Towards a New Beginning
Chapter 7. 2020 - Present
2020
From Automobiles to
Future Mobility
In 2020, Kia announced its Plan S1 strategy centered on electric vehicles and mobility
solutions—serving as a roadmap for the brand’s transformation into a sustainable mobility
solutions provider. The following year, Kia revealed a new corporate identity, including
a simplified name—from Kia Motors to Kia—and a new slogan, “Movement that inspires.”
Moving beyond traditional manufacturing, Kia’s new vision is to redefine the future of mobility
by delivering new experiences.
Following Kia’s global brand relaunch, the EV6—its first dedicated
electric vehicle—was introduced in March 2021. EV6 went on to become the first Korean car to
win both European Car of the Year (2022) and North American Car of the Year (2023),
showcasing Kia’s successful transition to electrification.
1) Plan S: A strategy focused on establishing a full EV lineup, leading autonomous driving services,
and developing purpose-built mobility. The “S” stands for “Shift.”
2022
Defining the EV Era:
Kia’s Dedicated EV Lineup
In 2021, Kia’s new chapter in electrification began with EV6. Two years later came EV9,
a large premium SUV built on the dedicated E-GMP platform. In 2024, EV9 made history, winning both
World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle of the Year. It provided clear affirmation that
Kia’s leap into electrification was more than just a promise.
Riding this momentum, Kia opened
Korea’s first dedicated EV plant, the Gwangmyeong EVO Plant, in July 2024. In the same year, Kia unveiled EV3, a compact SUV that won the title of 2025 World Car of the Year.
With EV4, EV5, and EV2 joining the lineup, Kia isn’t just keeping pace with the EV era—it’s leading the charge.
2024
Kia’s PBV Vision:
Platform Beyond Vehicle
At CES1 2024, Kia redefined its Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV) concept as “Platform Beyond Vehicle,”
unveiling the next step in customized mobility and advanced technology. This marked a bold
shift from cars being viewed as just a means of transport to platforms where technology and
services converge to create value-added mobility solutions.
To turn this vision into reality, Kia began developing a dedicated PBV platform and broke
ground on a new plant. The rollout starts with PV5 in 2025, followed by PV7 in 2027 and PV9 in
2029—bringing Kia’s next-generation mobility strategy to life, one innovative product at a time.
1) CES (Consumer Electronics Show): The world’s largest ICT and future technology exhibition, held every January,
where innovative technologies and products are unveiled
2024
Driving a Sustainable Future
As a global manufacturer, Kia has placed environmental responsibility at the top of its list of
priorities, pledging to pursue carbon neutrality and broader social initiatives.
Kia expanded its efforts to reduce emissions by building eco-friendly energy facilities,
joining the RE100 initiative, and partnering with The Ocean Cleanup.
Meanwhile, Kia has been carrying out numerous social initiatives for ensuring a sustainable society,
such as the Green Trip Project1 and the Green Light Project2.
1) Green Trip Project: Provides specially equipped vehicles and drivers to support people with mobility challenges
2) Green Light Project: Supports underserved regions with education, healthcare, job training, medical transport, etc.
