Ayala extends partnership with Kia Corporation for a full decade

Kia Philippines, a subsidiary of Ayala’s ACMobility, has officially renewed its partnership with Kia Corporation. Leadership from both organizations met in Seoul, South Korea, on March 18, 2026, to sign an extension of their distributor agreement alongside dealer principals and bank partners.

With it, the renewal secures a full decade of partnership, which is a historic first for the brand in the country. It also solidifies the mutual trust and incredible momentum that Kia has made in the Philippines via ACMobility.

“This partnership extension represents a long-term commitment to the Filipino drivers who have embraced the Kia brand. “Our growth proves that Filipinos are looking for the kind of purposeful innovation that Kia provides, and we’re excited to keep that momentum going,” said Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, CEO of ACMobility.

The renewal follows a breakout 2025 for Kia. While the broader Philippine automotive industry saw a 3.7% increase, Kia surged with a 16.7% year-on-year (YoY) growth, establishing itself as one of the fastest-growing brands in the country. 

This success went beyond moving units and represented a fundamental shift in how people view the brand as Kia saw its reputation, customer interest, and actual purchase intent all climb simultaneously. This deepening connection with Filipino drivers helped the brand steadily expand its footprint, with the Sonet, Carnival Turbo Hybrid, and Sorento Turbo Hybrid leading the way.

“Our growth is driven by the vibrant community of Filipinos who have made Kia a part of their story, from families sharing journeys in the Carnival to young professionals finding their start in the Sonet. This ten-year milestone is a commitment to continue growing this community by offering a lineup that understands the local road as we expand into the hybrid segment and bring innovative mobility to the hearts of our customers,” said Jay Lopez, Managing Director of Kia Philippines.

The Ayala Group, through ACMobility, acquired the Kia distributorship in 2018. This year, Kia aims to become a leading automotive brand while supporting its global electrification strategy by expanding its role in the hybrid electric vehicle segment.

The company will strengthen its electrified lineup with the arrival of the Kia EV5, further reinforcing its portfolio across efficient fuel-powered, advanced turbo hybrid, and fully electric vehicles. Kia will also continue to introduce innovative models for Filipino drivers, supported by enhanced aftersales services to serve its growing customer base better.