Kia moves towards sustainable mobility

Kia Central & South America (CSA) unveiled its road map to 2030 and beyond at its 2026 Kia EV Day I CSA event in Quito, Ecuador. The two-day event, which ran from September 16 to 18, provided a detailed look at the brand’s global and regional electrification strategy. “Since the Kia brand relaunch was executed in 2021 we are on the journey of transformation. We introduced a new brand identity, a new logo, and a new vision for the future. But this transformation was never simply about changing how Kia looks. It was about fundamental improvement in the value we deliver to our customers. As technology and lifestyles evolve, customers increasingly expect convenience, connectivity, innovation, and mobility solutions that fit naturally into daily life. This transformation led us to set a clear ambition: From a traditional automotive manufacturer to be a sustainable mobility solutions provider,” Steve Lee, president, Kia CSA, told guests at the event. According to Lee, there is no denying the transition to electrification for Kia CSA. “Over the past year, Kia has achieved a 146% increase in electrified vehicle sales across our region, driven by growing consumer acceptance of hybrid and electric technologies and by an increasingly diverse product portfolio,” added Victor Valentin, vice-president of sales, Kia CSA. Lee further explained that this pace is currently being driven by first adopters, and that mainstream buyers are not only still slowly moving toward EVs, but there are complex critical barriers within the Latin American & Caribbean markets. These include infrastructure and economic conditions, amongst others. “Because every customer and market is different, there is no single path to electrification. That is why at 2026 Kia EV Day we are showcasing an electrified portfolio built around one simple principle, providing the right solution at the right stage of the electrification journey,” said Lee. This strategy will see Kia have a model for the customer at whatever point of electrification they are at, or willing to move towards. These were all revealed on the first night of the event, with the Kia model line-up consisting of all-electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. Attendees watched as the brand’s new strategy unfolded in front of their very eyes. Kia showed off the all-electric range consisting of the EV2, EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, EV9, and PV5, all on their Electric-Global Modular Platform. These were followed by hybrid versions of popular standard models, such as an all-new Niro HEV, the recently launched Seltos, and the familiar nameplates — Sportage, Sorento, and Carnival. Kia aims to further increase the model count to ten in each of the two categories. “Today, our portfolio includes eight fully electric models and five full Hybrid models, including the recently launched 2026 Kia EV2,” said Ricardo Rosales, executive chairman, Kia Ecuador. Lee went into further detail. “This portfolio includes a complete hybrid line-up, providing a practical first step toward electrification for many customers; a full line-up of dedicated EVs, offering advanced technology, dynamic design, a reliable electric mobility experience, and innovative Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV), that will unlock new possibilities by redefining how mobility can serve both individuals and businesses. Together, HEV, EV, and PBV support customers at every stage of their mobility journey,” he added. For the second day of the 2026 Kia EV Day event, media, and guests were invited to explore the all-electric model line-up hands-on and, on the road, with a test drive loop around Quito and environs. “Successful electrification requires comprehensive understanding of customers, adapting to each market, and making sustainable mobility relevant in everyday life. At Kia, we remain committed to supporting this evolution through innovation, customer- focused solutions for a smooth transition towards electrification. We believe the opportunity for electrified mobility in our region is substantial, and we are confident the best is yet to come,” said Lee.