Kia Philippines and Kia Corporation extend partnership through 2028

Kia Philippines has locked in its future with the brand, formally renewing its partnership with Kia Corporation, underscoring strong momentum in the local market. Executives from both sides met in Seoul, South Korea, on March 18 to sign a fresh distributor agreement, joined by dealer principals and banking partners. The deal extends their collaboration to 2028, securing a full decade of partnership for the two companies.

The timing comes off the back of a strong 2025 performance. While the overall automotive industry in the Philippines posted a modest 3.7 percent increase, Kia managed a 16.7 percent year-on-year gain, putting it among the faster-rising players in the market. More than just higher sales, the brand has seen a noticeable shift in how it is perceived, with growing interest translating into actual purchases. Models like the Sonet, Carnival Turbo Hybrid, and Sorento Turbo Hybrid have played a key role in that climb, helping expand Kia’s presence across different segments.

The Ayala Group, through ACMobility, acquired the Kia distributorship back in 2018. Since then, the focus has gradually moved toward electrification, in line with Kia’s global strategy. The next phase will see further expansion in the hybrid space, along with the introduction of the Kia EV5, adding to a lineup that already covers traditional combustion engines and turbo hybrid options. The brand also plans to keep rolling out new models tailored for Filipino drivers, supported by improvements in after-sales service as its customer base grows.

For Kia Philippines Managing Director Jay Lopez, the brand’s progress is closely tied to its users. He shares, “Our growth is driven by the vibrant community of Filipinos who have made Kia a part of their story, from families sharing journeys in the Carnival to young professionals finding their start in the Sonet. This ten-year milestone is a commitment to continue growing this community by offering a lineup that understands the local road as we expand into the hybrid segment and bring innovative mobility to the hearts of our customers.”