MANILA: Kia revealed that the company is poised to transform one of its oldest facilities — Kia AutoLand Gwangmeong — into a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) factory.

To note, Kia AutoLand Gwangmeong is the site where the brand’s first passenger car (the Brisa) was produced.

According to the South Korean carmaker, redevelopment of Kia AutoLand Gwangmeong will conclude in the second quarter of 2024. Once upgraded, the EV plant will be able to cater the production of the EV3 — a compact electric crossover for domestic and international sales.

Kia mentioned that it aims to contribute significantly towards the overall group strategy of becoming one of the top three global EV manufacturers by 2030.

“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,” Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung said in a press release.

Per the Hyundai-owned brand, it 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.

On that note, Kia AutoLand Gwangmeong will serve as a beacon for the company’s objectives and will help the Seoul-headquartered auto firm to actively reduce carbon emissions in its manufacturing processes and significantly increase the usage of renewable energy, including implementing solar power generation systems in domestic and overseas production sites by 2045.

“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,” Chung noted.

Here in the Philippines, Kia is also taking significant strides in electrifying the local automotive scene. Not too long ago, the brand’s local wing introduced the EV6 battery-electric vehicle. It boasts a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor that sends approximately 226 horsepower and 350 Newton-meters of torque to the rear wheels. It also offers its owners emissions-free driving of up to 528 kilometers in a single charge.

With seats for five occupants, the Kia EV6 crossover can keep passengers engaged thanks to its 12.3-inch Apple CarPlay and Android Auto equipped touchscreen infotainment system coupled with a 14-speaker Meridian Surround Sound setup. Likewise, those riding inside the electric car can enjoy its creature comfort amenities, such as its leather seats and panoramic sunroof.

Peace of mind can be achieved whether owners take on short or long trips. The Kia EV6 is outfitted with advanced driver assist features like 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.

Moreover, the Kia EV6 does more than take its occupants from point A to point B. It can serve as a rolling power bank as it is able to juice up home appliances or tools using its onboard battery pack with its Vehicle-to-Load feature.

The Kia EV6 is priced at P3.788 million.

Photos from Kia Philippines and Ruben Manahan IV

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