Kia targeting 6% of global electric vehicle sales

In move to boost its electrification strategy Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) has promoted the head of global operations division Ho-sung Song, to company president, replacing Han-woo Park who moves to an advisory role.

The company says Song will spearhead the advancement of ‘Plan S’, it’s mid- to long-term strategy aimed at progressively establishing a leadership position in the future automotive industry.

The KMC Plan S strategy moves the company from a business model focussed on internal combustion engines to one of electric and autonomous vehicles.

By the end of 2025, KMC 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.

KMC says Song’s experience across the automotive chain as well as his expertise in overseas operations will be a tremendous asset 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, Song has been successful in a wide array of leadership roles, ranging from Kia Motors Europe president and Head of Kia Motors Corporation export planning group.

Kia appoints new VP interior design group

From March 2020, KMC has appointed Jochen Paesen interior design group vice president. The appointment is part of Kia’s efforts to capitalise on the design opportunities presented by electrification.

Paesen will be based in Namyang, Korea and report to Karim Habib, senior vice president and the head of Kia Design Centre.

He will oversee the development of the brand’s future interior design. In particular, his presence will strengthen the brand’s capabilities in interior design for a range of future electric and electrified vehicles.

Paesen brings with him almost two decades of experience leading major interior design projects across volume, premium and start-up brands.

He previously spent much of his career at BMW Group, and was credited with designing the 2009 BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics concept car and the BMW i8 Roadster. Paesen also worked alongside Habib on a number of design projects in the early stages of his career.

“Jochen is not only a talented designer with a great track record, but he also has a deep understanding of the synergy between brand and design,” says Habib.

“At a time when Kia has announced its Plan S strategy to tackle the changing environment of the automotive world, Jochen will strengthen our design team and help us create great opportunities for the company.

The Kia Design Centre in oversees all aspects of the brand’s designs, from conceptualisation and modelling to styling and development of colour and materials. It works closely with the company’s regional design centres in China, Europe and the U.S.