South Korean automaker, Kia will launch the SP concept based compact SUV in India in 2019. The company aims to launch 3 new cars in the country in the next three years as part of its plans to enter the market. At the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo, the company showcased the SP Concept SUV along with its global lineup. Kia Motors also plans to roll out electric and hybrid vehicles from its Anantpur plant in Andhra Pradesh.
Kia is aiming to launch an electric vehicle in India by 2021. Kia Motors India CEO and Managing Director Kook Hyun Shim also said that the company is considering to produce electric vehicles and hybrid at its Anantpur facility. The company is investing USD 1.1 billion at the plant. This facility will have a capacity to produce 3 lakh car annually and will employ around 3,000 when fully operational. He further added that Kia’s approach for Indian market is “very flexible”.
“At the same time, we are also thinking of doing a pioneering effort, to position our brand as an eco-friendly car maker. We want to be the pioneers in this market. So, by 2021 we could take the initiative to launch a fully electric vehicle,” Shim added. Also See – Kia Stonic Crossover – What To Expect
Kia is expected to launch an India-exclusive compact electric vehicle between 2019 and 2021. Globally, the company plans to add 16 new electrified vehicles in its portfolio up by 2025. The plans also include plug in hybrids and fuel cell vehicles (FCV).
Kia SP Concept Images
Kia believes that the current issues including charging infrastructure and battery life-cycle management, would have been addressed to an extent by 2021. The company is also conducting market study in India to find which of its global electric model could be introduced here after localisation. Also See – Kia Trazor Could Be The Name For SP Based SUV
Kia said that the company will have independent in terms of sales and service network and even local suppliers. However, the company could source some components with Hyundai suppliers as well.
Kia SP Concept First Look Review
