KIA PLANS EXPANSION TO ACCOMMODATE EV9 PRODUCTION

In a scenario where the demand for electric vehicles follows an unstoppable upward curve, various car companies are in a fast-paced race to secure a leadership position in this emerging market. What was once an emerging sector has morphed into a mainstream that is redefining the automotive industry. The promise of more sustainable, efficient and environmentally friendly mobility has captured the attention and interest of consumers, and it is clear that an inevitable transition to a future where electric vehicles will dominate, gradually displacing electric vehicles, is on the horizon. their gasolinedependent counterparts.

With a bold and forward-looking vision, Kia is on track to make a significant investment with the clear goal of establishing itself as the undisputed leader in the segment of electric SUVs designed for American families. The anticipated arrival of the three-row EV9 symbolizes Kia’s foray into this ever-expanding market, with the aim of providing an exceptionally suitable and advanced solution for the mobility needs of modern families.

Kia Georgia’s West Point Assembly Plant

Kia Georgia’s West Point Assembly Plant is undergoing a transformation that will enable the assembly of the all-electric 2024 EV9 three-row SUV in the second quarter of 2024. This more than $200 million expansion will create nearly 200 additional jobs in Troup County with EV9 joining Telluride, Sorento and Sportage SUVs and K5 midsize sedan as the fifth model to be assembled at Kia Georgia.

The modernization of Kia Georgia’s West Point Assembly Plant represents a significant step toward Kia’s vision of leading the electric vehicle industry. This transformation not only involves the addition of the 2024 EV9 three-row SUV, but also a profound adaptation of manufacturing and assembly technologies.

Through an investment of more than $200 million, the plant is being equipped with state-of-the-art facilities specifically designed for the efficient and precise production of electric vehicles. This focus on innovation will not only strengthen Kia’s position in the market, but will also contribute to regional economic development by creating nearly 200 additional jobs in Troup County, which can significantly help its population, both directly and indirectly.

The new Kia EV9

The introduction of the EV9 to the Kia Georgia production line reaffirms the company’s commitment to sustainability and electric mobility. Joining the distinguished lineup of models already being assembled at the plant, including the Telluride SUV, Sorento, Sportage and K5 midsize sedan, the EV9 represents a bold step toward a greener driving future.

This step also highlights the importance of the Georgia plant within Kia’s global manufacturing network, becoming a fundamental pillar for the production of electric vehicles and a key piece in the brand’s growth strategy in the automotive market. constantly evolving electrical

“Like Telluride, EV9 has the potential to be another ‘game changer’ for Kia,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO of Kia

North America and Kia America. “This will be the most sophisticated vehicle we have ever built and it will stand out in the EV market and on the road. Best of all, it will be assembled in West Point, Georgia.”

Kia’s vision extends further, seeking to establish itself as the driving force behind large 7-passenger SUVs. Through the combination of sophisticated design, unparalleled comfort and exceptional capabilities, Kia aspires to be the name of reference in the family SUV segment, standing out not only for its size and space, but also for its unmatched quality and its commitment to customer satisfaction.

EV9 will be Kia’s first EV assembled in North America and combines all the best SUV elements of the award-winning Telluride with the best EV elements of the awardwinning EV6. EV9 will combine capability with technology and refined elegance.

The upcoming launch of the EV9 reflects Kia’s ambitious quest to perfect its winning formula in the field of family electric vehicles. Building on the accolades already won by the successful Kia Telluride and EV6 models, the brand is embarking on an exciting venture to merge the best of both worlds in the new EV9.

This strategic combination is intended to create a family vehicle that capitalizes on the lessons learned from its previous experiences with these two leading models. By extracting the salient qualities of each, Kia aims to produce a next-generation electric SUV that not only evolves in terms of efficiency and technology, but also maintains its customers’ trust in the brand, while continuing to forge new paths in the innovation of electric SUVs.

Report: Sebastián Marín Jaramillo