Kia Philippines, a subsidiary of ACMobility, has officially renewed its partnership with Kia Corporation. Leadership from both organizations met in Seoul, South Korea, on March 18 to sign an extension of their distributor agreement alongside dealer principals and bank partners. This renewal secures a full decade of partnership, which is a historic first for the brand in the country, solidifying the mutual trust and incredible momentum that Kia has made in the Philippines.
“This partnership extension represents a long-term commitment to the Filipino drivers who have embraced the Kia brand,” said Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, CEO of ACMobility. “Our growth proves that Filipinos are looking for the kind of purposeful innovation that Kia provides, and we’re excited to keep that momentum going.”
Outpacing the Automotive Industry in 2025
The renewal follows a breakout 2025 for Kia. While the broader Philippine automotive industry saw a 3.7% increase, Kia surged with a 16.7% year-on-year (YoY) growth rate, establishing itself as one of the fastest-growing brands. This success went beyond moving units and represented a fundamental shift in how people view the brand as Kia saw its reputation, customer interest, and actual purchase intent all climb simultaneously. This deepening connection with Filipino drivers helped the brand steadily expand its footprint, with the Sonet, Carnival Turbo Hybrid, and Sorento Turbo Hybrid leading the way.
A Future of Sustainable Mobility
The Ayala Group, through ACMobility, acquired the Kia distributorship in 2018. This year, Kia aims to become a leading automotive brand while supporting its global electrification strategy by expanding its role in the hybrid electric vehicle segment. The company will strengthen its electrified lineup with the arrival of the Kia EV5, further reinforcing its portfolio across efficient fuel-powered, advanced turbo hybrid, and fully electric vehicles. Kia will also continue to introduce innovative models for Filipino drivers, supported by enhanced after-sales services to serve its growing customer base better.
“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,” said Jay Lopez, Managing Director of Kia Philippines. “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.”
As Kia Philippines moves toward this decade-long milestone, the focus remains on delivering world-class vehicles and exceptional service, strengthening the brand’s role as a key driver in the Philippine automotive landscape.
For more information about the brand’s vehicle lineup, visit www.kiaphilippines.com or follow Kia Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
