2009 Kia Spectra Ex Sedan 4-door 2.0l on 2040-cars

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Kia previews the seven electric cars it plans to launch by 2027

Kia released a dark design sketch to shine a sliver of light on the seven electric cars it plans to launch by 2027. It hopes that battery-powered models will represent at least 25% of its global sales by 2029. Long on vision but short on details, the image shows the vague outline of seven vehicles that will join the South Korean company's range in the coming years. Company CEO Ho-Sung Song noted the models will be positioned in a variety of market segments, and the image depicts several different silhouettes. The cars on the left look like SUVs and crossovers, while the ones on the right seem to ride a bit lower; there may even be a sports car in the mix. All are linked by a crease-free design, though keep in mind they're still under development. Kia is not a newcomer to the electric car segment. It released its first series-produced EV, an electric version of the Ray sold in global markets, in 2011, and its current range includes battery-powered variants of the Soul and the Niro. The aforementioned septet represents the next step in its offensive. Its members will be standalone EVs, meaning they will not be based on gasoline-powered cars, and they'll all be part of the same family. In a way, Kia is following the same path as Volkswagen, which chose to group its future EVs under the ID umbrella. We'll get our first taste of Kia's new range of electric models when the firm releases a car code-named CV in 2021. It was designed for "many regions globally," though whether that includes the United States is up in the air, and it will usher in the design language that will characterize the line-up. Unofficially, we hear it will arrive as a sedan-SUV cross that will draw inspiration from the Imagine concept introduced at the 2019 edition of the Geneva auto show. Croatia-based Rimac (which Kia has invested in) will play a role in the development process. At the other end of the spectrum, Kia is working on a rugged, body-on-frame pickup that's about as big as the Ford Ranger. It could spawn a large SUV positioned above the Telluride as an alternative to the Chevrolet Tahoe.  

Former Lamborghini designer reportedly headed to Hyundai

Luc Donckerwolke (pictured above) only left his position as the Director of Design for Bentley in early June, but he might have already had a new gig lined up as he was walking out the door. Donckerwolke is reportedly teaming up with former Volkswagen Group styling bigwig Peter Schreyer at Hyundai Motor, in a position to eventually take over the look of all of the Korean brands' vehicles. At the moment, this major hire for Hyundai and Kia is still just a rumor, though, and the Korean automaker is playing it close to the vest. Company spokesperson Jim Trainor tells Autoblog, "We do not comment on speculation concerning potential appointments." However, insiders tell Automotive News that the deal is the reason for Donckerwolke walking away from his long career among VW's brands. In Korea, Donckerwolke would hold a position under Schreyer at first, and he would take over Hyundai and Kia's design duties when Schreyer retires, which is expected in about two years. Donckerwolke joined the German automotive giant in 1992 and eventually came to define the modern look of Lamborghini by penning both the Murcielago and Gallardo. In 2011, he became the Head of Advanced Design for VW Group and took over styling duties at Bentley in 2012. Schreyer left a fruitful career at VW Group, including penning the original Audi TT, to join Kia in 2006. He gained the overall design duties for the Hyundai and Kia brands in 2012. Ousted VW Chairman Ferdinand Piech once said that he was regretful of losing the talented stylist. Related Video:

Kia calls reports of second US plant 'groundless'

In discussing how Kia planned to use a focus on quality to raise its brand perception and take the fight to BMW and Audi instead of Toyota, a recent article in Automotive News Europe said one of the primary constraints was production capacity; Kia simply doesn't have the ability to make enough cars to meet its aims with the plants it has.
The CEO of Hyundai-Kia is said to be reluctant to build more plants because of that focus on quality and the fact that its suppliers are stretched to the limit. The effects of that position are being felt right now with both makers losing market share, as in the case of Hyundai not being able to make enough of its Veloster Turbo for the US market.
A South Korean newspaper apparently reported last week that Kia was planning to build a second factory in Georgia with capacity for up to 150,000 units annually, and that the company would break ground as soon as this month on "KMMG2." Kia has responded to the news by saying, "The report is all groundless." The mayor of West Point, site of the current KMMG plant, said he didn't know anything about such plans, nor did the Georgia department of economic development have knowledge of a new Kia factory.