SEOUL, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Kia Corp (000270.KS) on Thursday unveiled three new small-to-medium sized electric vehicles (EV) to attract a wider range of customers in an effort to expedite its electrification strategies. The production of the EV5 will take place in both China and South Korea, Kia said, adding that the EV5 in China and South Korea would have different battery types. Kia did not disclose the detailed driving range of the EV5 for South Korea, adding that it will be tailored to meet market demands. Analysts said Kia's push to launch more affordable EVs is timely as an increasing number of car buyers are looking to purchase price friendly EVs. "While those early adopters have preferred more expensive premium electric vehicles, as EVs have become more popular among more general public, consumer needs for more affordable EVs have significantly grown," said Lee Jae-il, an analyst at Eugene Investment & Securities.

---

Persons: Kia, Song Ho Sung, ”, Spencer Cho, Lee Jae, Heekyong Yang, Sharon Singleton Organizations: Kia Corp, South, Kia, Global, Analysts, Eugene Investment, Securities, Thomson Locations: SEOUL, South Korea, China