Hyundai Motor Group has begun to analyze China’s rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) industry in depth. Kia announced that it would send a delegation to the Auto Shanghai 2025 (Shanghai Motor Show) in April to visit the manufacturing plant of Chinese EV maker ZEEKR. In addition, Hyundai’s Namyang R&D Center is currently studying the Xiaomi SU7 by importing the vehicle into Korea.
Kia Union Members to Visit ZEEKR Plant; Hyundai’s Namyang R&D Center Conducting Xiaomi SU7 Study
According to the auto industry, on Wednesday, Kia formed a delegation to visit Auto Shanghai by inviting applications from union delegates.
The delegation will visit the Auto Shanghai exhibition, which opens on April 23, and tour the plant of ZEEKR, the premium EV brand under Geely.
A union representative stated, “We are participating in this visit to fully understand and confirm the management’s assessment of the alarming growth of China’s EV market.”
Previously, Kia’s Head of Domestic Production, Choi Joon Young, presented the company’s 2025 business plan to the union on March 10. During the meeting, Choi reportedly emphasized the urgency of responding to the rapid growth of Chinese EV companies. As a result, Kia decided to include union delegates and company officials in the Auto Shanghai delegation.
Hyundai’s Namyang R&D Center is studying the Xiaomi SU7, an EV model launched by the Chinese tech giant last year. According to EV-focused media outlet Electrek, a Xiaomi SU7 vehicle with a temporary license plate was recently spotted near Hyundai’s research center.
The license plate had only four digits instead of the usual six, which typically indicates a temporary permit used by automakers for research purposes.
Namyang R&D Center is the core of Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D. It appears that the center has imported the Xiaomi SU7 to conduct an in-depth analysis of its interior and exterior.
The SU7, first released in March 2024, has gained significant popularity in the Chinese market. Cumulative sales surpass 200,000 units, outpacing global legacy automakers’ EV sales in China. Xiaomi recently launched an upgraded model, the SU7 Ultra, and raised its annual production target from 200,000 to 350,000 units.
Chinese EV Makers Expand Rapidly: 2024 Q4 Marks Turning Point as BYD Enters Top 5 Globally
Hyundai Motor Group’s decision to visit Chinese EV plants and import popular Chinese EV models for study reflects growing concern over the explosive rise of Chinese EV makers.
BYD, China’s leading EV manufacturer, sold 4,477,944 units worldwide in 2024—including plug-in hybrids (PHEVs)—surpassing Tesla to become the world’s top EV company. In the fourth quarter of 2024, BYD ranked fifth in global auto sales for the first time, showcasing its rapid growth. The company also unveiled its Super e-Platform, which supports 400 km of driving on a five-minute charge, and introduced its latest advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) known as God’s Eye.
Chinese EV makers are expected to make 2025 a landmark year for entering the Korean market. BYD launched its first electric passenger car in Korea this January, and ZEEKR has completed registration of its Korean subsidiary and is preparing to enter the market. Other Chinese brands like XPeng and NIO are also considering launching in Korea.
An industry insider commented, “In Europe, the penetration of Chinese EVs is progressing rapidly, and Korea is just beginning to see this trend. Although Chinese brands still face limitations in brand image, their recent technological advancements have Korean automakers on high alert and actively responding.”
