Kia 2015 Annual Report Download - page 50

Download and view the complete annual report

Please find page 50 of the 2015 Kia annual report below. You can navigate through the pages in the report by either clicking on the pages listed below, or by using the keyword search tool below to find specific information within the annual report.

Page out of 128

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
  • 32
  • 33
  • 34
  • 35
  • 36
  • 37
  • 38
  • 39
  • 40
  • 41
  • 42
  • 43
  • 44
  • 45
  • 46
  • 47
  • 48
  • 49
  • 50
  • 51
  • 52
  • 53
  • 54
  • 55
  • 56
  • 57
  • 58
  • 59
  • 60
  • 61
  • 62
  • 63
  • 64
  • 65
  • 66
  • 67
  • 68
  • 69
  • 70
  • 71
  • 72
  • 73
  • 74
  • 75
  • 76
  • 77
  • 78
  • 79
  • 80
  • 81
  • 82
  • 83
  • 84
  • 85
  • 86
  • 87
  • 88
  • 89
  • 90
  • 91
  • 92
  • 93
  • 94
  • 95
  • 96
  • 97
  • 98
  • 99
  • 100
  • 101
  • 102
  • 103
  • 104
  • 105
  • 106
  • 107
  • 108
  • 109
  • 110
  • 111
  • 112
  • 113
  • 114
  • 115
  • 116
  • 117
  • 118
  • 119
  • 120
  • 121
  • 122
  • 123
  • 124
  • 125
  • 126
  • 127
  • 128

The goal of Kia Motors’ R&D is ‘zero’. We aim for “zero emissions”,
through the development of eco-friendly vehicles that emit
no greenhouse gases, and “zero accidents”, enabled by smart
safety technologies that prevent traffic accidents.
GREEN MOBILITY - EcoDynamics
One of the hottest topics in the auto-
mobile industry in 2015 was “Dieselgate”,
which led to a sharp rise in interest in eco-
friendly vehicles. Sales of hybrid electric
vehicles (HEVs) are rising, and their market
share is expected to grow further. Electric
vehicles (EVs) also have great growth
potential, with countries around the world
providing greater policy support for eco-
friendly vehicles. Developing eco-friendly
cars has therefore become an essential
focus for automobile companies to
compete in the automobile market of the
future.
Kia Motors established EcoDynamics,
an eco-friendly sub-brand, in 2009 and
continues to increase investment in eco-
friendly vehicle development. As of the
end of 2015, our line-up featured four
eco-friendly cars – the Optima Hybrid
(K5 Hybrid 500h), K7 Hybrid 700h, Soul
EV, and Ray EV. We plan to strengthen
our eco-friendly vehicle line-up by
launching two more products in 2016 –
our first hybrid-dedicated SUV, Niro, and
the Optima (K5) Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle (PHEV). We will accelerate the
development of alternative powertrain
vehicles in accordance with our roadmap
for expanding our eco-friendly car line-up
by 2020. This will enable us to respond
to the changing automobile market, and
build a foundation for sustainable growth.
Investment in R&D
(
Unit: KRW billion)
2015
2014
2013
Niro
Planned for release in the first half of 2016, the
Niro is the first small SUV in Korea to house a
hybrid engine. The hybrid-specific Kappa 1.6 GDi
engine in the Niro has a maximum output of 105
horsepower (ps) and maximum torque of 15.0
kgf·m. The electric motor has maximum output
of 43.5 horsepower with a 32 kW conversion
and maximum torque of 17.3 kgf·m. The Niro
also features a hybrid-only 6-speed dual clutch
transmission (DCT) and 1.56 kWh battery,
leading to maximum fuel efficiency. In addition,
its unique and sporty design is aerodynamically
optimal. The Niro is an ideal eco-friendly car that
brings together the practical value of an SUV
and the high efficiency and eco-friendliness of a
hybrid vehicle.
Optima Hybrid (K5 Hybrid 500h)
The all-new Optima Hybrid (K5 Hybrid
500h) offers enhanced efficiency through
the application of a parallel hard-type hybrid
system and hybrid-specific 2.0 GDI engine.
It features strong power performance, with
maximum output of 156 horsepower (ps)
and maximum torque of 19.3 kgf·m. Battery
capacity is 13.2% higher than the previous
model. The hybrid-only 6-speed DCT enables
efficient regenerative braking and has raised
fuel efficiency to around 17.5 km/l (based
on new fuel efficiency criteria), resulting in
excellent value for money.
44 | KIA MOTORS
RESEARCH &
DEVELOPMENT