Kia EV9 “being considered” - Kia Philippines

Kia Motors has just unveiled the production version of the 2024 EV9 at the Seoul Mobility Show 2023. 

The South Korean carmaker’s all-new flagship luxury SUV is currently the largest and most powerful EV in Kia’s lineup. And is set to make a huge impact globally as a halo model for the brand. 

But will the Philippines get it?

“We are considering it,” says Manny Aligada, President of KP Motors Philippines, the distributors of Kia vehicles in the country.

AutoFun Philippines spoke with Aligada at the sidelines of the Kia Asia Pacific Business Conference in Kuala Lumpur. We asked him about the prospects of the EV9 making it to the country. 

“Before we bring in any model, Kia Philippines will always consider first if the customer wants it and what benefit it will have for them. That’s how we choose which model gets sold before we even consider the business side of it, shares Aligada. 

“The EV9 is huge, even appearing larger than the Telluride, but we have to see if this is what the customer is after,” he adds. The Telluride has been the largest non-EV SUV in the Kia lineup since its launch in the US market in 2019. 

With the recent official launch of the Kia EV6 (Specs | News) last March 21st, Aligada likewise added that as an Ayala-company, they are looking at the whole ecosystem to accompany new EV models. 

Also Read: Kia EV6 officially arrives with 528-km max range, P3.788M pricetag

“EVs are a clear path for the brand,” he adds as he reinforces the direction that more EVs and improved technology will come from the Kia and Ayala Corporation in the near future. 

Aligada also mentioned that Kia Philippines is not limiting its future offerings to EVs. “We are also considering continuing with ICE models, as well as Hybrids,” clarifies Aligada. 

“Do we bring in the EV9? Do we consider the GT-Line for this too? Should we bring in the EV5? All of these are under consideration as we evaluate the benefits each model will have for the Filipino car buyer,” adds Aligada. 

Also Read: Baby EV9! Kia Concept EV5 crossover unveiled, sales start late-2023

Kia Motors is reportedly also engaged in the development of a small, affordable EV. And it remains to be seen when it can release this as lower priced EVs, primarily from China, continue to proliferate global markets. 

Do you think Kia should seriously consider bringing in the EV9 to follow up on its EV6?