Having brought the EV9 to the world’s attention late last year, Kia finally seems to be reaping the rewards of their innovative electric SUV. Could this mean any doubters of the electric sports utility could now be eating their words?
The EV9 is the South Korean car giant’s first electric vehicle SUV with three rows – and, as it happens, May 2024 was officially the company’s second-best sales month in the US.
In May, the company sold more than 2,180 EV9s, a sales boost of 127% – which is also an impressive new record for the well-loved brand.
Interestingly, this is not the first time that May has been an important EV month for Kia. Their older EV6 model, which was also the company’s first fully electric standard, set sales records for the company during the month of May when it sold more than 2,250 models.
Is this a flash in the pan? Maybe not. Kia’s hard-pressed assembly line at West Point, GA only recently rolled out its first EV9. This makes it the first time an electric vehicle has ever been completely assembled in Georgia.
The interesting thing about this particular assembly is that it is proof that Kia is planning to increase their output of EVs, most notably in the US.
Therefore, now that EV9 production is set to keep running smoothly in the US, Kia fully expects their EV sales growth to continue. At least, it’s a bold strategy that could well pay off in the long-term. The even better news for EV motorists and Kia fans is, of course, that they get a handy tax credit by driving the EV9 away.
However, the EV9’s success is not limited to the US market. Kia has witnessed significant demand for the electric SUV in international markets, indicating the company’s potential to emerge as an electric leader. Who would have thought it?
Unfortunately, good news is frequently paired with bad, and for Kia fans, EV greatness is balanced with Sedan sadness.
While their EV sales have reached new heights, the Kia K5 Sedan has seen a sales downfall of nearly 65%. That, again, is a record for the manufacturer – only, it’s moving in the complete wrong direction.
Could it be that Sedan fans are moving over to the EV9? It’s a theory. However, Kia overall hasn’t fared well despite the EV9 skyrocketing in popularity.
Sales are, reportedly, down by around 2.1% for Kia year on year.
That said, it seems that the company’s biggest failure has been in the Korean market, with sales having fallen by 8.3% there. Only time will tell if the increase in production and high demand for EV9s will help bring Kia back to its former glory.
For those interested in the SUV EV model, a Kia EV9 costs around $55,000 inside the US. Could this be the saving grace for the car brand – even if their sales have dwindled somewhat elsewhere? Have faith, Kia fans – let’s wait and see.