EV6 the ‘next step’ in the evolution of Kia brand in Australia

Kia believes the EV6 will be the next step in the evolution of the brand in Australia.

In transitioning from a cheap-and-cheerful player to a serious contender against the likes of Toyota, Mazda and sister brand Hyundai, Kia has undergone a radical transformation.

Key to that has been the introduction of a seven-year warranty – still the best in the industry – and the introduction of the Stinger that provided an affordable rear-wheel drive performance alternative to V8-powered sedans Australians have long loved.

“EV6 … will be the next step up in regards to giving us that performance sharpness with the brand,” said Kia Australia COO Damien Meredith.

“We’ve focused really heavily on developing the brand.”

In launching the Niro EV – as well as the hybrid and plug-in hybrid – Kia has this week staked its claim on the growing electric vehicle segment.

And while Kia won’t be challenging EV market leader Tesla in the short term, the company believes substantial sales of electric cars.

“Over time I think most top 10 manufacturers will be doing that as part of their share, yeah,” he said when asked if Kia would soon surpass the circa-3500 sales Tesla logs in Australia annually.

“I’d be very surprised if anyone in the top 10 [selling brands] in five years’ time isn’t doing at least 10 percent of their sales [as EVs].”

If that were the case it would be a huge shift from today.

But Meredith believes the EV market is set to boom.

That’s why Kia began preparing its dealer network for the imminent EV onslaught, with most installing charging facilities and all undergoing training on servicing and repairing EVs.

“We’ve been frustrated with supply for EV … but it didn’t stop our planning, nor our network development with the dealers,” said Meredith.