By James Raia Since its debut in the United States 31 years ago, Kia America has emerged as a multiple award-winning carmaker with a diverse lineup of sedans, sport utility vehicles and, increasingly, some of the best all-electric and hybrid vehicles on the market. The South Korean manufacturer rolled out its first hybrid car in the U.S.
in 2011 (a hybrid version of the best-selling Optima sedan) and in 2014 unveiled its first all-electric car, the 2015 Soul EV. Since then, the company’s commitment to electrification and sustainability has inspired consumers and competitors alike and earned Kia a spot on Time magazine’s list of “World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024.” Sales of Kia’s electrified models increased by 41 percent in 2023, and in August the company shattered its U.
S. sales record for the second consecutive month, a 27% increase over last year. That was fueled in part by the popularity of Kia’s all-electric EV9, a game-changing three-row sport utility vehicle named 2024 World Car of the Year and 2024 World Electric Vehicle of the Year at the annual World Car Awards by a jury of 102 leading automotive journalists from 30 countries.
In December 2023, when the EV9 launched in the U.S., Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia North America and Kia America, emphasized the company’s commitment to electrification.
“The EV9 is a credible, high-value SUV that encapsulates our approach to bringing innovative, consumer-focused products to market,” said Yoon..
