Korea’s second largest car manufacturer, Kia Motors is all set to enter the Indian market by 2019. With an investment of a whopping $ 1.1 Billion (Rs 7050 crore), the company will setup its manufacturing plant in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. Initially, this new facility will have an annual production capacity of 300,000 units. The company also confirmed that it will bring in two models – a compact sedan and a compact SUV – in the country.
While Kia Motors will roll out its locally produced models in the second half of 2019, it has begun testing a couple of vehicles. Recently, the Kia Sportage SUV and Kia Niro crossover have been caught on camera in India.
Spy Pictures
Globally, the Kia Sportage SUV is in its fourth-generation that made its world debut at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show. The new model has been designed by Kia’s European design studio in Germany, with inputs from the company’s Namyang (Korea) and Irvine (California) design centers. If launched in India, the Kia Sportage will be face challenge from multiple cars such as Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass, Renault Duster and Mahindra XUV500.
On the other hand, the all-new Kia Niro crossover is the company’s first hybrid car that made its European debut at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show. The crossover uses a 1.6-litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine combined with lithium-ion polymer battery pack and 32kW electric motor. As for now, the India launch of the Niro isn’t on the cards. Read – Upcoming Kia Cars in India
The India-bound Kia models could be showcased at the Auto Expo, which is slated to happen in February 2018. Just so you know, the Korean carmaker conducted ‘Kia Dealer Roadshow’ in four metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata) in August, 2017. As a part of Roadshow, the carmaker showcased its potential models to prospective dealer partners and gave them the opportunity to interact with executives from Kia Motors India.
Kia Stonic Compact SUV Picture Gallery
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Spy Image Courtesy – bunnypunia
