Kia Unveils Europe-Bound EV9: "93,000 Units to be Sold in Europe"

Kia is solidifying its position as a leading electrification brand in the European automotive market by spearheading with its flagship electrified sport utility vehicle (SUV), the 'EV9'.

Kia announced on the 30th that it held the 'Kia Brand Summit' over a period of fifteen days starting from the 15th. The event unveiled the Europe-spec EV9 for the first time to media from over 20 major European countries including Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy, and announced its mid- to long-term electrification strategy for the European market.

David Hilbert (from left), Marketing Director of Kia Europe Regional Headquarters, Sud Nipping, Head of Product & Marketing at Kia Europe Regional Headquarters, Jeong Won-jeong, Head of Kia Europe Regional Headquarters, Karim Habib, Head of Kia Global Design Center, and Gregory Guiom, Head of Kia Europe Design Center, are posing for a commemorative photo with the Europe-specific "Kia EV9 GT Line" unveiled at the "Kia Brand Summit" held in Germany. Photo by Hyundai Motor Group

This event marked the local premiere of the Europe-spec model of the EV9, which represents Kia’s electrification lineup. It was also organized to share Kia’s vision of accelerating its transformation into an electrification brand with the European market.

Jung Won-jung, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Europe, said, "Kia is delivering thrilling moments locally in Europe by introducing electric vehicles (EVs) that are changing the market landscape, enhancing customer experiences, and showcasing innovative connected services that form the foundation of sustainable mobility solutions."

Kia became the first Korean brand to be named 'European Car of the Year (COTY)' with its dedicated electric vehicle EV6. Following this, Kia plans to aggressively target the European electric vehicle market once again by launching the EV9, its second model built on Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated electric vehicle platform E-GMP, which is a large electric SUV.

The EV9 features spaciousness and a grand design realized through its dedicated platform. It also incorporates cutting-edge technologies such as Highway Driving Pilot (HDP), Kia Connect Store, and Over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Kia embedded its commitment and efforts toward sustainability in the EV9 by applying ten essential sustainable materials.

The Europe-spec EV9, scheduled for local launch in the second half of this year, features Ocean Matte Blue as its main exterior color and some front design elements that differentiate it from the Korean and U.S. models. Kia plans to actively expand electric vehicle sales in the European market by prominently introducing the EV9 in the second half of this year.

Kia aims to sell 93,000 electric vehicles in the European market this year. It plans to increase electric vehicle sales to 515,000 units by 2030. The company has also set a goal to raise the share of electric vehicle sales in Europe from 17% this year to 74% by 2030.

Alongside expanding electric vehicle sales, Kia is strengthening partnerships with local charging infrastructure companies such as Ionity and Digital Charging Solutions. This is to enhance convenience for electric vehicle customers and actively contribute to building the local charging ecosystem. Through collaboration with local partners, Kia currently provides more than 500,000 charging points across 28 European countries.