A leaked internal document from Kia's Employment Stability Committee has revealed the brand's production plans for its Korean factories over the next few years. It confirms what we revealed yesterday: the Carnival will get an all-new generation (first next-gen Carnival KA5 prototype). But that is not all. The document also mentions a hydrogen Carnival, an all-new Sorento, the first-ever EV7, updates for the Bongo and the Tasman, and a new future for one of Kia's plants.
Gwangmyeong: All-New Carnival And A Hydrogen Carnival
Kia's Gwangmyeong factory in Gyeonggi will produce completely redesigned models, including the 2028 Carnival Hybrid. This matches the first prototype of the next-generation Carnival (KA5) that we caught in Korea, which is still testing under the body of the current model.
Even more interesting, the document mentions a plan to produce hydrogen Carnival models by 2029. It would be Kia's first production hydrogen model, and it would most likely use the fuel cell technology from Hyundai Motor Group, which recently launched the all-new Nexo (all-new Hyundai Nexo).
Hwaseong: An All-New Sorento In 2028
The Hwaseong factory in Gyeonggi will produce completely redesigned models, including the Sorento Hybrid, in 2028. This is big news: earlier this year, the first prototypes suggested that Kia might give the current Sorento a second facelift instead of a new generation, as it is doing with the K5 (Sorento second facelift report, K5 second facelift). The leaked document points to an all-new model instead. The Sorento is Kia's most important model in Korea, where it was the best-selling vehicle in 2025 (Sorento extends its lead).
Hwaseong also builds the Tasman pickup, and the document says Kia is reviewing product improvements for the Tasman and an expansion of derivative models. That could be where the long-rumored Tasman SUV comes in: Kia confirmed last year that it was studying a ladder-frame SUV based on the Tasman (Tasman SUV under consideration), as well as hybrid and electric versions (Tasman hybrid and EV). An update would also be welcome after slower-than-expected sales in Australia (Tasman sales in Australia).
Gwangju: First-Ever EV7 And An Updated Bongo
At its Gwangju factory, Kia will go ahead with production of the EV7, a new mid-size electric SUV that will be the first model ever to carry that name. The plant will also build an improved version of the Bongo commercial truck in 2028.
Hanam: From Buses To Military Vehicles
Finally, the document shows a big change for the Hanam plant, listed under Gwangju. Kia will stop producing large buses there and convert it into a specialized military vehicle factory, expanding production of new military vehicles and derivative models.
What It Means
The document confirms that Kia is preparing a busy 2028 in Korea, with new generations of two of its most important models, the Carnival and the Sorento, both with hybrid power, plus a new electric SUV and the brand's first production hydrogen model. We will keep following each of them closely.
Source: Kia Employment Stability Committee (leaked document).
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