Kia electrifies Australian Open fleet with hybrids, EVs

Kia Australia has held its annual handover ceremony for its Australian Open (AO) vehicle fleet this week, which is completely electrified for the first time.

As part of its ongoing partnership with the tennis Grand Slam – currently committed through to 2028 – Kia is providing a 130-strong vehicle fleet for players, match officials and VIPs.

This year, the entire fleet will be hybrid or fully electric vehicles (EVs) for the first time 24 years, including the all-electric EV5, EV6 and EV9, as well as hybrid versions of the Carnival, Sorento and Sportage.

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“2025 is an especially important year for the Kia brand, both locally and globally, as we look to scale up our ambitious journey as a sustainable mobility provider,” said Kia Australia CEO, Damien Meredith.

“Our ongoing commitment to sustainability is reflected in the selection of electrified vehicles that will power mobility in Melbourne throughout the tournament.

“Kia’s partnership with the Australian Open, now going on its 24th year, revolves around pushing boundaries and we’re signalling our intent this year with the very first fully electrified AO fleet.”

Australian sporting icon and former Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) world Number 1, Ash Barty, attended the handover ceremony at Melbourne Park to officially launch the AO25 fleet.

Kia Australia has slowly been ramping up the electrified mix of its Australian Open vehicles, starting with a handful of EV6 units in 2022, expanding with the EV9 in 2024.

While the Carnival, Sorento and Sportage have made up the courtesy vehicle fleet for some time, it’s understood this is the first year that electrified versions of these vehicles have been called up for the AO.

Last year Kia’s overall sales in Australia rose by 7.4 per cent to 81,787 units – an all-time record. Leading the charge was the Sportage (22,210 units), followed by the Cerato (15,502) and Carnival (10,080).

It sold 3610 EVs and 5682 hybrids, with its electrified models accounting for just over 11 per cent of its overall sales.

The 2025 Australian Open runs from 12-26 January.

MORE: Everything Kia Carnival • EV5 • EV6 • EV9 • Sorento • Sportage