First Kia EV5 arrives in New Zealand ahead of mid-year launch
12 February, 2024
- The first example of the new Kia EV5, the smaller sibling of the multi award-winning EV9, has landed in New Zealand
- The vehicle will be used for local testing and evaluation
- Mid-year launch anticipated for the new, fully electric addition to the Kia portfolio
The first example of the latest addition to the Kia new model portfolio, the new EV5, has landed in New Zealand for local testing and evaluation ahead of its anticipated launch in the middle of the year.
More than 20 Research and Development engineers from seven different departments from Kia Head Office are participating in extensive local engineering testing, demonstrating the marque’s commitment to ensuring local product functionality.
From a product perspective, the new model shares Kia’s acclaimed ‘Opposites United’ design language with the marque’s largest fully electric vehicle, the multi award-winning, seven-seat Kia EV9.
“The EV9 has enjoyed a great response since launch in New Zealand late last year,” said Managing Director of Kia New Zealand, Todd McDonald.
“The EV9 is laden with technology, offers impressive range and performance, plus a spacious interior thanks to the Electric Global Modular Platform which provides Kia designers the ability to produce a vehicle interior which is free from traditional restrictions.
“These same characteristics and features will be found in the EV5, albeit in a slightly smaller package, so we expect it to have particular appeal for families who want an innovative, fast charging and attractive fully electric vehicle.”
Aimed at a smaller SUV segment than EV9, the new EV5 will offer two rows of seats for five people, whereas the EV9 will continue as one of the few EV’s available with seating for seven.
A new EV5 section of the Kia New Zealand website goes live next week, so people who want to be the first to know about local details relating to the new model are invited to visit the site and register their interest.
Further information relating to pricing, specification and range will be released over coming months, ahead of an anticipated launch early in the second half of the year.
Press release by Kia NZ
About Kia New Zealand
Kia (www.kia.co.nz) is a global mobility brand with a vision to create sustainable mobility solutions for consumers, communities, and societies around the world. Founded in 1944, Kia has been providing mobility solutions for more than 75 years. With 52,000 employees worldwide, a presence in more than 190 markets, and manufacturing facilities in six countries, the company today sells around three million vehicles a year. Kia New Zealand manages the New Zealand operation from its Auckland headquarters, selling and servicing high quality, class-leading vehicles through a network of 33 dealers nationwide. Kia is spearheading the popularisation of electrified and battery electric vehicles and developing a growing range of mobility services, encouraging millions of people around the world to explore the best ways of getting around. The company’s brand slogan – ‘Movement that inspires’ – reflects Kia’s commitment to inspire consumers through its products and services.
Further Enquiries: Greg MacDonald, General Manager Sales & Marketing, Kia New Zealand, 09 573 6070
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