Sept. 5, 2024 | Kia America COO Steve Center; Biden to block U.S. Steel sale to Nippon
Sep 5, 2024
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Steve Center, the COO of Kia America, discusses the brand's impressive 4.3% sales growth, driven mainly by electric vehicles and the new EV9 crossover. He emphasizes the balanced approach Kia is taking, blending gasoline vehicles with hybrids and fully electric models. The conversation also touches on the competitive EV landscape, including challenges in infrastructure, consumer demand, and the impact of policy changes on the electric vehicle market. Additionally, the podcast highlights the potential implications of President Biden's intervention in the U.S. Steel acquisition.
President Biden's decision to block Nippon Steel's acquisition of U.S. Steel highlights the importance of protecting domestic jobs in the auto industry.
Kia's successful electric vehicle growth, particularly with the EV9, showcases its ability to balance diverse powertrains amid shifting consumer demands.
Deep dives
Biden's Intervention in Steel Acquisition
President Biden is preparing to block the acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel, which poses significant implications for the North American auto industry. The proposed $15 billion merger has raised concerns regarding the potential loss of thousands of U.S. jobs, especially within unions. While Nippon's bid was initially seen as favorable due to its potential to enhance technological advancements in steelmaking and maintain domestic supplies of electrical steel, the president's intervention signals a protective stance towards domestic industry and employment. This decision could reshape relationships between automakers and their steel suppliers, impacting supply chains and production capabilities.
Volvo Adjusts Profitability Outlook
Volvo has revised its profitability targets for 2026, lowering its operating profit margin goal from above 8 percent to a range of 7 to 8 percent. The automaker has also abandoned its earlier sales goal, which projected revenues between $53.5 billion and $58.4 billion. This shift is attributed to increased complexities stemming from global trade dynamics and tariffs. Furthermore, Volvo has stepped back from its commitment to exclusively electric vehicles by 2030, reflecting the evolving landscape of consumer demand and market realities.
Kia's Steadfast Electrification Strategy
Kia is experiencing robust sales growth in its electric vehicle segment, showcasing a 27% increase driven by the successful launch of the EV9 three-row crossover. Unlike some competitors, Kia maintains a multi-powertrain strategy, allowing them to balance electric and internal combustion vehicle production without abandoning either. This blend enables Kia to adapt to rapidly changing consumer preferences while ensuring a steady supply of hybrids and traditional vehicles. As Kia prepares to ramp up U.S. production of the EV9, the automaker is well-positioned to meet market demands and navigate the complexities of the evolving auto industry.