Kia Sets 2030 Roadmap with Focus on Electrification, New Vehicle Segments, and 4 Lakh Unit Sales Target in India

Kia Corporation has outlined an updated version of its mid-to-long-term "Plan S" business strategy, which now includes specific targets for the Indian market, a strengthened electrification roadmap, and entry into new segments such as purpose-built vehicles (PBVs) and pickups. Unveiled at its CEO Investor Day in Seoul, as part of the revised Plan S, Kia is targeting global annual sales of 4.19 million vehicles by 2030, with 2.33 million of these to be electrified models—comprising 1.26 million battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 1.07 million hybrids. The company expects to command a global market share of 4.5 per cent by the end of the decade.

Kia has identified India as a critical growth market, projecting sales of 4 lakh units annually by 2030. This target is expected to be driven by localised production of compact electric SUVs and the ramp-up of hybrid offerings across key segments. The newly launched Syros, a compact SUV tailored for the Indian market, is expected to play a foundational role in this strategy. Additionally, the company aims to raise the proportion of electrified vehicles in India to 43 per cent of its local sales by 2030, up significantly from current levels. 

Globally, Kia plans to offer 15 EV models and 10 hybrid models by 2030. In India, the brand will focus on compact EVs tailored to regional preferences. While Korea will serve as the development hub for EVs, production responsibilities will be distributed globally. India will specialise in compact electric SUVs designed specifically for domestic and regional markets. 

Kia’s upcoming EVs—including the EV2, EV3, EV4, and EV5—are part of a broader volume-driven strategy. The company is also investing in support infrastructure, including service networks and strategic partnerships to expand EV charging solutions.

While India’s PBV (Purpose-Built Vehicle) segment is still emerging, Kia has outlined a plan to launch three PBV models globally—PV5 in 2025, PV7 in 2027, and PV9 in 2029—with an overall sales target of 2.5 lakh units annually by 2030. Given the rise in logistics, last-mile delivery, and urban mobility demand, India could present long-term potential for PBV deployment, especially in metro cities.

In the pickup truck segment, Kia will launch its first ICE-based pickup, the Tasman, targeting 80,000 units annually worldwide. Though the initial rollout is focused on Australia, Korea, and emerging markets, the model’s positioning could be relevant to India’s growing lifestyle and utility vehicle market in the long term. 

Kia is actively transitioning toward Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs), with plans to unveil its SDV Pace Car in 2026 and implement Level 2+ autonomous driving systems by 2027. These systems will integrate advanced AI and data processing, aligning with the industry-wide shift toward connected and intelligent mobility.

Additionally, the company is working with Hyundai Motor Group subsidiaries—including Boston Dynamics, Motional, and Supernal—to develop solutions in robotics, autonomous driving, and air mobility. While these may have limited immediate application in India, they reflect Kia’s direction toward multimodal and automated transport systems globally.

Kia plans to invest KRW 42 trillion (approx. ₹2.56 lakh crore) between 2025 and 2029, with KRW 19 trillion (approx. ₹1.16 lakh crore) earmarked for future business segments such as electrification, SDVs, and robotics. For 2025, the company forecasts global wholesale sales of 3.22 million units, an increase of 4.1 per cent year-on-year, and aims to achieve revenue exceeding KRW 112 trillion (approx. ₹6.83 lakh crore) with an 11 per cent operating margin. In India, growth is expected to be supported by the rollout of the Syros, upcoming EV models, and hybrid offerings.