The FINANCIAL -- Kia Motors presents 0n June 13 its vision for the future of mobility at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show Asia in Shanghai.

Under its new ‘Boundless for all’ vision, Kia is working towards a future in which opportunities for mobility and transportation are limitless. To broaden horizons with its mobility services, Kia is also demonstrating a range of new technologies as part of its new ‘Mobility-ACE’ strategy, to make its cars more Autonomous, Connected and Eco/Electric, according to Kianewscenter.



“In the future, various technologies will coexist to allow customers to enjoy different lifestyles in increasingly complex and connected urban environments,” said 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.”



Kia’s ‘Mobility-ACE’ strategy is based around four core elements, presenting Kia’s vision for future personal transportation:

Mobility – Kia’s near-future vehicles will benefit from advanced connectivity technologies to offer mobility to the broadest possible cross-section of society

Autonomous – Kia plans to commercialize Level 4 autonomous driving technology, with ‘Smart City’ autonomous vehicle testing due to commence in 2021

Connected – By 2025, Kia will adopt connected car technologies across every vehicle segment, and aim to make every single model a connected car by 2030

Eco/Electric – Kia will introduce 16 new advanced powertrain vehicles by 2025, including a range of new hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, as well as an all-new fuel-cell electric vehicle in 2020

Beyond Autonomous Driving: Kia’s exhibition theme for ‘connected’ vehicles



At CES Asia 2018, Kia is presenting a range of interactive exhibits which combine existing and future technologies. These demonstrate how vehicles could be optimized for enhanced connectivity as they become more autonomous and hint at a future that even goes ‘Beyond Autonomous Driving’. Visitors can interact with Kia’s developing autonomous drive technologies through a VR simulator, according to Kianewscenter.



Jinwoo Lee, head of Kia Motors’ Autonomous Driving Development Center, commented: “Kia has already established the foundation for autonomous driving through the expansion of a range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. 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. Reliable autonomous technologies will enrich our customers’ travel experience, giving them free time while in the car and ultimately supporting a mobility-enabled lifestyle.



Kia plans to operate a large-scale test fleet for autonomous technology on public roads from 2019, paving the way for commercial production of the technology. Kia aims to commercialize Level 4 autonomous vehicles in smart cities from 2021 with a new Smart City pilot project.



Niro EV Concept to preview technologies for future eco-friendly vehicles



Kia will continue to expand its range of environmentally-friendly cars in the coming years, and plans to offer seven different eco-friendly vehicles including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, electric vehicles and a fuel-cell electric vehicle.



As part of this strategy, Kia is exhibiting the Niro EV Concept at CES Asia 2018. First unveiled in January 2018 and on show for the first time in China, the concept previews the design and powertrain of the upcoming Niro EV production car. Combining the stylish design of a modern compact SUV with the high efficiency of an advanced battery-electric powertrain, the Kia Niro EV Concept represents the next step in the brand’s ongoing journey to electrification.



The Niro EV Concept is a fully-electric compact SUV, with an aerodynamically-efficient body which allows air to slip over, around and beneath the vehicle with ease. The traditional grille – no longer required for engine cooling – is replaced by a smooth panel which incorporates new ‘interaction’ motion lighting. In profile, the concept draws inspiration from the current Kia Niro, with a modish compact crossover silhouette, elevated body and wide C-pillar. The Niro EV Concept’s smooth rear aspect has clean and sharp trailing edges allowing air to flow more easily off the back of the car, according to Kianewscenter.



With a silent electric powertrain, and the anticipation that such a car would be driven most frequently on urban and suburban roads, the Niro EV Concept boasts new technologies to enhance safety for pedestrians.



The concept’s new Active Pedestrian Warning System (APWS) features a combination of front view cameras, object recognition technology and front speakers. If the system detects a pedestrian or cyclist crossing in front of the car, the speakers sound an alert targeted specifically at that person, warning them of the car’s presence. APWS is matched by the Niro EV Concept’s new interactive lighting system, which offers users and pedestrians a highly-intuitive visual communication with vehicle, according to Kianewscenter.



Inside, the cabin has been designed with a pure, minimalist and digital appearance, creating greater user interaction with new technologies and features. With a wrap-around design to cocoon the driver and passengers, the dashboard’s horizontal layout has broad and smooth surfaces. The effect is an innate sense of space and calm in the cabin, enhanced by the soft shades of silver, grey and bronze covering every surface.



Powered by a next-generation fully-electric powertrain, the Niro EV Concept employs new production-ready technologies earmarked for near-future EVs from Kia. Energy is provided by a high-capacity 64 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, paired with a powerful 150 kW electric motor. The Niro EV Concept suggests a driving range of 238 miles (383 kilometers), with zero tailpipe emissions.