Kia has unveiled the EV9 in Europe, the leading market for electric vehicles. This comes a year after the company announced the EV9’s European launch. The EV9 is the first large SUV in Kia’s European lineup. Kia plans to introduce 15 EV models by 2027, and the EV9 will be a key step in the right direction.
Kia today unveiled the EV9 in Europe and announced its mid- to long-term strategy for the European market. The announcement was made to media in more than 20 major European countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, and France.
“Kia is showcasing game-changing electric vehicles (EVs) and innovative connected services that enhance the customer experience and form the basis of sustainable mobility solutions,” said Won-Jung Jung, Head of Kia Motors Europe, at the event.
Jung Won-Jung Kia, Head of Kia Motors Europe, delivers a welcome speech at the Kia Brand Summit in Germany./Photo=Kia
Kia previously sold its first dedicated EV in Europe, the EV6, which was named European Car of the Year (COTY) for the first time in the Korean brand’s history. With the EV9, Kia plans to aggressively target the European EV market once again. The EV9 will be Kia’s먹튀검증 fourth EV model in Europe, following the Soul EV, Niro EV, and EV6.
Design changes
The EV9 will have a slightly different design for Europe. Unlike the Korean and U.S. models, it does not have a digitally patterned illuminated grille at the front. This design reflects the preferences of European customers. The main exterior color is Ocean Matte Blue.
Technology on board is the same. The European version of the EV9 is also equipped with a number of cutting-edge technologies, including highway autonomous driving (HDP), Kia Connect Store, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
The EV9 has been described by local media as “the start of a new design era for Kia” and “the perfect SUV for family transportation”.
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More than 3 percent of EVs in Europe
The EV9 will debut in Europe in the second half of this year. Kia plans to significantly increase its EV sales in Europe in time for the EV9 launch. The company plans to sell 93,000 electric vehicles this year, with a blueprint to reach 515,000 by 2030.
The company is also reorganizing its European vehicle lineup to focus on EVs. By 2027, Kia plans to offer 15 electric vehicles. The company plans to increase its share of EV sales in Europe from 17% this year to 74% by 2030.
Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Hyundai and Kia, sold a total of 96,988 electric vehicles in 10 European countries, including Germany, last year, accounting for a 10 percent share, according to electric vehicle specialist CleanTechnica. It ranked fourth after Volkswagen Group (25.6%), Stellantis (14.1%) and Tesla (13.4%). Hyundai sold 54,906 units and Kia sold 42,082 units.