A Maruti Suzuki Ertiga rivalling MPV based on Seltos’ platform and a sub-four-metre SUV derived from Hyundai Venue could be in the pipeline
Kia Motors India is kicking things off with a bang as its maiden product, the Seltos, will be retailed through 265 touchpoints across 160 cities in the country – largest ever for a debutant. By 2021, the brand plans to expand its reach to 350 touchpoints and the Anantapur manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh will have installed capacity of three lakh units by then.
The South Korean auto major has invested around 2 billion USD locally with its vendor partners (Rs. 14,000 crore approximately) and adding up the production capacity in Andhra increases the total volume output to more than 4.1 million units overall across the globe. Kia will utilise its Anantapur factor for domestic as well as exporting cars overseas.
The Seltos will cater to the Indian customers along with the Middle Eastern, Latin American and buyers in some parts of Asia, and the Gwangju facility in Korea will export the SUV to more international markets. Kia will be launching four new products over the next two years and each will appeal to different segments.
Earlier it was said that Kia would introduce one new vehicle every six months until 2022. The Seltos’ platform will spawn the next-generation Hyundai Creta and additionally it is expected to give birth to a seven-seater MPV rivalling against Maruti Suzuki Ertiga targetting volumes.
It is worth noting that Kia, just as MG Motor, will be aiming at creating a definitive brand image initially among customers. The MPV could sit below the Seltos in the lineup sharing several mechanical components and powertrains between each other to keep the pricing competitive.
Kia could be focussing on bringing in more SUVs, as a sub-four-metre SUV based on Hyundai Venue’s architecture cannot be ruled out in the near future. The Seltos will go on sale towards the end of August in India with 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5-litre turbo diesel and 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine options.