• by Chuck Martin , June 13, 2018

Kia Motors introduced its future vision at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Asia and said it plans to start smart city autonomous vehicle testing in 2021.

The automaker demonstrated a range of new technologies aimed at making its cars more autonomous, connected and eco-electric.

“In the future, various technologies will coexist to allow customers to enjoy different lifestyles in increasingly complex and connected urban environments,” stated Seung-ho Hwang, head of Kia’s Auto Intelligence division. “With the proliferation of connected cities and lifestyles, it is important for Kia to provide a mobility experience that is not limited to niche groups of consumers – but one that is available to all. "Boundless for all" is therefore Kia’s vision for the future, in which everyone can enjoy the infinite value that mobility will bring.”

Plans include advanced connectivity and level 4 autonomous driving technology, which means the car drives with no driver involvement. By 2025, Kia plans to adopt connected car technologies across every vehicle segment and aims to make every model a connected car by 2030.

The company also plans to introduce 16 new advanced powertrain vehicles by 2025, including a range of new hybrids, plugin hybrid and electric vehicles.

“Kia has already established the foundation for autonomous driving through the expansion of a range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems,” stated Jinwoo Lee, head of Kia Motors’ Autonomous Driving Development Center.  “Based on these systems, we will commence a large-scale autonomous fleet operation in 2019, to study the real-world performance of self-driving cars.”