KIA Motors bets big on SUV, to launch 5 models in 3 years

by IndianAuto Team | 27/07/2018
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South Korean carmaker Kia Motors is gearing up for the India innings in the second half of 2019.

KIA Motors, top two largest auto-makers in South Korea after Hyundai accounting for a 30 percent market share, is betting huge on its maiden India launch with the SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) and plans to introduce 5 fashions within three years from 2019.

The very first model for India will be the version of the SP Concept. The SP Concept SUV which officially debuted at Auto Expo 2018 is exclusively produced for India. 

Unlike Maruti and Hyundai, which gained success in India by delivering the small automobiles initially, KIA will launch the SUV as a result of the market has in the direction of that section. To clarify, Manohar Bhat, the gross sales and advertising head of KIA Motors India, informed to the reporters 

“The demand is now in the direction of the SUV section. We’re launching our first automotive within the Indian market which might be a mid-sized SUV”

The production-spec SUV is expected to go up against 4 big competitors which are Renault Duster, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Ford EcoSport. The SUV is supposed to be a sub-four meter SUV which prices under Rs 10 lakh. Kia compact SUV will have the same underpinnings and powertrains with the Hyundai's upcoming compact SUV which has been previewed as Carlino concept at Auto Expo 2016.

Kia motors SUV orange colour

The production-spec SUV is expected to go up against 4 big competitors

Kia motors SUV orange colour

The SUV is expected to be under Rs 10 lakh

After the launch of SP concept-based SUV, Kia Motors India also plans to follow by two locally manufactured models and two CKD models. Undoubtedly, a line-up of five vehicles would have been introduced by 2021. 

Government director of KIA Motors India Yong S Kim claimed

“In India, we wish to be among the many high 5 automakers within the three years of launch in 2019. Primarily, KIA plans to promote its merchandise within the home market”

He mentioned that the Indian plant was being set up at an investment of USD 1.1 billion and would give direct employment to 3,000 people individuals. The plant would have an annual capability of three lakh automobiles, Kim added. 

The plant was being constructed on 600 acres and can be totally operational by the second half of 2019, he mentioned.

The executive director of KIA Motors India Yong S Kim said that India was the ultimate step within the world footprint of KIA Motors.

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