Kia Corporation celebrates the opening of Kia Gwangmyeong EVO Plant, Hyundai Motor Group’s (the Group) first dedicated EV manufacturing facility. The name Kia Gwangmyeong EVO plant is derived from the term ‘evolution’. This new South Korean facility has an annual production capacity of 150,000 units. Located at Kia Autoland Gwangmyeong, it began producing the Kia EV3 in the first half of this year, with the EV4 scheduled to follow in the first half of 2025.
During the welcoming speech at the inauguration event, Jun Young Choi, Executive Vice President and Head of Domestic Production Division at Kia, said, “The completion of the Kia Gwangmyeong EVO Plant solidifies Kia’s first step as an EV leader following the company’s brand relaunch in 2021. With the goal of providing sustainable mobility solutions, we will lead innovation in the EV market and fulfil our responsibilities in helping to deliver a sustainable future.”
Seung Won Park, Mayor of Gwangmyeong City added, “The completion of the Kia Gwangmyeong EVO Plant will help Gwangmyeong City to establish itself at the centre of the EV industry in Korea.”
This plant saw a total investment of 401.6 billion Korean Won (approximately Rs.24.49 billion) over approximately 60,000 square metres and will serve as a hub for production of Kia’s popular EV models.
The facility represents the theme of “maximising change with minimal expansion,” taking into account its city centre location and environmental considerations, such as preserving green spaces. Designed for full electrification, the plant emphasises eco-friendly and worker-friendly processes. It features a high-tech logistics body shop equipped with automated guided vehicles, while the paint shop has adopted a more sustainable water-based method.
