Scheduled for completion by the end of this year, the Kia Academy in Derby is the new state of the art facility that will be a training centre for the next generation of automotive talent.

The 40,000 sq. ft. building within St Mowden Park replaces the facility down the road in Nottingham and arrives at a time of recent success for the South Korean brand. There are 190 Kia dealers in the UK and globally, the brand sold over 100,000 units for the first time in its history. As part of its plan for the future, Kia plans to launch 15 fully electric vehicles globally by 2027, nine of which will be in the UK. As part of the Kia Academy, up to 1,500 people per annum will learn skills that will see them become experts in electrification.

The expectation is for around 15-17 staff to be employed full time, with eight classrooms and a workshop equipped with the latest technology and resources to prepare apprentices and technicians for their subsequent careers. As well as the educational side, the site also will incorporate a reception area and showroom to showcase Kia’s electrified future.

Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK Limited, said: “We are thrilled to bring our new and enhanced Kia Academy to Derby. This move represents our commitment to supporting STEM education, driving electrification and helping our dealer partners build the workforce and skills they need for the future. Our investment in the new training Academy showcases our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and sustainability while solidifying Kia’s position as a leader in electrification and the automotive industry.”

The Kia Academy is expected to officially open in 2024.

Kia EV5 and two concept models revealed on first ever Kia EV Day

Last week, Kia unveiled three new small- to medium-sized electric models at the brand’s first annual Kia EV Day in Korea. Hoping to be the frontrunners in electrified automotive technology, the EV5, EV4 and EV3 gave us a glimpse into what the future holds for Kia.

Kia EV5

After the release of the EV6 and EV9, Kia said in its presentation that it planned to launch the EV5 - the third dedicated EV in its line-up - in South Korea in 2025, despite originally being planned for China only. Specific details regarding range were not disclosed but the brand added that it would be tailored to meet market demands.

Kia EV3

With a suggested price tag of only £28,000, Kia is looking to make its cars more affordable. The EV3 is another SUV but is marketed to be a more compact version of the EV9. Inside the car, there appears to be space in abundance and it’s clear to see that comfort was one of the main priorities when it came to design. Add some swivelling and reclining seats to that for a futuristic result.

Kia EV4

The strikingly shaped EV4 is more of a saloon despite its clear bulkiness. The sloping roofline and elongated shape differentiate it from the other cars unveiled and the subtle roof spoiler gives it more of a sporty edge.

The interior is very similar to the EV3 concept and has the same infotainment display and use of fabric, all very minimalistic.

Kia’s plan is to sell one million electric vehicles annually by 2026, increasing to 1.6 million units per year by 2030. Can they do it? The ever changing landscape of the current automotive industry suggests we’d be fools to guess.

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Kia