KIA MOTORS PASSES ON SUPER BOWL COMMERCIAL TO “ACCELERATE THE GOOD” FOR AMERICA’S YOUTH

IRVINE, Calif., January 29, 2021 – After a decade of creative and award-winning Super Bowl campaigns, Kia will not be advertising in Super Bowl LV. Instead, the brand will expand its charitable initiatives in support of America’s youth. Kia’s “Accelerate The Good” program began in 2019 when the Great Unknowns Scholarship was established to help young people in need get a foothold in higher education. At the onset of the pandemic in 2020, we continued our efforts through two separate $1 million donations to organizations that support America’s homeless youth population.

This year, in a unique and meaningful way, Kia continues to “Accelerate The Good” and will help even more young people impacted by the pandemic. Full details on this latest initiative will be available Thursday, February 4.

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 750 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

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Hyundai Motor Group Introduces Advanced Humanoid Robot ‘DAL-e’ for Automated Customer Services

• 'DAL-e' is an AI-powered automated robot offering bespoke customer services at a HMG showroom with plans for adoption in diverse operating environments
• DAL-e boasts language processing, facial recognition and automated mobility capabilities for seamless wall-to-wall services under Covid-19 situation
• Pilot operation begins at a Hyundai Motor showroom in Seoul with a view to further optimization, updates and improvements 

Hyundai Motor Group has launched the “DAL-e,” a highly advanced customer service robot that independently communicates with people using precise recognition capabilities and mobility functions.

The DAL-e is an acronym for “Drive you, Assist you, Link with you-experience.” Designed to pioneer the future of automated customer services, the DAL-e is equipped with state-of-the-art artificial intelligence technology for facial recognition as well as an automatic communication system based on a language-comprehension platform. 

“The DAL-e is a next-generation service platform that can offer automated customer services anytime. It is expected to become a messenger capable of delivering consistent messages to customers in a more intimate and personal way than conventional robots,” said Dong Jin Hyun, Vice President and Head of the Robotics Lab at Hyundai Motor Group. “With continuous updates and improvements, the DAL-e will provide fresh, pleasant experiences to our valued customers in a contact-free environment. Our objective is to enable the DAL-e to engage in a smooth and entertaining communication with customers and present valuable services to them.”

On January 25, Hyundai Motor Group announced the inaugural unveiling of the DAL-e at a Hyundai Motor showroom in southern Seoul, where the robot has commenced its pilot operation. Following the pilot operation, it is expected to be used in various fields that require everyday interactions with customers, such as other showrooms of Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation.

With its truncated, humanoid body exuding a welcoming appeal (measuring 1,160 X 600 X 600 mm and weighing 80kg), the DAL-e is significantly lighter and more compact compared to other customer service and guide robots in the market.

It is accoutered with friendly, emotive physical features for close interactions with customers. In the event that a customer enters the showroom without wearing a mask, the android recognizes it and advises the customer to wear one. In terms of its communication capability, it can engage in an automated and smooth dialogue with customers by providing useful information on products and services and responding to verbal and screen touch commands.

In terms of mobility, the DAL-e can move freely and escort customers to designated spots using its omnidirectional four wheels.Furthermore, it purveys entertaining information, such as explaining vehicles and technologies by connecting wirelessly to a large display screen at the venue, beckoning visitors to take photos with it, and providing gestured feedbacks using its movable arms.

At the exhibition hall where it is being pilot-operated, the DAL-e is credited with easing the staff’s workflow and offering hands-on help to customers, including those who do not prefer to be assisted by human staff in light of the Covid-19 circumstances, as well as those who visit the venue during busy peak times such as the weekend.

Hyundai Motor Group plans to continuously update the DAL-e based on data from pilot operations, perfecting its operational capabilities as an advanced android robot.

About Hyundai Motor Group

Hyundai Motor Group is a global corporation that has created a value chain based on automobiles, steel, and construction and includes logistics, finance, IT and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group’s automobile brands include Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp and Genesis. Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication and the will to take on all challenges, we are working to create a better future for all.

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KIA RIO WINS 2021 VINCENTRIC BEST VALUE IN AMERICA AWARD

• 2021 Rio 5-Door earns top spot in the Subcompact Hatchback segment
• Subcompact’s technology package, sporty style and exceptional value stand out from the competition

IRVINE, Calif., January 21, 2021 – The Kia Rio 5-Door has earned a 2021 Vincentric Best Value in America Award, ranking number one in the Subcompact Hatchback segment. A leading source of cost-of-ownership data and analysis within the automotive industry, Vincentric determined the winners by analyzing current market price and total cost of ownership for all 2021 model year vehicles.

"Kia’s transformation into a world-class car company has earned the brand significant accolades across its entire vehicle lineup, and this latest honor from Vincentric is further testament to Kia’s commitment to quality and value,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia Motors America, Kia Motors North America. “We are proud to have a company like Vincentric recognize the Rio for its significance in a segment very important to many American families.”

The refreshed 2021 Kia Rio 5-Door is an attractive option for customers looking for stylish efficiency. Loaded with essential technology and convenience features like an 8-inch touchscreen color display with rear camera, LED headlights and automatic temperature control, the sporty subcompact offers a strong value proposition in a sophisticated yet space-efficient package.

“The Kia Rio had the lowest repair and depreciation costs of all Subcompact Hatchback vehicles,” said David Wurster, president, Vincentric. “These low costs helped the Rio outperform the competition for the 2021 Vincentric Best Value in America Awards and prove its strong value in the consumer market."

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 750 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

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‘Movement that inspires’ – Kia presents its new brand purpose and future strategy

• New brand strategy and future ambitions revealed in digital showcase
• Corporate name changed from ‘Kia Motors’ to ‘Kia’
• Company puts its ‘Plan S’ long-term strategy into action to create sustainable mobility solutions for customers
• Seven new dedicated electric vehicles to launch by 2027
• Kia turns to recyclable materials and renewable energy for more sustainable manufacturing
• Kia’s first dedicated BEV and new design philosophy to be revealed soon

(SEOUL) January 15, 2021 – Kia has announced new details of its new brand purpose and ambitions for the future during a digital showcase event. Supported by a new brand slogan, ‘Movement that inspires’, Kia today reveals new details of a strategy which will see the company go beyond vehicle manufacturing to create sustainable mobility solutions for customers.

Signaling the brand breaking away from its traditional manufacturing-driven business model, Kia has announced a new corporate name. Removing the ‘Motors’ from its name (previously ‘Kia Motors Corporation’), Kia will expand into new and emerging business areas by creating innovative mobility products and services to improve customers’ daily lives.

Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia Corporation, comments: “At Kia, we believe that transportation, mobility, and movement represent a human right. Our vision is to create sustainable mobility solutions for consumers, communities, and societies globally. Today we start putting this vision into action with the launch of our new brand purpose and strategy for the future.”

The ‘New Kia Brand Showcase’ can be viewed on the Kia Global YouTube channel from 09:00 Korean Standard Time on Friday January 15, 2021 (01:00 CET, January 15 / 16:00 PST, January 14): https://youtu.be/U67RlX9ibfo

Introducing Kia’s new brand purpose and slogan: ‘Movement that inspires’

Kia’s new brand slogan, ‘Movement that inspires’, is introduced today at the heart of a brand manifesto which reflects Kia’s new purpose of inspiring consumers through products and services, and their experiences with the brand.

Kia’s new brand purpose emphasizes that movement is at the genesis of human development. Movement enables people to see new places, to meet new people, and to have new experiences. This connection is the essence of Kia’s new brand – to enable human progress by providing innovative in-car spaces, exciting new products, and meaningful, convenient services that inspire customers and free up time for the activities that they enjoy the most.

Artur Martins, Senior Vice President, Head of Global Brand & Customer Experience at Kia, said “Movement has always been at heart of our brand, and moving people at the core of our business. Movement helps humankind to constantly progress, improve, and evolve. That is why at Kia we believe that movement inspires ideas.”

Kia has been in the ‘movement’ industry for more than 75 years, and the company went on to create Korea’s first domestic bicycles and to manufacture motorcycles and delivery trucks. Today, Kia is one of the biggest automakers globally, providing high-value passenger vehicles to millions of people around the world.

Under its new brand purpose, Kia will meet changing customer expectations about how they move, and how their movement impacts the world around them. Consumers are increasingly seeking out flexible, environmentally conscious, and integrated forms of transportation.

Kia’s new brand strategy is to respond to – and shape – these changing expectations by developing a range of products and services to meet customers’ needs in markets around the globe. These will offer greater access to a wider range of environmentally conscious mobility products and services to meet growing demand from customers worldwide for flexible, customizable, individualized mobility solutions, enabled by data and new technologies.

Kia Corporation’s broader vision for sustainable mobility

Reflecting the brand’s broader vision for mobility, Kia has announced today a new corporate name as it expands into new business areas to promote sustainable mobility. By removing the ‘Motors’ from its name, Kia’s new corporate name shows a commitment to its long-term ‘Plan S’ business strategy. This was announced in 2020, and will see the brand establish a leadership position in the future mobility industry, expanding its business to encompass EVs, mobility solutions and services, purpose-built vehicles, and more. Alongside these efforts, Kia will simultaneously promote more sustainable production through the usage of clean energy and recyclable materials.

Kia is focused on popularizing battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and plans to reinforce its global product line-up with the introduction of seven new dedicated BEVs by 2027. These new models will include a range of passenger vehicles, SUVs and MPVs across several segments, each incorporating industry-leading technology for long-range driving and high-speed charging from Hyundai Motor Group’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).

Kia is also developing a range of new Purpose-Built Vehicles (PBVs) for corporate customers. These specialized vehicles will be based on flexible ‘skateboard’ platforms, with modular bodies designed to meet the specific mobility needs of a broad range of corporate and fleet customers. Partnerships with the likes of Canoo and Arrival will mean Kia PBVs can offer different bodies mounted on top of an integrated modular ‘skateboard’ platform, tailored to users’ functional requirements.

Demand for PBVs is expected to grow five-fold by 2030 due to rapid and sustained growth in e-commerce and car-sharing services. Bespoke Kia PBVs will be tailored to meet the needs of corporate and fleet customers. For instance, these could include car-sharing vehicles, low-floor logistics vehicles, and delivery vehicles.

The change in the company’s corporate name also means transforming the organization’s working culture. President Song explains: “Changing our corporate name and logo is not only a cosmetic improvement. It represents us expanding our horizons and establishing new and emerging businesses that meet and exceed the diverse needs of our customers worldwide. More importantly, it also means adapting our working culture, enabling the creativity of all our employees and establishing an inspiring work environment.”

Development of eco-friendly mobility services

Another strategic objective under Plan S is a commitment by Kia to diversify its business to offer eco-friendly mobility services, centered on electric and autonomous driving across major global cities.

In addition, Kia is ramping up collaboration and partnerships with global mobility solutions businesses, diversifying mobility services in global strategic regions. In 2018, the company invested in Grab, Southeast Asia’s largest ride-hailing service, food delivery and payment solutions company; and in Ola in March 2019, an Indian company offering peer-to-peer ridesharing, ride-service hailing, taxi, food delivery and other mobility services.

Kia is also establishing other mobility services, including WiBLE, a car-sharing joint venture with Repsol, Spain’s major energy corporation, in Madrid. Launched in September 2018, WiBLE operates 500 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid EVs (PHEVs) through a free-floating method that allows users to freely rent and return vehicles within the service area. WiBLE remains one of Europe’s most successful shared mobility schemes, with over 130,000 members having registered since its inauguration. A new service, KiaMobility, was also launched in locations across Italy and Russia in September 2020, accelerating the company’s transformation to becoming a mobility solutions provider. KiaMobility will be introduced to several new markets in the years ahead.

Coming soon: Kia’s first dedicated BEV and a new design philosophy

The first of Kia’s next-generation BEVs will be revealed in the first quarter of 2021, embodying Kia’s shifting focus towards electrification. Based on new E-GMP technology, this dedicated BEV will boast a crossover-inspired design, while offering an electric driving range of over 500 kilometers and a high-speed charging time of under 20 minutes. This will also be the first global model to bear Kia’s new logo.

With its growing range of BEVs, Kia is targeting a 6.6% share of the global BEV market by 2025, and global annual sales of 500,000 BEVs by 2026.

Kia will also reveal more information about the new design direction of its future products and services in the weeks ahead, with a new design philosophy which reflects the brand’s transformation.

Karim Habib, Senior Vice President, Head of Kia Global Design Center, explains: “We want our products to deliver an instinctive and natural experience that can improve the daily lives of our customers. Our aim is to design the physical experience of our brand and to create original, inventive, and exciting electric vehicles. The ideas of our designers and the purpose of the brand are more connected than ever, with our customers at the center of what we do.”

Kia Corporation – about us

Kia (www.kia.com) is a global mobility brand with a vision to create sustainable mobility solutions for consumers, communities, and societies around the world. Founded in 1944, Kia has been providing mobility solutions for more than 75 years. With 52,000 employees worldwide, a presence in more than 190 markets, and manufacturing facilities in six countries, the company today sells around three million vehicles a year. Kia is spearheading the popularization of electrified and battery electric vehicles and developing a growing range of mobility services, encouraging millions of people around the world to explore the best ways of getting around. The company's brand slogan – ‘Movement that inspires’ – reflects Kia’s commitment to inspire consumers through its products and services.

For more information, visit the Kia Global Media Center at www.kianewscenter.com

Press Release Information Accuracy Disclaimer

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KIA SORENTO NAMED SUV OF THE YEAR AT THE 2021 LATIN FLAVOR CARS OF THE YEAR AWARDS

IRVINE, Calif., January 13 2020 – The 2021 Kia Sorento SUV has earned the title of “SUV of the Year” in the 2021 Latin Flavor Cars of the Year Awards by Puros Autos, one of the leading automotive news websites for Hispanics in the U.S. and Latin America. This new award recognizes vehicles that resonate with and meet the specific needs of the Hispanic community such as outstanding reliability, a strong value proposition, interior space, powertrain options and comfortable yet high impact style.

"Our vehicles have universal appeal among car buyers of all ethnicities, but we are especially proud to resonate with this important demographic and win this debut,” said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia Motors America, Kia Motors North America. “That the Sorento has earned the interest and loyalty of this audience is a testament to our world-class model line-up.”

The all-new Kia Sorento takes on a completely new design, while incorporating elegant and sophisticated new styling elements, with sharper lines, high-tech details and elongated exterior proportions. Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille has been reinterpreted, displaying a wider shape which organically extends into and wraps around the integrated headlamps on each side, giving the all-new Sorento a confident and mature front fascia. Inside, the roomy and attractive cabin introduces premium-quality materials, cutting-edge infotainment and comfort technologies, and a stunning new design.

“We are proud to name the Kia Sorento winner in the SUV category for our first Latin Flavor Cars of the Year Awards,” said Enrique Kogan, Founder and Publisher of Puros Autos. The Kia Sorento has consistently been a Latino favorite for many reasons, including overall quality and reliability, convenience, safety technology for this tech savvy group, the space needed for larger Latino families and the dynamic and luxurious style we all love – all at an affordable price.”

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America has been the highest ranked mass market brand in initial quality for five consecutive years according to J.D. Power**, and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands by Interbrand.  Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

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KIA TELLURIDE NAMED THE CAR CONNECTION’S BEST FAMILY CAR TO BUY 2021

Wildly Popular SUV Maintains Stronghold On All Competitors

• Telluride celebrates award from TCC for second consecutive year
• Recognizable silhouette praised for high style and family friendliness

IRVINE, Calif., January 12, 2020 – The Kia Telluride has been named The Car Connection’s Best Family Car to Buy for 2021, marking the second time the big and boxy SUV has earned high marks from TCC editors. Last year, the Telluride was named Best Car To Buy, winning that designation by a landslide.  

“It is with great honor that we accept this award for the Telluride, which continues to cement its status as an icon every day with its long list of accomplishments,” said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia Motors America, Kia Motors North America. “The Telluride is the poster child of Kia’s incredible transformation and earning praise from the auto experts at TCC for a second year in a row validates our efforts and commitment to making award winning products.”

Best Car To Buy 2021 focuses on the everyday vehicle that best balances value, fuel efficiency, safety, interior spaciousness, quality, design, and driving dynamics. Editors choose the winners after a year of test driving more than 100 new 2021 vehicles priced under $50,000.

“The Telluride was a clear winner again this year, after having won our Best Car To Buy 2020 award,” said Martin Padgett, editorial director for Internet Brands Automotive. “It’s stylish and spacious, technologically advanced and user-friendly, and a pace-setter among three-row family vehicles.”

With the Telluride launched as an all-new vehicle for 2020, the 2021 Telluride received minor enhancements along with a special Nightfall Edition, which features blacked out elements that lend the three-row SUV an even more commanding presence on the road. The 2021 Telluride starts at $32,190.

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 750 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

Press Release Information Accuracy Disclaimer

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All-new Sorento wins ‘Large SUV of the year’ at 2021 What Car? Car Of The Year awards

• All-new Kia Sorento takes home the ‘Large SUV of the Year’ award
• Sorento praised for its fuel economy, driving dynamics and well equipped interior
• Sorento highly praised since launch in 2020

January 11, 2021 – Kia’s flagship SUV, the all-new Sorento, has made a strong start to the year, being named ‘Large SUV of the Year’ at the 2021 What Car? Car of the Year Awards.

Up against worthy competition in the Large SUV category, the What Car? judging panel chose the Sorento for its impressive fuel economy, driving dynamics, high levels of standard specification, and exceptional build quality.

The variant chosen by the judges at What Car? was the 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid in the UK’s ‘2’ specification, packed full of standard features such as a Reversing Camera System, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Forward Collision Avoidance with pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection.

Commenting on the Sorento win, Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car? magazine said: “The Sorento's hybrid tech combines good real-world fuel economy with comparatively low CO₂ emissions, while the ride is comfortable and the steering accurate. Throw in a nicely made and well-equipped interior, a driving position that’s lofty enough to make HGV drivers jealous and Kia’s unmatched seven-year warranty, and the Sorento is an outstanding all-rounder.”

Won-Jeong Jeong, President at Kia Motors Europe commented: “It is always a great honour to receive awards for the vehicles that we produce, and particularly from such well-known and highly regarded publications as What Car? magazine. The fourth-generation Sorento is a car we are very proud of, particularly as it represents the first application of electrified power in our flagship SUV.”

The all-new Sorento has only been on sale in Europe for a short time, yet has already cemented itself as an important halo product in the Kia line-up, having also won ‘Car of the Year’ in the UK’s Carbuyer 2021 awards.

The all-new Sorento range is available across Kia’s European dealer network, with powertrain options (depending on market) including hybrid, diesel and plug-in hybrid. All models are sold in Europe with Kia’s industry-leading seven-year, 150,000-kilometre warranty.

Kia Motors Corporation – about us

Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) is a world-class mobility experience provider that seeks to inspire its customers through movement. Founded in 1944, Kia has been in the ‘movement’ industry for more than 75 years. With 52,000 employees worldwide, a presence in more than 190 markets, and manufacturing facilities in six countries, the company today sells around three million vehicles a year. Kia is spearheading the popularization of electrified and battery electric vehicles and developing a growing range of mobility services, encouraging millions of people around the world to explore the best ways of getting around.

For more information, visit the Kia Global Media Center at www.kianewscenter.com

Press Release Information Accuracy Disclaimer

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KIA MOTORS AMERICA ANNOUNCES ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE

Bill Peffer Steps Down as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President

IRVINE, Calif., January 8, 2021 – Kia Motors America’s (KMA) chief operating officer and executive vice president, Bill Peffer, resigned yesterday in conjunction with his pursuit of a new opportunity in the automotive industry. Kia Motors America has not yet appointed a successor.  

Peffer joined KMA in July 2017 as vice president of sales operations. His three-plus years at KMA culminated in the company’s best-ever retail sales performance last year, helping make Kia the fastest-growing mass market brand in the U.S.

“Bill Peffer’s contributions helped Kia’s U.S. sales outperform the industry and we are grateful for his service to the company. We sincerely wish him well in the next chapter of his career,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO of Kia Motors North America and Kia Motors America.

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 750 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

Press Release Information Accuracy Disclaimer

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Kia unveils new logo and global brand slogan to ignite its bold transformation for the future

• Kia celebrates its new face and slogan, declaring the brand’s future transformation
• The new logo features ‘symmetry’, ‘rhythm’ and ‘rising’ elements that embody Kia’s confidence and commitment to customers
• Kia discloses new brand slogan: ‘Movement that inspires’
• Kia sets new Guinness World Record for ‘Most unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launching fireworks simultaneously’ during logo unveiling show
• The new brand purpose and strategy will be presented to the world on January 15

(SEOUL) January 6, 2021 – Kia has revealed its new corporate logo and global brand slogan that signify the automaker’s bold transformation and all-new brand purpose. The introduction of the new logo represents Kia’s ambitions to establish a leadership position in the future mobility industry by revamping nearly all facets of its business.

The logo is a symbol of Kia's new brand purpose and the values it promises to offer customers through future products and services, and the experiences these enable. Kia seals its brand promise by developing the new logo to resemble a handwritten signature. The rhythmical, unbroken line of the logo conveys Kia's commitment to bringing moments of inspiration, while its symmetry demonstrates confidence. The rising gestures of the logo embody Kia’s rising ambitions for the brand, and, more importantly, what it offers customers.

“Kia’s new logo represents the company’s commitment to becoming an icon for change and innovation”, said Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President and CEO. “The automotive industry is experiencing a period of rapid transformation, and Kia is proactively shaping and adapting to these changes. Our new logo represents our desire to inspire customers as their mobility needs evolve, and for our employees to rise to the challenges we face in a fast-changing industry.”

The new logo was unveiled during a record-breaking pyrotechnic display in the skies above Incheon, Korea. The event saw 303 pyrodrones launching hundreds of fireworks in a synchronized artistic display, igniting and celebrating Kia’s new beginning. This set a new Guinness World Record for ‘Most unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launching fireworks simultaneously’. The dazzling display can be seen on the Kia Global YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/s61_IsjqLzc

A new brand purpose and strategy to be revealed on January 15

In addition to an all-new logo, Kia revealed its new global brand slogan, ‘Movement that inspires’. Details on Kia’s new brand strategy, including brand purpose and philosophy as well as application to Kia’s future product line-up, will be shared through the digital ‘New Kia Brand Showcase’ event to be held at 09:00 Korean Standard Time on Friday January 15, 2021 (01:00 CET, January 15 / 16:00 PST, January 14). The event can be viewed on the Kia Global YouTube channel.

The launch of the new logo follows the announcement of Kia’s ‘Plan S’ long-term business strategy in 2020. Under Plan S, Kia, among other objectives, has the ambition to take a leading position in the global car market. This is focused on popularizing electric vehicles and introducing a broad range of mobility services, tailored to meet the needs and tastes of individuals and local markets.

Kia Motors Corporation 

Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) is a world-class mobility experience provider that seeks to inspire its customers through movement. Founded in 1944, Kia has been in the ‘movement’ industry for more than 75 years. With 52,000 employees worldwide, a presence in more than 190 markets, and manufacturing facilities in six countries, the company today sells around three million vehicles a year. Kia is spearheading the popularization of electrified and battery electric vehicles and developing a growing range of mobility services, encouraging millions of people around the world to explore the best ways of getting around.

For more information, visit the Kia Global Media Center at www.kianewscenter.com

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KIA MOTORS AMERICA RECORDS HIGHEST ANNUAL RETAIL SALES TOTAL IN COMPANY HISTORY IN 2020

• Retail deliveries of Kia vehicles climbed 3.1-percent over 2019 in the face of a down market and strategically lower incentives
• Telluride and Seltos SUVs reach highest monthly sales totals to date in December

IRVINE, Calif., January 5, 2021 – On the strength of best-ever monthly performances from the Telluride and Seltos SUVs, Kia Motors America today announced December 2020 sales of 53,764 units, a 4.9-percent increase over the same period last year. In total, Kia sold 586,105 vehicles in the U.S. in 2020, with light trucks – Soul, Seltos, Sportage, Sorento, Telluride and Sedona – accounting for 62-percent of the annual volume (up from 58-percent in 2019).

In addition to the highest-ever U.S. retail sales total in company history, Kia’s strong 2020 performance in the U.S. included:

• Best-ever annual sales of the popular Telluride SUV and Niro EV
• Record-setting annual retail sales of the Sportage SUV
• Sales of the all-new K5 midsize sedan increasing for four consecutive months after launch

“In the face of the pandemic, Kia saw substantial growth this past year, outpacing the industry by a significant margin on our way to a historic retail sales performance by our dealer network,” noted Bill Peffer, chief operating officer & executive vice president, Kia Motors America. “Telluride continued to capture consumer attention and our network of dealer partners kept consumers interested in the brand and propelled Kia’s sales growth. With five all-new or significant redesigned vehicles set for introduction this year, Kia will continue delivering world-class products that demand increased levels of consideration from our current and potential new customers.”

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 750 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

	MONTH OF DECEMBER		YEAR-TO-DATE
Model	2020	2019	2020	2019
Rio	2,052	2,144	23,927	24,961
Forte	7,119	7,635	84,997	95,609
Optima	24	7,141	48,484	96,623
K5	6,029	N/A	31,656	N/A
Cadenza	129	237	1,265	1,630
Stinger	904	1,034	12,556	13,861
K900	33	30	305	390
Soul	5,446	6,932	71,862	98,033
Niro	1,534	2,284	17,434	24,467
Seltos	6,107	N/A	46,280	N/A
Sportage	7,915	8,426	84,343	89,278
Sorento	5,415	7,319	74,677	95,951
Telluride	9,824	6,496	75,129	58,604
Sedona	1,233	1,551	13,190	15,931
Total	53,764	51,229	586,105	615,338

# # #

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Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Calls Year 2021 ‘Inflection Point for Future Growth’

• Chairman Euisun Chung stresses 2021 will be year of great transformation of Hyundai Motor Group into a new growth engine
• Group to purse uncompromising perfection in quality and safety
• The year 2021 will be a crucial inflection point:
  • Stressing eco-friendliness, future technology, and business competitiveness
  • Reinforcing electrification leadership with E-GMP based new EV models
  • Striving for carbon neutrality by utilizing hydrogen fuel cell technology
  • Realizing the safest and most innovative mobility technologies
  • Expanding the realm of new mobility by investing in new growth fields
  • Laying the foundation for the Group’s sustainable growth by rationalizing business portfolio
• Chairman encourages members to find ways to maximize shareholder value and contribute to partners, neighbors, communities and the environment

SEOUL, January 4, 2021 – Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) Chairman Euisun Chung today delivered a New Year’s message for the Group’s employees around the globe, outlining the company’s strategic direction and commitments for the year 2021 and beyond.

Underlined in his speech were Hyundai’s future vision, customer-first philosophy, quality-innovation drive and direction for elevating its corporate culture, as the multi-affiliate group prepares to be at the forefront of the future mobility industry.

“We should all stay true to our mission, which is realizing humanity’s dream of ‘safe and free mobility as well as a peaceful life,’” Chairman Chung stressed, adding that “2021 should be the year in which we kick-start our great transformation into a new growth engine.”

He also emphasized the importance of making bold progress in eco-friendliness, future technology, and business competitiveness.

In particular, the enduring need for prioritizing “quality and safety” was highlighted, as the Group’s chief urged all staff of the Group and business partners to collaborate to “make quality and safety a top priority.”

Year of inflection point

“In the post-pandemic era, social values and lifestyles different from the past will prevail,” the Chairman said at the opening of the speech. “And as a result, only those companies prepared for continuous transformations will survive and grow.”

He also expressed confidence that 2021 will be a decisive year for Hyundai Motor Group as a catalyst for long-term sustainable investments and innovations. “We have to therefore think of 2021 as an inflection point for shaping our future growth and prepare ourselves to become the first mover in a new era.”

The Chairman presented a vision for transforming the Group to a new growth engine by expanding market share in the eco-friendly market, securing future technology capabilities and strengthening business competitiveness in collaboration with all the members of the Group.

“Our great transformation into a new growth engine is possible only when we are all on board together,” according to Chairman Chung. “If we persevere by uniting our hearts and capabilities, I’m confident we will triumph over any challenges and turn them into new growing opportunities.”

Electrification leadership

“With the launch of new vehicles based on the recently released electric vehicle platform, the E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform), we plan to provide attractive eco-friendly mobility options that aptly reflect customers’ diverse tastes and needs at more reasonable prices,” the Chairman said regarding the Group’s vision to become a top-tier global eco-friendly brand.

“Furthermore, our hydrogen fuel cell technology, recognized as the world’s most advanced, will be expanded to diverse mobility and industrial sectors to help achieve carbon neutrality under the ‘HTWO (Hydrogen + Humanity)’ brand,” he added.

This year Hyundai Motor Group will concentrate efforts to become a global electric vehicle powerhouse by launching dedicated electric vehicles built on the E-GMP, including Hyundai Motor’s IONIQ 5, Kia’s crossover electric vehicle and Genesis luxury brand’s crossover electric vehicles.

The E-GMP offers a multi-charging system allowing both the 800V and 400V charging capabilities. The system is the world’s first patented technology which operates the motor and inverter to boost 400V to 800V for a stable charging compatibility. A battery electric vehicle based on the E-GMP is capable of a maximum range of over 500 kilometers with a fully charged battery (WLTP standard) and it can high-speed charge up to 80 percent in just 18 minutes and can add up to 100 kilometers of driving range in just five minutes.

Hyundai Motor Group plans to expand its battery electric vehicle lineup from the current eight models to 23 by 2025 and sell 1 million units annually in global markets.

It will also accelerate the building of EV infrastructure. Hyundai Motor Group will set up 20 high-speed charging stations in Korea by 2021 and will further expand its charging network in cooperation with energy companies. Overseas, the Group plans to have EV charging infrastructure optimized for market-specific environments with various partners, including IONITY, Europe's leading high-power charging network in which the Group made a strategic investment.

Moreover, the Group will accelerate the creation of a hydrogen energy ecosystem. It will expand the supply of hydrogen fuel cell systems with the world’s best technology as power sources for ships, generators, and trains as well as global automakers. The Group recently introduced a dedicated HTWO brand for fuel cell systems as part of such efforts.

Through strategic partnerships with global companies specializing in hydrogen, energy and logistics, the Group will aim to take the lead in hydrogen-related projects. It will also focus on developing next-generation hydrogen fuel cell systems that will be applied to future eco-friendly mobility solutions such as Urban Air Mobility (UAM).

Safe and innovative mobility technologies

In terms of securing future technology capabilities, the Chairman said, “We will realize the safest and most innovative mobility technology in the world by strengthening our autonomous driving, connectivity and software capabilities. We will continue to invest in new growth fields such as urban air mobility (UAM) and robotics to expand the realm of new mobility in the near future.”

Hyundai Motor Group will apply Level 3 autonomous driving technology to mass production models in 2022 and push for commercialization projects for autonomous driving technologies such as robotaxi services in 2023.

Motional Inc., the joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv, plans to conduct Level 4 driverless tests on public roads in Nevada, U.S. In 2023, the company will work with U.S. car-sharing provider Lyft to launch autonomous driving commercialization services in major U.S. regions.

The Group will also focus on core technologies for next-generation software such as vehicle software that closely interacts with vehicle driving assistance, precision map-linked navigation, and various connected and infotainment services to provide the best convenience and safety to customers.

The development of the UAM product lineup, which encompasses both passenger and cargo transportation markets, is also speeding up.

The Group aims to introduce Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for cargo with hybrid powertrains in 2026, and a fully electrified UAM model optimized for urban operations in 2028, and regional air mobility products connecting adjacent cities in the 2030s.

In the robotics area, the Group recently signed a deal to acquire the controlling stake in Boston Dynamics to actively respond to global mega trends of aging society and digital transformation as the Group seeks to provide humanity with a higher level of experience and more value.

Hyundai Motor Group’s wearable robot technology and its industrial and logistics automation technology are expected to maximize synergies with Boston Dynamics’ innovative capabilities. Robotics technology will also be applied to various mobility areas such as autonomous driving, UAM, and PBV (Purpose Built Vehicle) to help the Group establish a leading position.

On strengthening the Group’s business competitiveness, Chairman Chung said, “We will rationalize the Group’s business portfolio, and lay the foundation for sustainable growth by continuously discovering new growth engines that would meet the industry’s paradigm shift.”

The affiliates of Hyundai Motor Group will enhance their future business capabilities through electrification and self-driving core components and software specialization, and will explore new growth engines such as smart city development as well as renewable energy projects.

Quality and safety first

“All of our activities would be meaningless without quality and safety, because they are the prerequisites for serving our customers,” Chairman Chung noted. “It should be always remembered that quality and safety are not the domains of any particular fields of our operations. Customers will only give us their trust when all Hyundai Motor Group members and our business partners work together to make quality and safety a top priority”

In his inaugural message in 2020, Chairman Chung underscored a similar point, saying that “All of our goals and efforts must be customer-centric. The first step to customer happiness is to enable them to focus on their own lives through perfect quality of our products and services.”

With regards to the Group’s social responsibility, he said, “I kindly ask all of you to always prioritize our customers and humanity in your daily operations, so that we can maximize our shareholder value. Please think hard about how we can contribute to our partners, as well as various neighbors, communities and the environment.”

About Hyundai Motor Group

Hyundai Motor Group is a global corporation that has created a value chain based on automobiles, steel, and construction and includes logistics, finance, IT and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group’s automobile brands include Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp and Genesis. Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication and the will to take on all challenges, we are working to create a better future for all.

More information about Hyundai Motor Group, please see: www.hyundaimotorgroup.com

Press Release Information Accuracy Disclaimer

Information posted in press releases on the Kia Media website was accurate at the time of posting but may be superseded by subsequent releases or other information.

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