The Ertiga rivalling Kia MPV could be based on the upcoming Seltos’ platform and use similar powertrain options
Kia Motors India has confirmed that an MPV is being considered for the domestic market on the sidelines of the Seltos’ global unveil in New Delhi. Speaking to a media publication, the South Korean auto major’s President and Chief Executive Officer Han Woo Park told of the matter.
He said that the first priority would be to build the brand image in the country and one of the potential options for a future product would be an MPV. If greenlit for production, it could sit on the same architecture as the soon-launching Seltos and is expected to compete against Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra Marazzo targetting high volumes.
The Hyundai subsidiary is kicking things off in India with the widest footprint for a debutant at 265 touch points in 160 cities and it will be increased to 350 touch points by 2021 as Kia has poured in USD 2 million in Indian operations with the Anantapur production facility being prepared to have annual capacity of three lakh units by 2021 catering to local and international markets.
Kia does have experience in selling MPVs across the globe as for instance the upmarket Grand Carnival is offered in seven- and eight-seat configurations in the globally and it has the ability to compete against Toyota Innova Crysta in India. Kia will likely concentrate on approaching an accessible segment with high volume potential by pitching an MPV against Maruti Suzuki Ertiga instead.
The platform underpinning the Kia Seltos gives rise to the next generation Hyundai Creta bound for early 2020 and it has widely been reported to be offered in both five- and seven-seat layouts. However, Kia does not appear wanting to go the same route as Hyundai as a bigger Seltos with third-row seating arrangement is not in the equation.
On the other hand, Kia will likely appeal to seven-seater craving buyers but in the MPV segment. The recently launched Mahindra Marazzo has proved to a success story as it is positioned between the Ertiga and Innova Crysta while Renault will be introducing the Triber slotted below the Ertiga in the coming months as the MPV space is getting bunched up again.