In a bulletin sent to dealers on September 5th, Kia announced a new conquest cash incentive aimed specifically at Tesla owners, according to Cars Direct.
The Tesla Competitive Bonus Program, available until September 30th, offers current Tesla owners and lessees up to $1,500 in savings.
This national incentive provides $1,000 off the 2024 Kia EV6 and $1,500 off the Kia EV9.
Shoppers can combine this discount with other promotions for even more savings. For example, the Kia EV9 is also eligible for a $7,500 Customer Cash offer, allowing buyers to potentially save up to $9,000 in total.
It’s notable that Kia is directly targeting Tesla owners, as Tesla remains the leading electric vehicle brand in the U.S., with the Model Y, Model 3, and Cybertruck among the top five best-sellers in Q2 2024.
Although Kia’s EV models didn’t make the top 10, this extra $1,000 to $1,500 incentive may encourage some Tesla owners to consider switching.
Elon Musk React
There have been several reactions to the news on social media a few hours after it was shared.
Tesla co-founder and CEO Elon Musk responded to Kia’s incentive program by stating, “But here’s the rub, Tesla never has to bribe Kia drivers to buy a Tesla.”
Others also shared their opinions. One person commented, “I’ll never buy another vehicle that isn’t a Tesla.”
Another added, “Lmao. Kia is literally for people working minimum wage—nothing wrong with that—but electric car buyers are typically affluent, and they’re not choosing a Kia. Audi EVs are the only real competition for Tesla. No one is going from Tesla to Kia.”
Another individual remarked, “I would never trade my Tesla Y for a Kia. Does anyone know about Kia’s history with motor replacements? Some people have had to replace their engines three times in one Kia. Total trash.”
One more comment stated, “$1500 won’t convince most people when they’re looking at a vehicle that costs over $55,000.”
