Kia Motors Corporation appoints Ho-sung Song as President

·       Song will spearhead advancement of company’s mid- to long-term strategy ‘Plan S’

·       Song’s extensive experience across automotive value chain, expertise in overseas operations are expected to help company’s transition to future businesses — electric vehicles and mobility solutions

New Delhi, March 27, 2020 – Kia Motors Corporation today announced the elevation of Mr. Ho-sung Song, Head of Global Operations Division, to the President of the organisation. In his new capacity, Mr. Song will spearhead the advancement of ‘Plan S’, the company’s mid- to long-term strategy aimed at progressively establishing a leadership position in the future automotive industry.

Mr. Song’s extensive experience across the automotive value chain as well as his expertise in overseas operations will be tremendous assets in the company’s transition to future businesses, which will encompass electric vehicles and mobility solutions.

Prior to his current position as Head of Global Operations, Mr. Song has been successful in a wide array of leadership roles, ranging from President of Kia Motors Europe and Head of Kia Motors Corporation Export Planning Group.

Kia’s Plan S strategy targets a shift toward electric and autonomous vehicles from a business system focused on internal combustion engine vehicles. By the end of 2025, the company plans to offer a full line-up of 11 battery electric vehicles. With these models, Kia is looking to achieve a 6.6% share of the global EV market (excluding China), while also attaining a 25% share of its sales from its eco-friendly cars.

Han-woo Park will move on to an advisory role and continue to support the company’s business objectives.

·       Ho-sung Song Career Highlights

-         Head of Global Operations, Kia Motors Corporation (Executive Vice President)

-         President of Kia Motors Europe (Senior Vice President)

-         Head of Export Planning Group, Kia Motors Corporation (Vice President)

-         President of Kia Motors France (Vice President)

About Kia Motors India (KMI)

In April 2017, Kia Motors signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the State Government of Andhra Pradesh, India, to build a new manufacturing facility in Anantapur District. Construction of Kia Motors’ first manufacturing facility in India has been completed and commenced the mass production in August 2019. The manufacturing facility has an annual production capacity of approximately 300,000 units. Kia Motors has made a mark in India with its first product – the Seltos establishing itself as a trusted brand with record bookings of 6,046 on the first day of bookings. Kia Motors India has the widespread network of 265 customer’s touchpoints, in 160 cities across Tier 1, 2 and 3 cities in India.

For more information about Kia Motors India, please visit www.kia.com/in  

About Kia Motors Corporation

Kia Motors (www.kia.com) is a maker of world-class quality vehicles for the young-at-heart.

Founded in 1944, Kia today sells around 3 million vehicles a year in over 190 countries, with 52,000 employees worldwide, annual revenues of over KRW 58 trillion (about US$50 billion) and manufacturing facilities in six countries. Kia is spearheading the transition to electric vehicles and pursuing mobility services to help tackle urban challenges around the world. The company's brand slogan – "The Power to Surprise" – represents Kia’s global commitment to surprise the world with exciting, inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations. 

For more information, please visit the Kia Motors Global Media Center at www.kianewscenter.com