Kia Corp has revealed its new electric SUV today, as the South Korean automaker and its affiliate Hyundai Motor seek to catch up in the electric vehicle market. The Korean automotive company announced that the all-new Niro, an upgraded version of the model first released in 2016, will have its hybrid electric version available in the first quarter of 2022, with the fully battery-operated model following later in the first half of the year.
Kia has not disclosed specifications for the new model, including range or pricing. CEO Ho Sung Song told reporters at the auto show, "The new Kia Niro is an eco-friendly model that shows our commitment to sustainability." The vehicle utilizes environmentally friendly materials, such as recycled fibers and paint free from benzene. Kia aims to use 20% recycled plastic in all models by 2030.
Investment and securities analyst Kim Jin Woo from Korea Investment & Securities in Seoul noted that the first Niro model gained popularity in Europe due to its competitive pricing and good driving range. He added, "The new Niro could be a reasonable choice for consumers looking for a compact electric vehicle if its driving range exceeds 350 kilometers." The previous model had a range of about 385 kilometers and was priced at approximately $38,575. Kia sold around 75,000 units of the vehicle in Europe this year until the end of October.
