"Used Electric Cars, Are the Batteries Okay?"... Kia Engineers Inspect and Sell Directly

Kia Reveals Used Car Business Direction
Certified Used Cars and Compensation Programs Similar to Hyundai
Establishing Electric Vehicle Specialized Diagnosis and Maintenance Infrastructure
Also Offering Customizing and Pre-Experience Purchase Programs

Kia electric vehicle EV6 charging / Photo by Mun Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Kia has officially announced its entry into the used car market by revealing its plan to sell only certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles of its own brand that are within 5 years or 100,000 km. The company aims to lead market advancement by supplying high-quality certified used cars and offering purchase programs linked with subscription services.

Kia unveiled its vision and strategy for the used car business based on these points for the first time on the 18th. A key difference from the used car strategy announced earlier this month by its group company Hyundai Motor is the focus on electric vehicles (EVs). Kia plans to develop a separate quality inspection and certification system unique to EVs to establish objective value assessment standards for used electric cars.

According to industry sources, last year’s used EV transactions reached 12,960 units, a 63% increase from 7,949 units the previous year. This growth reflects the rising adoption of EVs, with sales increasing by double digits annually. Despite the market expansion, concerns have been consistently raised about the reliability of price assessment standards. This is also why two out of every three transactions are conducted between individuals.

Last month, visitors to 'InterBattery 2022' held at COEX in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, are examining a POSCO battery pack model for electric vehicles using composite materials at the POSCO Chemical exhibition hall. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

As a complete vehicle manufacturer with extensive expertise in producing EVs and battery measurement and evaluation, Kia plans to actively utilize this know-how in its used car business going forward. Kia stated, "If fair value assessment standards for used EVs are established, EV transactions will be revitalized, which will lead to increased new car sales and contribute to the expansion of the domestic EV market."

Similar to Hyundai, Kia’s program targets only its own brand vehicles within 5 years or 100,000 km and operates a vehicle purchase and trade-in program. Both companies are also developing dedicated facilities (tentatively called reconditioning centers) to diagnose and certify used car performance and condition. However, Kia differentiates itself by equipping EV-exclusive work bays. These centers will offer programs where customers can directly inspect or test drive vehicles undergoing refurbishment, in addition to regular maintenance.

Alongside this, Kia will operate a customization product allowing used car buyers to select interior and exterior parts separately and plans to link its existing new car subscription service with the used car business. Vehicles returned after subscription contracts end will be brought into the reconditioning center, undergo refurbishment, and then be reintroduced into the subscription service. This approach offers advantages such as lower prices compared to new car subscriptions, no waiting period for delivery, and extended vehicle lifecycle.

Kia Certified Used Car Digital Platform Concept Image

Additionally, Kia will operate a pre-subscription post-purchase program that allows prospective used car buyers to experience a vehicle for up to one month before making a final purchase decision, enhancing buyer confidence. Like Hyundai, the main sales channel will be digital platforms, supplemented by the use of certified pre-owned vehicle facilities.

Both Hyundai and Kia will handle only their own used cars that meet certain standards and have proposed mutual growth plans such as education support for existing used car industry workers. Kia’s target market share is set at 1.9% this year, 2.6% next year, and 3.7% the year after. Combined with Hyundai’s targets, the Hyundai Motor Group aims for 4.4% this year, 6.2% next year, and 8.8% the year after.

A Kia official said, "We will respond to the increasing demand for electric vehicles in the used car market by leveraging our electrification capabilities and help the used car sales industry prepare for the future together."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.