Kia Reaches $25 Billion Export Tower in its 80th Year

Kia Corp., formerly known as Kia Motors, has reached a significant milestone in its 80th year of operation. The company, which rebranded in 2021, has secured a $25 billion export tower, marking a remarkable achievement for the global automobile brand. This rebranding included a new logo and a strategic shift towards high-profit recreational vehicle (RV) models, significantly improving its profit structure.

Kia's aggressive entry into the electric vehicle market, starting with the launch of its first dedicated electric vehicle, the EV6, in 2021, has contributed to its growth. The company has successfully launched various electric vehicle lineups, including the EV9, leading the popularization of electric vehicles. This strategy has built trust in the brand across all global regions by expanding sales of high-profit RVs and eco-friendly cars in markets such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

Kia is promoting an all-encompassing strategy for the popularization of electric vehicles. It is converting the Gwangmyeong Plant 2 into a dedicated electric vehicle factory and continuously investing in electrification, such as expanding global charging infrastructure. The company plans to release 15 electric vehicle models by 2027. From next year, Kia will provide a differentiated mobility experience through a dedicated purpose-built vehicle (PBV) factory.

Kia's commitment to quality and performance is evident in its achievements from 2021 to 2023, where it secured first place for three consecutive years in the U.S. J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study. Additionally, in the J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, seven models, including the EV6 and Carnival, were selected as the best, making Kia the most awarded brand. The EV6 was selected as the European Car of the Year, and the EV9 was selected as the World Car of the Year, proving its technological prowess.