As demand grows for its first three-row electric SUV, Kia has broken the previous record for EV sales in July. Kia is “confident that consumer interest in the Kia brand will continue to strengthen” in light of new electrified vehicles like the EV9.
It is currently undergoing a significant brand makeover. The Korean carmaker’s long-term “Plan S” strategy to position itself for the future included the introduction of a new emblem and slogan in 2021. Kia’s approach is to “popularize electric vehicles” by offering a variety of models. Certain markets are the focus of the EV models.
Thus far, Kia’s progress is paying dividends. Kia is maintaining its pace into the second half of 2024 after EV sales in the US surged in the first half of the year.
In the US last month, it sold a record number of vehicles. Kia’s EV volume for the first seven months of 2024 is 99% higher than it was the previous year. The new three-row electric SUV from the company, the EV9, is the main driver of the company’s development in EV sales.
The EV9 is leaving its mark since it arrived on the US market in late 2018. In the United States last month, Kia sold 1,815 more EV9 cars.
Through July, Kia has handed over nearly 11,500 EV9 models. Kia called the EV9’s $54,900 starting price a “wake-up call” to rivals, and so far, it seems to be.
Eric Watson, Kia America’s vice president of sales operations, said with new electrified offerings like the EV9 and Carnival MPV (hybrid), “we are confident that consumer interest in the Kia brand will continue to strengthen.”
The company also sold another 1,547 EV6 models in July for a total of 12,488 through the first seven months of 2024.
Like many rivals, the Korean automaker is introducing more hybrid models. Watson explained, “Kia anticipated the shifting market trends, and we proactively responded by improving our range of sustainable electrified models, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric models.”
Kia’s first EV9 rolled off the production line at its West Point, Ga plant in June, making history as the first EV fully assembled in the state.
The US-built EV9 qualifies for the $7,500 EV tax credit, which could help drive momentum in the second half of 2024.
Kia is also expanding its brand globally. By launching a series of low-cost EVs, Kia looks to secure leadership in the EV market.
Kia opened EV3 pre-orders in Korea in June. Starting at $30,700 (KRW 42.08 million), the EV3 secured over 10,000 reservations in 23 days. In the UK, the EV3 starts at $42,300 (£32,995).
Meanwhile, Kia’s next-gen electric sedan was spotted testing in Europe for the first time this week. It’s expected to launch as a new Tesla Model 3 rival priced around $35,000 next year.
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