Kia Philippines said the launch of its full electric vehicle model in the country fulfills a key component of the commitment of Ayala Corp., its mother company, of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
“This is consistent with the vision of Ayala Corp…The ecosystem has been prepared…so that all the players, all the companies within Ayala are contributing to the environment,” said Manny Aligada, Kia Philippines president, at the sidelines of the launch of Kia EV6 on March 21 in Makati City.
Integrated Microelectronics Inc. (IMI) , the manufacturing arm of AC Industrial Technology Holdings Inc. and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ayala Corp., produces the chargers which are deployed in the estates of Ayala Land Inc., the groups’ property development arm.
Aligada said the company is grooming Kia EV6 as a connected car, harnessing smart technologies, that just like a phone, will feature apps that generate information useful to one’s drive aboard the vehicle. This feature is under development.
Kia Philippines targets to sell 50 units of the EV6 this year.
Twenty-one charging stations have been rolled out in Metro Manila, Laguna and Baguio City and more are being planned.
Kia and IMI has so far deployed charging stations in a number of private homes. The cost is around P70,000.
“The Kia EV6 is a sustainable car with zero emissions, and is a step toward Kia’s ambitious, yet important transition into a future mobility solutions brand,” Aligada said in his speech at the launch.
In the local market, the Kia brought the EV6 GT which has a range 528 kilometers, enough to bring one to Baguio and back with one full charge.
“There is an expanding charging station footprint that will allow you to charge faster when you need to,” Aligada said.
In the same event, Joey Hong
head of Sales, Kia Asia Pacific, said “Kia Philippines — with the EV6 as its flagship vehicle, will lead other Kia models in showcasing the brand’s technology, innovation, design direction, and the overall package that Kia has to offer to its market.”
