Kia Philippines is looking at a 15-percent increase in 2023 vehicles sales to 5,763 units from 5,012 units delivered in 2022.
Its forecast is faster than the growth expectation of the entire Philippine automotive industry at 10 percent.
“Depending on how several factors come into play, there could be an upside to these figures. For example, if the supply for cars stabilizes, and the economy continues to expand, the numbers can further improve. The forex rate is expected to be more stable than last year. And a similar improvement in interest rates will provide further push,” said Kia president Manny Aligada during the official launch of the Kia EV6 at the Makati Stock Exchange Tower 1 on Tuesda.
Kia EV6, the first fully electric vehicle offering of Kia, will be the flagship model of the brand in the Philippines.
“While it will not deliver volumes, it will present Kia’s capability to have an aspirational vehicle, given its award winning design and up to date technology, while maintaining a strong distribution system across the country,” Aligada said.
“The Kia EV6 is a sustainable car with zero emissions, and is a step toward Kia’s ambitious, yet important transition into a future mobility solutions brand. Our one true message to the public aims to open their eyes to the reality and potential of fully electric vehicles, and that Kia PH is here to make EV ownership convenient, worry-free, and enjoyable,” he said.
Since its global debut, the Kia EV6 has racked up awards and gained international recognition not only because of its design, but also because of its cutting-edge technology.
The EV6 will cater to the discerning EV market which expects a convenient and enjoyable user experience.
With charging options manufactured by Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. and its partner Greenstrum, and an expanding charging system network provided by Ayala Land, all an environment-conscious owner has to do is get in and go for an exciting and worry-free drive.
“We made sure to put the charging architecture in place long before the arrival of the EV6. Our strategically located charging stations are proof of our commitment to electrification. We are using the whole Ayala ecosystem to support the growth and adoption of EVs in the Philippines. We expect EV take-up to grow rapidly, and EVs to be the dominant transport technology in a few years,” said Ayala Corp. president and chief executive Bong Consing.
Consing said the Ayala Group is committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
“Ayala believes that positive climate action is an investment that will benefit future generations,” he said.
The EV6 is Kia’s first car to be based on the company’s dedicated new platform for battery electric vehicles.
The EV6, as the first dedicated Kia EV, is a showcase of human-centered, progressive design and electrified power that yields an output of 229PS and 350Nm of torque.
It is a distinctive model that will define Kia’s future. Notable accolades include the 2022 iF Design Award, 2022 Red Dot Award, 2022 European Car of the Year, and US Car of the Year.
The EV6 will eventually be available at all 42 Kia dealers nationwide but the initial roll-out of dedicated EV dealerships will begin with Kia New Manila in Quezon City, Kia Alabang in Muntinlupa, Kia Sto. Tomas in Batangas, South Luzon, and Kia Pampanga in North Luzon.
“Kia Philippines, with the EV6 as its flagship vehicle, will lead other Kia models in showcasing the brand’s technology, innovation, design direction, and the overall package that Kia has to offer to its market,” said Kia Asia Pacific head of sales Joey Hong.
