Kia SP2i SUV launch in July 2019; Trial Production Begins
Mass production of the Kia SP2i SUV will commence from mid-2019.
Kia Motors India has started trial production of its much-anticipated SP2i SUV at its new production plant in Ananthapura, Andhra Pradesh. The SP2i SUV was first showcased as the SP Concept SUV at the 2018 Auto Expo. The trial production begins in the presence of Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu and the Ambassador of The Republic of Korea to India, H.E. Shin Bongkil, and other senior leadership of Kia Motors India.
The mass production of the SUV is scheduled to commence by mid-2019. This facility has an annual capacity of 3 lakh units. The SP2i SUV is scheduled to be launched in the end of July or August 2019. In the first year, the company will produce 1 lakh units in a single shift. The production will increase to 2 lakh units and 3 lakh units in the second and third year, over 2nd and 3rd shifts, respectively. The company will utilise 90% of the total production for domestic market, while the rest will be utilised for exports.
The new Kia facility at Ananthapur will give employment to about 4,000 people. Post SP2 SUV, Kia will start production for the upcoming compact SUV that will make its debut at the 2020 Auto Expo. The company will also launch a cross-hatchback, which is most likely to be based on the Rio hatchback. This model is expected to be launched in 2021. Also See – Kia Trazor – All Details
Korean automaker has also presented the Kia Soul EV to the Andhra Pradesh government for use in its fleet. Talking about the SP2i SUV, the new model will be based on the modified Hyundai Creta’s platform. It will be powered by turbocharged petrol and an all-new 1.5-litre diesel engine. The company also plans a performance oriented version of the SUV. It will directly rival the likes of Hyundai Creta, Tata Harrier and Nissan Kicks.
Video – Kia Trazor (SP SUV) – All Details
