In a media briefing, Kia Asia Pacific president and CEO Ted Lee said the range of new generation models, as well as new business partnership and local assembling, were among its plans to expand the brand footing in Malaysia and Asean region.
The models are the Carnival large multi-purpose vehicle, Sorento large sports utility vehicle (SUV), Sportage SUV and Niro SUV crossover.
The Carnival and Sorento are expected to arrive next year with the Sportage and Niro planned for 2023.
The Carnival, Sorento and Sportage would be equipped with internal combustion engines for a start before electrified drivetrain versions are offered later.
The Carnival and Sportage would get a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) version in 2024, while the Sorento would also be offered with HEV and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variants as well.
Meanwhile, the Niro would available in HEV, PHEV and battery electric vehicle (BEV) versions.
In addition, Kia models would also come with exciting styling and equipped with advanced driver assistance system and intelligent connectivity to boost their appeal.
Kia Asia Pacific co-ordinating director of sales Joey Hong said Kia's strong heritage in Malaysia was among the reasons for the company to invest directly into the local assembling of its vehicles.
He said Malaysia has more than 200,000 Kia vehicles in operation and was the top Kia market in the Asean region from 2003 to 2006.
Other reasons for Kia's venturing into local assembling include Malaysia's favourable policies, and established automotive logistics and vendor programmes.
Kia Malaysia, a joint venture company between Kia and Bermaz Auto, would assemble Kia vehicles for the Malaysian and export markets.
Kia Malaysia aims to produce 100,000 units of the four models in the next five years.
Bermaz Auto's subsidiary Dinamikjaya Sdn Bhd is the distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia.
