Kia will invest 3 trillion won by 2029 to build a new electric-vehicle production facility at its Gwangju AutoLand and expand the site beyond its current internal-combustion focus. The company plans to connect vehicle production with software-centered mobility and demonstrations involving purpose-built vehicles, including demand-responsive transport, autonomous PBV shuttles and remote driving support for mobility-impaired users.
Kia, Gwangju and Jeonnam authorities, Chonnam National University and Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology also agreed to build an integrated mobility ecosystem, with 200 autonomous-capable Hyundai Ioniq 5 vehicles planned for regional testing and artificial-intelligence learning. The investment is part of Hyundai Motor Group’s 125.2 trillion won domestic investment plan announced in November 2025.