The Korean automaker, Kia has been doing great business in the Indian market. All of its products have been received well from the car buyers. The company has also entered the electric space with its global EV6 SUV and is now looking to further strengthen its position by introducing locally developed electric vehicles. A new media report claims that Kia Motors India is also looking at bringing hybrid products to its line-up.
While the technical specifications and product information are yet to be revealed, Kia Motors India has confirmed that it is actively considering the introduction of hybrid tech in India. Speaking to Autocar India, Tae-Jin Park, MD and CEO, Kia India said that the company is “looking for some opportunity to introduce our new technology of the hybrid that could replace diesel.” He reveals that the diesel demand for Kia SUVs & MPV is still strong and accounts for 40 percent of total sales. The company will continue to sell diesel cars as long as regulations allow.
The report reveals that the Korean brand is working on adding hybrid tech in its existing 1.2-litre and 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol units for the Indian market. Kia is selling multiple strong hybrids including the new Carnival, the K8 sedan, the Niro crossover, the Sorento and the Sportage SUV in global markets. All These models are powered by a 1.6-litre direct-injection turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor that draws power from a small battery pack.
The same technology is expected to be offered on the India-spec models. The company would aim to achieve higher localisation of motor components and battery tech to keep costs in check. Kia’s entry-level naturally-aspirated petrol engine with hybrid tech could potentially power the Seltos midsize SUV, the Carens MPV and the Sonet.
The hybrid tech will help the Korean automaker to enter the new segment, as the hybrid vehicles monthly sales have recently overtaken EV sales in India. It is expected that the Korean automaker’s upcoming compact SUV (codenamed AY) could the first strong hybrid model in India. To be positioned between the Sonet and the Seltos, the new Kia AY compact SUV is expected to be launched sometime in early 2025.
Source – AutoCarIndia
