Kia Motors has issued a directive to all its dealerships to refrain from hiking the price of the EV9 electric vehicle. The company has taken this step in response to the growing demand for electric vehicles and the potential for price gouging in the market. Kia has always been committed to providing its customers with high-quality products at fair prices, and it intends to maintain this principle with the EV9. The company believes that electric vehicles are the future of the automotive industry and is determined to make them accessible to as many people as possible. Therefore, Kia urges its dealers to comply with this directive and ensure that the EV9 remains affordable for everyone.
Kia Motors is set to introduce its first electric seven-seater vehicle, the EV9, in the United States by the end of this year. Interested customers can already reserve their EV9 at a base price of $56,395, which includes a shipping fee of $1,495. In an effort to protect its customers from price markups, Kia has reportedly requested its dealers to maintain the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) without any additional charges.
Kia's Efforts to Ensure Fair Pricing
A letter obtained by CarsDirect reveals that Kia is emphasizing the importance of price transparency and customer satisfaction for EV9 buyers. The company urges its dealers to refrain from adding any markups to the MSRP, as the EV9 customer is seen as a significant addition to the Kia brand. By ensuring a fair and consistent pricing strategy, Kia aims to enhance the overall purchase experience for its EV9 customers.
Potential Challenges
However, it remains to be seen whether this strategy will be successful. CarsDirect highlights the experience with the EV6, which faced substantial markups from certain dealers when it was launched in the United States over a year ago. Reports indicated markups of up to $20,000 above the MSRP, which were partially attributed to the narrow profit margins between the MSRP and invoice prices. While it is unclear if Kia has maintained similar margin levels for the EV9, it may prove challenging for dealers to adhere strictly to the MSRP if these margins remain tight.
EV9 Trim Levels and Pricing
The initial deliveries of the EV9 in the United States are scheduled for the final quarter of this year. The electric SUV will be available in five different trim levels: Light Long Range RWD, Wind AWD, Land AWD, and GT-Line AWD. The GT-Line AWD, priced at $75,395 (including a $1,495 destination and shipping fee), will be the range-topping model. It boasts a dual-motor electric powertrain that delivers an impressive peak output of 379 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.
Initial Deliveries and Local Production Plans
Initially, the EV9 vehicles destined for the American market will be imported from South Korea. However, Kia has plans to commence local production of the EV SUV in West Point, Georgia by 2024.
Summary
As Kia strives to establish itself as a major player in the electric vehicle market, ensuring fair pricing and customer satisfaction will be crucial. By requesting its dealers to refrain from markups over the MSRP, Kia aims to provide a transparent and positive purchasing experience for its valued EV9 customers.
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(This article is sourced from Motor1 and curated by Thetransporteronline24)
