“What do you mean, made in China?” Kia hybrid model announced to be equipped with a Chinese-produced engine
According to recent industry news, Kia will temporarily import the Gamma 2 engine produced at its Chinese factory into Korea. The Gamma 2 engine is a 1.6 T-GDi hybrid engine mounted on the Hyundai Motor Group’s 1.6 turbo hybrid system.
Gamma 2 1.6 T-GDi Smart Stream Turbo Hybrid is currently Hyundai Motor Group’s flagship hybrid system. Among Kia's lineup, it is installed in all flagship hybrid models such as the K8 Hybrid, Sportage Hybrid, and Sorento Hybrid. The Carnival Hybrid, which is scheduled to be released soon, will also be equipped with the same engine.
Hyundai Motors and Kia Motors have never imported cars or parts from overseas factories. This is because of the clause included in the labor-management agreement prohibiting the re-importation of vehicle models and parts produced at overseas factories into Korea. This is because vehicles and parts reimported from overseas reduce the security of employment at domestic factories.
However, it is known that Kia has reached an agreement with the labor union to import Chinese engines. The union reached an agreement under the condition that employment at the Hwaseong Engine Plant would not be affected. In particular, this appears to be because the production of hybrid vehicles has recently increased, and as engine supply becomes smoother, the production of finished vehicles can increase.
Accordingly, it is expected that a Chinese engine will be installed in the hybrid model equipped with Kia's 1.6 gasoline turbo hybrid system. It was difficult to keep up with demand with domestic engine production alone, but it is expected that hybrid vehicle production will become smoother if Chinese-produced engines are introduced.
Accordingly, some netizens reacted negatively to the inclusion of a Chinese engine. Most people are of the opinion that they are reluctant to install Chinese engines even on Kia vehicles. On the contrary, some expressed the opinion that it would be okay if only the same engine was assembled at a Chinese factory.
Meanwhile, Kia plans to add a Seltos hybrid model in 2025, and is known to release a new car equipped with a hybrid powertrain based on Theta 3 (2.5 gasoline turbo).