Kia Cuts North American EV Sales Target by 34% Following Trump's Election

[Korea Financial Times, Gwak Horyung] Kia Corporation has significantly revised its 2030 electric vehicle (EV) sales target for the North American market, reducing it by 34% compared to the previous year's projection. This adjustment comes amid notable policy shifts, including President Donald Trump's directive to repeal EV mandates.

During the 2025 CEO Investor Day held on April 9, Kia announced a new global EV sales target of 1.259 million units by 2030, down from the 1.6 million units projected in the previous year—a reduction of 341,000 units, or 21%.

Kia’s newly announced regional EV sales targets are as follows: 526,000 units in Europe, 289,000 units in North America, 215,000 units in South Korea, and 72,000 units in India.

The most significant decrease is observed in the North American market, where the target has been reduced by 151,000 units from the previous goal of 440,000 units. In comparison, the targets for Europe and South Korea have been lowered by 68,000 and 15,000 units, respectively.

Kia Cuts North American EV Sales Target by 34% Following Trump's Election

Although the adjustment may reflect the EV chasm, it is difficult to justify such a sharp cut in North American sales targets based on that alone. This has led to speculation that the outlook was revised in response to Donald Trump's election as president.

In contrast, Hyundai Motor Company, Kia's affiliate, announced in August 2024 a 2030 EV sales target of 690,000 units for the North American market—approximately 2.4 times higher than Kia's revised target. Given the current policy environment, Hyundai may also need to reassess its projections.

Kia plans to bolster its hybrid vehicle offerings in North America. The company has increased its 2030 hybrid (HEV and PHEV) sales target from 385,000 to 488,400 units, an addition of 103,000 units. Additionally, the internal combustion engine vehicle target has been raised from 300,000 to 333,000 units.

In this regard, Hyundai Motor Group recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia, which has shifted its plan from an EV-exclusive facility to an eco-friendly car plant that will also produce hybrids.