Kia Weighs New Line at Pesqueria After Record 2025

Kia is evaluating the addition of a new production line at its Pesqueria, Nuevo Leon, plant as it prepares for further growth in domestic sales, exports, and electrified vehicle offerings ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, company executives said in separate interviews and public statements.

“We are going to continue growing. We are going to seek to generate more production and more exports. We never stop analyzing new options to increase the production line at our plant in Nuevo León. These are aspects we are analyzing and, if they materialize, we will share them,” said Horacio Chávez, Managing Director, Kia, in an interview with El Economista.

Asked whether 2026 could bring announcements related to new production lines, Chávez said: “We cannot provide much information, but you will certainly be hearing important things from the Mexico plant. We are currently working on our plan and will invite you when the time comes to share not only production matters, but also as new products are launched in the Mexican market.”

The expansion review follows a record 2025 in sales, production, and exports, positioning Kia among the top-performing automotive brands in Mexico.

According to company data, Kia sold 111,172 vehicles in Mexico in 2025, a 6.5% increase compared with the previous year. By contrast, total new vehicle sales nationwide grew 1.35% over the same period, according to data from Mexico’s national statistics agency, INEGI.

“Today it has become more competitive than ever, and in this scenario at Kia we did everything we had to do to remain the best option for our customers and prospects. An example of this ability to adapt to the challenges presented by the market were the results we obtained last year,” Chávez said.

The company reported record monthly sales in 11 of the 12 months of 2025, marking its strongest annual performance since entering the Mexican market. The results placed Kia as the third best-selling automotive brand in the country.

Chávez described the domestic market as “more competitive than ever,” citing the arrival of new brands and ongoing portfolio renewals across the industry. Despite this environment, he said the company sustained growth through targeted product strategies and operational adjustments.

Of total units sold in Mexico, 60% were produced at the Pesquería plant in Nuevo Leon. Models manufactured there include the K3 and K4, which have become volume leaders for the brand.

In manufacturing, Kia assembled 288,000 units in Mexico in 2025, a 6.4% increase from the prior year. “A total of 288,000 units were produced, representing 6.4% growth compared with the previous year. It is a source of pride that the manufacturing quality of the vehicles assembled at this plant remains among the highest in the country,” Chávez said.

Of those units, 198,300 were exported to nearly 70 countries. The launch of exports of the K4 sedan and hatchback contributed significantly to this performance.

Chávez said the company intends to expand both production and exports. “We are not only focused on electrification; we also want to continue growing production and exports, while further improving our quality standards. In addition, we aim to enhance the customer experience at dealerships through new technologies,” he said.

Product Strategy and Electrification

Kia’s 2025 product strategy included strengthening key nameplates. Sales of the K3 increased 9.4% following the introduction of a 1.4-liter turbocharged entry version with manual transmission and the addition of a Cross variant. The launch of the K4 hatchback and GT-Line versions with 2.0-liter and 1.6-liter turbocharged engines completed that model’s lineup, which is also produced in Nuevo León.

For the Sportage, the introduction of a hybrid version priced below MX$800,000 in the final quarter of 2025 led hybrid variants to account for 28% of total Sportage sales.

“Sportage will be a key vehicle in this year’s strategy. We have expanded both the number of versions and hybrid offerings, and we are targeting a significant increase in sales, which is fundamental to the brand’s image. It was the first vehicle we launched in Mexico and remains our best-selling model globally,” Chávez said.

In addition to product expansion, Kia strengthened its financial services arm, Kia Finance. The company closed 63,500 new financing contracts in 2025, a record for the brand in Mexico. Chávez described the financing unit as a “key catalyst” in improving accessibility and deepening customer engagement.

World Cup Strategy and Limited Editions

As part of its forward-looking strategy, Kia has identified the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a major commercial catalyst. The company has been an official sponsor of the tournament since 2002 and plans to leverage the event’s visibility in Mexico, one of the host nations.

“We want to fully capitalize on the World Cup. It is a significant investment that Kia makes every four years, and we have been preparing for it well in advance,” Chávez said.

Kia will release 1,400 limited-edition “FIFA World Cup Edition” units in Mexico in 2026. These editions will be based on the K3, K4, and Sportage models and will include exclusive design and equipment enhancements.

The allocation includes 600 units of the K3, 500 of the K4, and 300 of the Sportage. For the K3, 450 sedans and 150 hatchbacks will feature a sport kit—including a front deflector, side skirts, and rear spoiler—along with a soccer-themed interface on a 10.25-inch display and commemorative floor mats. Prices will start at MX$438,800.

For the K4, 450 sedans and 50 hatchbacks will receive a similar sport kit and soccer-themed graphics displayed on a dual 12.3-inch panoramic screen, with starting prices of MX$583,900.

The 300 Sportage units will incorporate an X-Line exterior package, including exclusive badging, bridge-type roof rails, distinctive trim elements, a unique grille, and 19-inch gloss-black wheels. Pricing for this version has not yet been disclosed.

Infrastructure and Long-Term Targets

Beyond special editions, Kia plans to launch at least three new models in Mexico in 2026, including two hybrids and one fully electric vehicle—marking what the company described as the largest expansion of electrified models in its history in the country. Kia began commercializing electric vehicles in Mexico at the end of 2023 with the EV6 and intends to introduce more accessible electric models in the coming years.

To support its growth targets, Kia is expanding its commercial and service infrastructure. The company currently operates 123 sales and service points nationwide and plans to increase that number to 131 during the year.

“We work closely with our dealers to strengthen customer preference and repeat purchases in the Mexican market through greater operational efficiency,” said Alejandro Medina, Director of People Experience and Aftersales, Kia Mexico.

Kia also announced the opening of a second parts distribution center in Nuevo Leon, which will enable 24-hour delivery capabilities and support up to 176,000 service operations annually. The dealer network includes nearly 5,000 automotive professionals who have participated in training programs focused on new technologies and technical processes.

As Kia approaches its tenth anniversary in Mexico, executives said the focus remains on consolidating volume growth, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening customer loyalty. Chávez said, “The future in Mexico is promising and exciting. We are entering a new stage in the Mexican market.”

The company has set a target of reaching 1 million cumulative units sold in Mexico by 2026.