Core Insights - Kia America achieved record monthly sales of 83,007 units in August, representing a 10.4% increase year-over-year and marking the second time in history that sales surpassed 80,000 units in a single month [1][7] - Year-to-date sales increased by 8.6% compared to the same period last year, with retail sales growing by 10.3% [1][7] Sales Performance - The Kia EV9 recorded sales of 2,679 units in August, a 54% increase from the previous month, while the EV6 and Niro EV saw month-over-month growth of 39% and 57%, respectively [2] - Key models such as Carnival (+29%), Telluride (+19%), Sportage (+19%), K5 (+13%), and EV9 (+12%) experienced significant sales increases compared to the same period last year [3] - The EV9 and Sportage achieved their best-ever monthly sales, contributing to the highest monthly sales for Kia's SUVs [3][7] Company Statements - Eric Watson, vice-president of sales operations at Kia America, highlighted the sales milestone and indicated that the company is on track to achieve its third consecutive annual sales record and highest market share [4] - The diverse product offerings of Kia, including sedans, SUVs, and electrified models, are generating double-digit growth, reflecting the strength of the Kia brand [4] Additional Announcements - The 2025 all-electric Kia EV9 received top honors in the 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Tech Experience Index Study for "One-Pedal Driving" in the Electric Vehicle advanced technology category [8] - Kia hosted automotive journalists for testing the updated 2026 Kia Sportage, focusing on enhancements in design, innovation, and technology [8] - The 2025 Carnival MPV and 2025 Telluride SUV received Winter Vehicle Awards from the New England Motor Press Association, with the Telluride winning multiple awards over the years [8]

Core Insights - Hyundai Motor Group has become a global top three automaker under Executive Chair Chung's leadership since October 2020, focusing on innovation and customer-centric strategies [1][2][5] - The company emphasizes the importance of innovation serving humanity and aims to create sustainable solutions that enhance lives and drive progress [2][5] Investment and Technological Advancements - Under Chung's leadership, Hyundai Motor Group has significantly increased investments in electrification, hydrogen fuel cell technology, software-defined vehicles, robotics, autonomous driving, and advanced air mobility [3] - The company has developed next-generation platforms and software, as well as future design directions that will shape the vehicles of tomorrow [4] Awards and Recognition - Hyundai Motor and Kia have won a total of 12 World Car Awards, including four consecutive World Car of the Year titles since 2022 for models such as the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV9 [4] - Executive Chair Chung has received multiple accolades, including the Automotive News Centennial Award, MotorTrend's "Person of the Year" in 2023, and Newsweek's "Visionary of the Year" in 2022, highlighting his influential role in the industry [6] Cultural Transformation - Chung has emphasized cultural transformation within the company, fostering a collaborative and open environment that empowers talent across Hyundai Motor Group's global network [5]

Core Insights - Kia EV owners now have access to over 21,500 DC fast chargers within the Tesla Supercharger network, significantly enhancing charging convenience and reducing range anxiety for Kia EV customers [1][2] - The integration of Tesla's Supercharger network increases Kia's charging station availability by more than 80%, reinforcing Kia's commitment to electrified mobility [2] - Kia has made NACS to CCS1 adapters available for existing customers with CCS1 charging ports, ensuring broader access to charging infrastructure [2] Company Overview - Kia America is headquartered in Irvine, California, and is recognized for its automotive quality, being listed among TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024 [4] - The company serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and WNBA, offering a diverse range of vehicles including gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric models through nearly 800 dealers in the U.S. [4] Charging Infrastructure - The 2025 model year Kia EV6 and 2026 model year EV9 will come standard with NACS charging ports, further facilitating access to fast-charging options [8]

Core Insights - Wallbox has announced the pre-order availability of the Quasar 2 bi-directional charger, which is compatible with the Kia EV9, allowing for Vehicle to Home (V2H) capabilities [1][2][3] Group 1: Product Details - The Quasar 2 charger, along with the Power Recovery Unit, enables eligible Kia EV9 owners to use their vehicle as an energy storage system, providing backup power during outages and potentially reducing home electricity costs [2][3] - The Quasar 2 offers up to 12 kW of power for charging and discharging, with a retail price of $6,440, excluding taxes and installation fees [4] - Limited quantities of the Quasar 2 and Power Recovery Unit are available for pre-order on a first-come, first-served basis, with initial availability restricted to certain states [5] Group 2: Market Impact and Benefits - The V2H technology allows EV9 owners to manage energy usage and costs effectively, providing the ability to schedule charging and utilize stored energy during peak hours [3] - The Kia EV9 has received multiple accolades, including the 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, enhancing its market position as a leading electric SUV [7] - The EV9 features ultrafast charging capabilities, allowing it to charge from 10% to 80% in under 25 minutes, further improving the ownership experience [6]