Kia will launch its first car in India next year; expected to be a subcompact SUV
Kia is gearing up to launch its first car in India next year and it could be a sub-4 metre compact SUV that will rival the very popular Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. As the compact SUV segment is one of the most popular and highly in demand segments of Indian auto market, Kia is targeting this category to start its journey in domestic market keeping the profitability in mind.
With its parent group Hyundai’s strong base in India, Kia is expected to take help from former brand. Kia aims to invest around $1.1 billion here and it is focusing on localised production in order to achieve competitive pricing that will help the brand to lure the buyers.
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Kia is not only focusing on the compact SUV segment. The brand has also revealed that it will bring sedans here to meet the customer demands. Considering the fact that Indian buyers are showing more interest towards premium products with international standard, we can assume Kia to penetrate various segments in the country’s auto market with its range of products.
As we have reported earlier, Kia has already started testing its various cars in India. The brand has displayed couple of models as part of its promotional activity here as well. These include the Sportage, its first dedicated hybrid model Niro etc.
Also read: Kia Optima Sedan (Toyota Corolla Rival) – All You Need To Know
Meanwhile, Kia Motors India has appointed Kookhyun Shim as its new managing director and chief executive officer. With his prior experience regarding production of the brand in Slovakia, Mr. Shim is expected to help Kia to grow in India. The auto manufacturer has already signed MoU with Andhra Pradesh government to set up its first production facility in the country in Anantapur district.
As Indian car market is expected to grow bigger significantly in coming years and likely to become the third largest auto market in the world by 2021, Kia aims to grab a large chunk here with wide range of upmarket products that will come available at affordable pricing.