Kia will invest 649 million U.S. dollars [1] to produce the EV3 electric SUV at its plant in Pesquería, Nuevo León [3].
This move signals a shift in the regional automotive landscape as Mexico moves toward becoming a hub for electric vehicle manufacturing. By adapting an existing facility to produce a model currently built in South Korea, Kia is leveraging Mexico's strategic location to expand its global electromobility footprint.
The announcement, made on July 29, 2026 [2], outlines a plan to transition the Pesquería facility to support the EV3. The company aims to utilize Mexico's manufacturing capabilities beyond simple labor costs to strengthen its position in the electric market.
"This investment reinforces our commitment to electromobility in Mexico," a Kia México spokesperson said.
The Pesquería plant has already gained a reputation for high standards. A representative from JD Power said the facility is the highest quality in America, surpassing plants located in the U.S. and Canada.
Local government officials expect the project to have a significant economic impact on the region. The Secretary of Economy of Mexico said the project will generate hundreds of direct jobs, and strengthen the Mexican automotive industry.
While some reports suggest the EV3 may be the first 100% electric national car produced in Mexico, other sources note that the model is already in production in South Korea and that the Nuevo León facility is an expansion of that existing line.
“"This investment reinforces our commitment to electromobility in Mexico."”
Kia's decision to localize EV3 production in Nuevo León reflects a broader trend of 'nearshoring' and the electrification of the North American supply chain. By shifting production from South Korea to Mexico, Kia reduces logistics costs and aligns itself with regional trade incentives, while simultaneously elevating Mexico's status from a traditional combustion-engine assembly hub to a specialized center for electric vehicle technology.
