Electrification, sustainability, and a greener future go hand in hand with consistent change, innovation, and creativity. The message from Kia as it kicks off 2024 is clear: The company is committed to fostering a corporate culture that encourages innovation and challenge, sustainable growth for the future, social responsibility for the environment, and strengthening carbon-neutral activities.
Kia AutoLand Gwangmyeong—soon to be the first dedicated EV factory in Korea—is a beacon for all these objectives. As the venue of the brand’s New Year Festivities, it is also a symbol of the bright future that Kia envisions for itself and its growing customer base.
To become carbon-neutral by 2045, Kia will actively reduce carbon emissions in its manufacturing processes and significantly increase the use of renewable energy, including implementing solar power generation systems in domestic and overseas production sites.
“Instead of fearing what comes next, let us rise to the challenge. Let us keep reinventing and innovating ourselves to usher in a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow,” said Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) executive chair Euisun Chung during his New Year address to the company and its stakeholders.
Also Korea’s 1st integrated car factory in 1973
This year’s ceremony, meant to highlight the Group’s focus for the year ahead, was held at Kia AutoLand Gwangmyeong, a facility established in 1973 as Korea’s first integrated automobile factory with a conveyor belt production process, ushering in the country’s full-scale automobile production era.
In the first half of 2024, HMG will complete the construction of Korea’s first dedicated EV factory at the site.
This year also marks the 80th anniversary of Kia’s founding and the 50th anniversary of the launch of Kia’s first passenger car, the Brisa, produced at this very same factory.
Chung said, “I am excited about the series of innovations in electrification that will start here at AutoLand Gwangmyeong, the Group’s first EV-dedicated plant, and expand to Ulsan, the United States and beyond.”
The Group will complete the redevelopment of the Kia AutoLand Gwangmyeong EV Plant in the second quarter of this year. The upgraded facility will produce the brand’s EV3, a compact electric crossover, for domestic and international sales. Kia aims to contribute significantly towards the overall group strategy of becoming one of the top three global EV manufacturers by 2030.
Kia EV6: Real-world practicality, performance
As part of the brand’s evolving sustainability efforts, Kia Philippines introduced the Kia EV6 battery electric vehicle in 2023. Its 229PS and 350Nm permanent magnet synchronous motor, rear-wheel drive configuration, and 2,900-mm wheelbase make the Kia EV6 a potent crossover for five. Its EPA-estimated range of 528 kms on a single charge gives the Kia EV6 real-world practicality and performance.
With its 12.3-inch Apple CarPlay and Android Auto equipped touchscreen infotainment system, the 14-speaker Meridian Surround Sound setup, black suede and white leather seats, and panoramic sunroof, the Kia EV6 provides premium comfort and convenience whether driving in the city or on long countryside journeys.
Equipped with advanced driver assistance features such as smart cruise control, blind spot detection, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, forward collision avoidance, rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist, safe exit assist, and a high-resolution 360-degree camera, the Kia EV6 enhances driving safety and mitigates incidents.
Able to run home appliances or tools using its onboard battery pack with its vehicle-to-load feature, the Kia EV6 makes for a versatile premium electric mobility crossover for families and professionals alike.
Priced at P3,788,000, the Kia EV6 comes with a 5-year, or 160,000km, vehicle warranty and an 8-year, or 160,000-km battery warranty for customers’ peace of mind.