April 21, 2025

ALMOST A CENTURY OF INNOVATION AND SAFETY On April 14, 1927, in Gothenburg, Sweden, the story of one of the most influential brands in the evolution of modern transportation began. Volvo Cars celebrates 98 years of history, establishing itself as a key player in the development of automotive technologies—particularly those focused on road safety and sustainable mobility 🌍🔧 A SAFETY REVOLUTION: THE SEATBELT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING Among the many contributions the Scandinavian company has made to the industry, one invention stands out for saving millions of lives and marking a turning point: the three-point seatbelt, implemented in 1959. Although now a standard feature in all vehicles, it originated from Volvo’s efforts to reduce fatalities in traffic accidents, making safety a cornerstone of its design philosophy ⚠️🔒💡 A PATH GUIDED BY HUMAN AND TECHNOLOGICAL VALUES The Swedish brand has been a pioneer not only in structural design but also in creating technologies focused on the well-being of its occupants and the environment. In nearly a century, Volvo Cars has built a reputation rooted in trust, manufacturing quality, and a strong sense of responsibility toward society. In times when many companies prioritized speed or aesthetics, Volvo put life first 🧠🚦✨ A FUTURE VISION: ZERO EMISSIONS AND GREATER ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS Ninety-eight years after its founding, the company’s direction is clear: a full transition to fleet electrification. In line with the challenges of the 21st century, Volvo is committed to eliminating vehicle emissions, promoting electric mobility, and using sustainable production processes to reduce environmental impact 🌱🔋♻️ SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE, GLOBAL REACH What began as a local Swedish project is now present in over 100 countries, standing as a benchmark not only in automotive safety but also in business ethics, gender equality, responsible design, and intuitive technology. The brand’s latest models feature artificial intelligence, advanced connectivity, and autonomous functions—without ever losing the distinctive touch of Volvo engineering 🛰️📱🔍 A BIRTHDAY THAT MARKS A NEW BEGINNING, NOT THE END From its global headquarters, the company’s leadership has reiterated that this anniversary is not a finish line, but the start of a new phase of transformation. “Turning 98 is not just a source of pride—it’s a commitment to future generations. We want a safer, cleaner, and fairer world for everyone,” stated representatives of the Swedish brand in a recent announcement 🎙️🔎📜 A LEGACY STILL BEING BUILT, KILOMETER BY KILOMETER Beyond numbers, awards, or sales, Volvo Cars has built its legacy on a powerful conviction: vehicles should protect lives, not just move them. Every driver, every passenger, and every worker in the Volvo chain is part of a story that is still being written 🚗💬👨‍🔧👩‍💻

GLOBAL RECOGNITION IN NEW YORK During the recent edition of the New York International Auto Show, the INSTER model was recognized as the World Electric Vehicle 2025, as part of the World Car Awards, one of the most prestigious honors in the automotive industry. The result was determined by a jury of 96 specialized journalists from 30 countries, who evaluated various technical and performance aspects of the nominated vehicles 🔍🌐 FOUR YEARS OF DOMINANCE FOR HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY This latest win marks the fourth consecutive year that a model from Hyundai Motor Company has triumphed in one of the categories of this international award. The consistency of these results not only highlights the Korean brand’s growth, but also the evolution of the electric vehicle market worldwide, with an increasingly robust and competitive offering ⚙️🔋 INNOVATION AND EFFICIENCY IN A SUBCOMPACT FORMAT The INSTER was chosen for its balance of technology, functional design, efficient range, and its ability to meet the current needs of urban electric mobility. With a 49 kWh battery version offering up to 370 km of range and the ability to charge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes, the model stood out in the subcompact segment of this year’s edition ⚡🔌🚗 TECHNICAL MERIT BEYOND AESTHETICS The jury’s decision wasn’t based solely on looks or brand name, but on key factors like daily usability, performance in various driving scenarios, integration of intuitive connectivity systems, and viability as an electric transport solution across different regions. The recognition of the INSTER also reflects the growing importance of vehicles designed for real-life contexts—not just for spec sheets 🧠📉 TRENDS SHAPING THE AUTOMOTIVE FUTURE The rise of urban electric vehicles has pushed manufacturers to rethink everything from design to charging infrastructure. The fact that a subcompact model won the World Electric Vehicle of the Year brings attention to the importance of developing accessible, efficient options tailored to the dynamics of modern cities 🏙️🌱 A PROVEN PATH BACKED BY SUCCESS In recent years, models like the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and IONIQ 5 N have also been recognized among the world’s best, marking a trend of constant innovation in South Korean design. However, the INSTER award stands out by going beyond premium lines, bringing the electrification conversation to a broader scale—closer to average consumers 🌍📊🚘 A REFLECTION ON THE INDUSTRY AND ITS DIRECTION This type of recognition offers insight into where the automotive industry is heading: smaller models, more practicality, and increasingly integrated technology. As more countries set emission reduction targets, the role of compact electric cars will be key—not only to meet regulations but to truly transform the transportation ecosystem 🛣️🔄 INSTER: A SYMBOL OF THE MOBILITY TRANSITION Beyond the award, the INSTER represents the rise of a category that, until recently, seemed secondary: that of accessible electric vehicles. The honor earned in New York spotlights manufacturers betting on efficiency and innovation in functional formats. It sends a clear message: sustainable mobility is no longer an option—it’s a necessity 🌿⚡📈

SMART TECHNOLOGY THAT LISTENS, RESPONDS, AND LEARNS 🔊🧠 South Korean brand Kia has taken automotive connectivity to the next level by introducing its advanced AI-based voice assistant in Europe — a system that not only understands the driver but also learns over time to deliver a personalized and intuitive experience. It’s called “Assistant AI”, an innovative tool previously tested successfully in South Korea and the United States, and now making its way to the European market to transform the relationship between the user and their vehicle 🚘🌍. “ASSISTANT AI”: A MORE NATURAL DRIVING EXPERIENCE 🗣️💬 By simply saying “Hey Kia” or pressing the command button on the steering wheel, drivers can engage in a fluid conversation with their car — as if it were a smart co-pilot. Unlike old voice recognition systems, this intelligent assistant goes far beyond, interpreting the context and intention behind every request. It can answer complex questions like “What are the advantages of an electric car over a combustion one?” or even respond to curious ones like “Why is the sky blue?” — and explain it in kid-friendly language 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🌤️. OTA UPDATES THAT EVOLVE WITH THE USER 🔄📡 One of the Assistant AI’s greatest strengths is its ability to receive Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. This means the system becomes smarter over time, adding new features and improving its accuracy — no need for a trip to the workshop. This cutting-edge tech is powered by the ccNC navigation system, allowing Kia to keep its models up to date with the latest advancements 🧑‍🔧📲. ADVANCED INTERACTION BEYOND THE STEERING WHEEL 🚦🎶 Assistant AI doesn’t just make driving easier — it enhances the entire in-car and even out-of-car experience. Going camping? Ask it what to pack. Looking for a sushi spot in a city you’re visiting for the first time? It’ll guide you. Want a chill playlist for your sunset drive? It’s got one ready. The interaction possibilities are nearly endless 🌇🍣🎵. DRIVING ASSISTANCE AND COMFORT ON THE ROAD 🛣️🧘 In heavy traffic or on long trips, Assistant AI can suggest enabling Highway Driving Assist, explaining how to activate it and use it properly to reduce stress and make the journey more comfortable. This kind of personalized support turns the vehicle into a true driver companion, adapting to their needs and driving style 🚗💡. MODELS AND GLOBAL AVAILABILITY 🌐🚙 Assistant AI already comes standard in models like the Kia K4 in the U.S. and the Kia EV3 in Korea. In Europe, the EV3 will begin featuring it from March 2025. Additionally, previously manufactured vehicles will also gain access to this feature via OTA update — highlighting Kia’s commitment to continuous innovation and making advanced tech accessible to all its customers 🌍🔧. A LEAP INTO THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY ⚡🚀 With this launch, Kia positions itself at the forefront of the smart mobility ecosystem — integrating artificial intelligencenot just as a tech add-on, but as a central part of vehicle design. This move reinforces its future-forward vision where conversational technology, constant updates, and natural driver-car interaction are key pillars of everyday driving 🛻🧑‍💼🔍. KIA + ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE = MORE HUMAN DRIVING ❤️🤖 The arrival of Assistant AI marks a turning point in the onboard experience — transforming the car from a mere machine into a smart travel companion that listens, understands, responds, and evolves. With this technology, Kia once again proves it doesn’t just design cars — it designs unforgettable experiences for those who live and move in them 🚘💫.