Kia Wins in Two Categories of Newsweek's 'Disruptive Innovators in the Automotive Industry'

Kia won two awards at the 'The World’s Greatest Auto Disruptors 2024' ceremony held on the 26th (local time) at the World Trade Center in New York, USA, organized by Newsweek.

Kia Global Design Vice President Karim Habib received the Designer of the Year award, and Kia’s large electrified sports utility vehicle (SUV) EV9 was honored in the Research & Development of the Year category.

Since joining Kia in 2019, Vice President Habib has been recognized for leading design innovation across all areas including interior and exterior design, color, and materials, by establishing design strategies and directions based on Kia’s brand design philosophy, 'Opposites United' (creative fusion of contrasting concepts).

Vice President Habib said, "Kia will continue to maintain designs that reflect our brand value based on an innovative and future-oriented mindset to provide meaningful products and experiences."

Kia Karim Habib, Vice President of Global Design, selected as Designer of the Year at the Newsweek Automotive Industry Great Disruptive Innovators Awards Ceremony
[Photo by Kia]

The Kia EV9, which won the Research & Development of the Year award, is praised for its spacious interior offered by the three-row large electrified model, a large-capacity 99.8 kWh battery, 400V and 800V multi ultra-fast charging system, and wireless software updates (OTA), among various innovative features.

Yang Heewon, President of Hyundai Motor and Kia R&D Division, said, "The EV9 is Kia’s flagship large electrified model that demonstrates the excellence and innovation of Kia’s research and development technology. It has set a new standard for family cars as a three-row large SUV based on innovative product features and reasonable pricing."

Yoon Seungkyu, Head of Kia North America Division, said, "We are pleased that Kia’s efforts to enrich customers’ lives have been recognized through this Newsweek award. We will continue to strive tirelessly to realize Kia’s vision of providing sustainable mobility solutions."

Newsweek, a leading global current affairs weekly magazine, has held the 'The World’s Greatest Auto Disruptors' awards annually since 2022, presenting awards across nine categories. It selects individuals, organizations, and products that have led groundbreaking and creative changes in the automotive industry.

Kia EV9 selected for this year's Research and Development category at Newsweek's Great Disruptive Innovators in the Automotive Industry Awards Ceremony
[Photo by Kia]