Auto Expo: KIA Makes an Entry Into the Indian Market

The SP compact SUV will be the first KIA product to be rolled out in India next year.

The KIA SP concept

(Photo: The Quint)

All eyes were on KIA Motors at the Auto Expo 2018, with the car manufacturer unveiling the SP oncept – a compact SUV that KIA will likely develop into a product for the Indian market post 2019.

KIA, South Korea’s second-largest car company and a sister company of Hyundai, has announced plans to set up a plant in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, at a cost of over Rs 7,000 crore. The plant will have a production capacity of three lakh cars a year.

The KIA SP will be the first product to be rolled out by the company in India next year.

KIA’s makes its entry in India by eyeing the lucrative compact SUV market – that has been growing in the country at over 30 percent every year. The company says it is “inspired by Indian heritage and driven by advanced technology.”

The highlight of KIA’s showcase at the Auto Expo, however, is its range of hybrid and electric cars. KIA had some full electric cars, as well as some plug-in hybrid vehicles on display. It has said it will offer a total of 16 electric and hybrid cars in India by 2025.

KIA also showcased the Stinger Sports sedan at the Auto Expo. This sports sedan will likely make its way to the Indian market much later. They also brought a line-up of their global models to showcase at the event.

KIA Stinger GT at the Auto Expo(Photo: The Quint)

Besides the KIA Stinger and the SP concept, the company also showcased a range of cars like the Soul EV, the Sorento, the MUV Carnival, SUV Sorento, Niro EV, Soul EV, Optima hybrid, Picanto, Rio, Stonic, Cerato, Cee'd GT and the Cadenza luxury sedan, among others.

Here’s a 360º view of their pavilion at Auto Expo 2018: