, the EV5 was just introduced in Thailand and is priced at THB1.35 million, or roughly RM173k, so expect to see it in Malaysia soon.

Beyond that lineup, Kia is also intending to provide even cheaper EVs that will come in under the USD35,000 pricing mark. The new Kia EV2, which was recently spotted road testing, will be the star of the entry-level market.

Although EVs are the primary focus, an expanded hybrid vehicle lineup—which will include up to eight models by 2026—will also be used to complement the cheaper EVs. The PV5 Concept, which previews the Korean automaker’s next range of “platform beyond vehicles (PBV),” will also be crucial to reaching its objectives.

However, Ahn said that the actual introduction of these models will need to be examined “country to country” on a strategic level because of the “diverse” laws and incentives for EVs in the area.

CARLIST THOUGHTS

Kia will be growing its global EV production facilities in six regions—Korea, the EU, the US, India, China, and Asia Pacific—in addition to its automobiles. In addition to optimising its current production capacity in Korea, the company stated that its new EV production facilities will start operating next year. However, it did not provide further details on these plans.

More Articles for You

Hagerty Stages Cool Car Show Paying Homage To 80s And 90s Rarities: Why Not!?

RADwood UK celebrated the excess of the 1980s and 90s car and pop culture at Bicester Motion on Saturday, August 23, …

China’s Yangwang U9 Posts New World EV Speed Record Of 472 km/h

Yangwang, BYD’s high-end sub-brand, has set a new world electric vehicle (EV) top-speed record of 472.41 km/h (293.5 mph) at …

World-Class Auction At Monterey Reaches $45 Million In Sales

The Monterey Car Week is arguably the world’s most prestigious automotive event, comprised of numerous high-profile events like the Pebble …

Suzuki Fronx To Debut In Malaysia In Q4 2025

‘Fronx’ is a strange name to be sure. It’s what happens when you marry ‘frontier’ with ‘crossover’ in a uniquely …

Hyundai Named Top Brand In J.D. Power Study For 6th Straight Year

Hyundai has done it again. The Korean brand has once again been recognized as the top mass-market brand in the J.D. …

A Century Of Phantom: From Rock’n’Roll To Rap Celebrates Rolls Royce’s 100 Years In Music

As the Phantom turns 100, it’s time to reflect on an enviable legacy in music history. The connection between Rolls-Royce …