The Korean auto giant plans to do this by expanding its line-up be it combustion, hybrid electric, or pure electric as well as fast-tracking self-driving technologies.

In four years, the company aims to establish a diversified powertrain portfolio through the launch of nine new ICE models and expansion of its HEV lineup to 13 models. Its also plans to produce more Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs). All in all, they are targeting annual sales of 1.98 million ICE models and 1.15 million xEV models.

For combustion engine vehicles, Kia will strengthen its lineup by introducing key models, including the Telluride and Seltos SUVs launched this year. This will be followed by HEV variants of both the Telluride and Seltos as well as additional hybrids such as the K4 compact car.

Kia will also further strengthen its pickup truck lineup following the Tasman last year. Looking ahead, the company plans to further expand its line-up with another body-on-frame pickup truck with both HEV and EREV variants by 2030.

Fresh from the launch of its next-generation hybrid powertrain, which has helped see a more than 4 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and output, Kia aims to boost its HEV sales from 690,000 units this year to 1.1 million units by 2030.

Kia also plans to hit 1 million EV sales and a 3.8 percent global market share by 2030. They will do so with an expanded EV lineup from the current 11 models to a total of 14 models by 2030, comprising two passenger vehicles, nine SUVs, and three PBV models.

Starting this year with the launch of the Kia EV2 and Syros EV, the company will continue to introduce high‑volume EV models, alongside new offerings such as a new C‑segment SUV EV and expanded PBV lineup.

The current PV5 (watch our read our first impressions) will be joined by the PV7 in 2027 and PV9 in 2029, completing its PBV EV commercial vehicle lineup.

Kia is also developing a next‑generation EV platform to significantly enhance both product performance and cost competitiveness with key improvements such as a 40 percent increase in battery capacity, a 9 percent improvement in motor output, and the introduction of fifth-generation batteries with up to 15 percent higher energy density.

These EVs will also integrate advanced technologies including a new infotainment system and Level 2++ autonomous driving capabilities, further elevating overall product competitiveness.

In relation, Kia and the Hyundai Motor Group as a whole, has adopted sensor standardization as a core strategic priority. This will enable them to roll out autonomous driving technologies in mass‑production vehicles at a much quicker pace by leveraging its global annual sales volume of several million vehicles to accumulate large-scale real-world driving data.

Kia plans to complete development of its first SDV (Software Defined Vehicle) model by the end of 2027, which will be equipped with Level 2+ autonomous driving technology for highways. This will be followed by the application of Level 2++ autonomous driving technology — capable of operating not only on highways but also in urban driving environments — in early 2029.