Kia to Assemble EV9 Electric SUV in the US, Potentially Boosting Supply to Australia
Kia to Assemble EV9 Electric SUV in the US, Potentially Boosting Supply to Australia
Are you excited for the Kia EV9’s arrival in Australia? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Kia America has announced that it will produce the new EV9 electric SUV at its facility in Georgia, USA, which may result in better supply for Australia. With sales set to begin in North America later this year, the EV9 will be the first of Kia’s electric vehicles to be produced in the US. While the EV9 will be manufactured in the US for the North American market, Australia and Europe will still import their vehicles from Korea. However, this shift in production could potentially improve supply to Australia beyond the projected 100 units per month.
Kia’s decision to produce the EV9 electric SUV in the US is an exciting development that could have positive implications for Australia. Currently, Australia’s supply of Kia’s electrified Sorento is limited due to sourcing from South Korea. However, with the production of the EV9 in the US, there is a possibility that supply to the Australian market could improve. This is welcome news for Australian customers who have eagerly awaited increased availability of Kia’s electric vehicles.
Kia Australia has not officially commented on the potential for improved supply of the EV9. However, historical shifts in Kia’s production have previously resulted in better access to vehicles in Australia. When North America confirmed local production of the combustion-powered Kia Sportage, it freed up production slots for the Australian market. Similarly, the supply of the all-electric EV6 crossover has also improved for Australia, likely due to initial launch demand from other markets beginning to subside.
Despite Australia being a secondary market compared to Europe and North America, Kia Australia has achieved remarkable success. In 2022, Kia surpassed parent company Hyundai in the manufacturer standings and set new sales records. The Sportage and Cerato were among the top 20 nameplates for the year, while other models like the Picanto and Carnival were leaders in their respective segments. This success demonstrates that Kia Australia has thrived despite ongoing supply challenges.
The EV9 is expected to have a limited volume, with a monthly forecast of around 100 units. Additionally, the anticipated starting price of the EV9 is close to $100,000. However, the increasing demand for electric vehicles in Australia, coupled with the EV9’s unique three-row interior layout, sets it apart from other options in the market. Currently, the only other seven-seat EV in the same price bracket is the Mercedes-Benz EQB.
Kia enthusiasts and potential buyers are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the EV9 in Australia. With its anticipated release in October, the EV9 is poised to make a notable impact in the market and provide Australian customers with an exciting new electric SUV option.
- Kia America will locally assemble the EV9 electric SUV in Georgia, USA
- Sales will start in North America later this year
- The EV9 will be the first Kia electric vehicle produced in the US
- Australia and Europe will still source their vehicles from Korea
- Improved supply for the Australian market is expected
Kia’s decision to locally assemble the EV9 electric SUV in the US has the potential to improve supply to Australia. While production of the EV9 will take place in the US for the North American market, Australia and Europe will continue to import their vehicles from Korea. However, previous shifts in Kia’s production have resulted in improved availability for the Australian market. With the increasing demand for electric vehicles in Australia, the EV9’s arrival will be highly anticipated by Kia enthusiasts and potential buyers.
