Kia EV9 drives document July EV gross sales as confidence in model grows

For those who’re seeing extra Kia electrical vehicles on the street, it’s not simply you. The corporate set a brand new EV gross sales document in July as its first three-row electrical SUV beneficial properties momentum. With new electrified fashions just like the EV9, Kia is “assured that client curiosity within the Kia model will proceed to strengthen.”

Revamping the model

Kia is within the midst of a serious model overhaul. For those who haven’t seen, Kia’s don’t appear like they used to.

The Korean automaker launched a new emblem and slogan in 2021 as a part of its long-term “Plan S” technique to place it for the long run. Kia’s technique focuses on “popularizing electrical autos” via a variety of fashions. The EV fashions are geared toward particular markets.

Kia’s evolution is paying off to this point. After EV gross sales doubled within the first half of 2024 within the US, Kia is carrying the momentum into the second half of the yr.

Kia bought a document variety of vehicles within the US final month. By way of the primary seven months of 2024, Kia’s EV quantity is up 99% in comparison with final yr. The largest motive behind Kia’s EV gross sales development is its new three-row electrical SUV, the EV9.

Kia EV9 drives gross sales development, boosting model confidence

After the EV9 hit the US market late final yr, it’s already making its mark. Kia bought one other 1,815 EV9 fashions within the US final month.

By way of July, Kia has handed over almost 11,500 EV9 fashions. Kia known as the EV9’s $54,900 beginning value a “wake-up name” to rivals, and to this point, it appears to be.

Eric Watson, Kia America’s vp of gross sales operations, mentioned with new electrified choices just like the EV9 and Carnival MPV (hybrid), “we’re assured that client curiosity within the Kia model will proceed to strengthen.”

Kia additionally bought one other 1,547 EV6 fashions in July for a complete of 12,488 via the primary seven months of 2024.

Like many rivals, the Korean automaker is introducing extra hybrid fashions. Watson defined, “Kia anticipated the shifting market developments, and we proactively responded by enhancing our vary of sustainable electrified fashions, together with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric fashions.”

Kia’s first EV9 rolled off the manufacturing line at its West Level, Ga plant in June, making historical past as the primary EV absolutely assembled within the state.

The US-built EV9 qualifies for the $7,500 EV tax credit score, which may assist drive momentum within the second half of 2024.

Kia can also be increasing its model globally. By launching a collection of low-cost EVs, Kia seems to safe management within the EV market.

Kia opened EV3 pre-orders in Korea in June. Beginning at $30,700 (KRW 42.08 million), the EV3 secured over 10,000 reservations in 23 days. In the UK, the EV3 begins at $42,300 (£32,995).

In the meantime, Kia’s next-gen electrical sedan was noticed testing in Europe for the primary time this week. It’s anticipated to launch as a brand new Tesla Mannequin 3 rival priced round $35,000 subsequent yr.