Kia Launches EV3 Production in Mexico with $649 Million Investment

President Claudia Sheinbaum and Kia officials have unveiled a $649 million investment to bring electric vehicle manufacturing to Nuevo Leon. By shifting production of the EV3 model from South Korea to the Mexican plant starting August 4, the automaker is positioning itself at the center of the country’s green transition.

Editorial·July 29, 2026·reads: 442

Kia Launches EV3 Production in Mexico with $649 Million Investment

Managing Director Horacio Chavez confirmed the strategic pivot during a joint appearance with the president, marking a significant expansion for the brand’s regional footprint. Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard noted that the funds are earmarked for retooling the existing factory, allowing the company to leverage current infrastructure rather than building from the ground up.

This shift serves the administration's broader mandate to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility across the domestic market. By localizing assembly, Kia intends to secure a competitive edge in Mexico while aligning its operations with federal efforts to modernize the automotive sector.