[Mr.Beat]

Looks like they have done their homework well. The interview clearly focuses on 2 defining points for me, one that they are looking to build Kia as an aspirational brand and two that they are targetting setting up a distribution and service network in remote areas. With a target of 3L cars annually, the target comes to about 25,000 cars a month and will put them 3rd in terms of sales figure every month. This will not be easy by any means if they don't have a product with a high mass market appeal.

[Arjun Reddy]

The article says the launch price for the Kia SP could be between 10-16 lakhs ex showroom.

This translates to around 20 lakhs OTR for the top spec. That is around 2 lakhs costlier than the Creta, it under cuts the Compass and bang on the Harrier pricing.

Also Kia probably launch with BS IV engines rather than BS VI to keep the initial launch price low.

https://www.autocarindia.com/car-new...engines-411127

[FrodoOfTheShire]

Sportier version of Kia SP SUV to be launched in 2020 will get a more powerful engine – a 140hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol unit. The engine will come mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddleshifters.

Source-
https://www.autocarindia.com/car-new...variant-411154

[volkman10]

Kia’s third made-for-India model to be a cross-hatch

The cross-hatchback will be aimed at models like the Maruti Suzuki Baleno; could be based on next-gen Rio.

- First of which will be the production version of the SP Concept SUV that goes on sale in August this year.

-The second made-in-India model will be a compact SUV that will get an Auto Expo 2020 reveal.

- Kia’s third made-for-India product will be a cross-hatchback scheduled for launch in 2021


Source:

[vaasscit]

Looks like KIA is trying to push out only SUV style vehicles : good strategy IMO. Indians love SUV type vehicles. No point in competing with MS/Hyundai on Hatchbacks. Its at cut throat level and KIA being a new entrant need aspirational products to build their brand in India and this SUV plan would help them achieve that.

[JS Kwt]

Kia Motors India expects trial production of its first model -- SUV SP Concept -- to begin this month

KIA is still evaluating its options regarding the brand ambassador in India.

"We are confident that the plant will be fully operational soon with an annual installed production capacity of over 3 lakh vehicles. We expect the trial production of SUV SP Concept - SP2i cars, our first offering for the Indian market to start by end of January," Kia Motors India Head of Marketing and Sales Manohar Bhat told .

"We are of course, looking at a pan-India network presence including tier 1,2 and 3 cities so that we are close to the customer. We plan to open Kia exclusive facilities that symbolise our best in class service experience," he said.

Kia Motors intends to have the largest ever network for any new entrant in the Indian market, he added.

"Our presence across the country will ensure coverage of 85-90 per cent of the leading car buying cities right at the onset of our sales journey," Bhat said.

In order to cater to needs of customers across the country, the company is looking to have four regional offices.

Bhat said the company is still evaluating its options regarding the brand ambassador in India.

"Ace Tennis player Rafael Nadal is our global brand ambassador. That being said, at the moment, we are evaluating our options with respect to the face of the brand in India," he said.

Link

[e46]

Sorry to bump up a dormant thread, but I just could'nt help myself from not posting about this particular budget offering from KIA, especially considering they are setting foot here. Should be sub 30K in EU.

Bring us the Proceed GT 2019. Please KIA India.

[kskthere]

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to launch the first KIA car tomorrow in Anantapur district.

Link

[Hickstead]

KIA to start SP SUV trial production today. Market launch will be in 6 months.

[sri_tesla]

Some of the images of the plant:
Wonderful transformation from barren land to world class factory in less than 2 years.

Plant overview:




Entrance:


Test track:



Staff housing:

[volkman10]

KIA Motors starts production trial.

The new Anantapur plant will be Kia's 15th manufacturing facility worldwide.

The facility has a capacity of producing three lakh cars annually including electric vehicles, which can be further increased to four lakh vehicles per annum.

The company commenced trial production of the SP Concept SUV that was showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo which will be going on sale later this year in India

Link1


Link

[amrutmhatre90]

Kia India plant starts trial production, 1st Kia car launch in July. SP2i could be priced starting Rs 9 L.
First glimpse of the production version. Sports front and rear disc brakes.

[Behemoth]

Truly a remarkable feat to setup a world class factory in 2 years! The production capacity of 300,000 is also quite good as per passenger car segment. If the Kia SP concept car is even close in reality to the concept and priced well, people will be lining up to buy their cars. Now the next challenge which they need to overcome is that of setting up a great dealership and service network and hopefully they would have already done a lot of work on this! The car is expected to be out im Jul 2019 and it will be a good contender in the CSUV space.

[JS Kwt]

KIA SP2i in action with Hon. Chandra Babu Naidu

Video Link - https://t.co/vGHqSz6W49



Though it is covered in camouflage but still makes a proud day for @KiaMotorsIN with the production version #SP2i SUV went through test track by Andhra CM Naidu and Korean dignitaries



https://t.co/PWQ0W8bRmc

In other developments,
Kia Motors has also presented the Soul EV to the Andhra Pradesh state government today, supporting Andhra Pradesh’s vision of offering clean and sustainable mobility.




Source

[Sheel]

For small places where Hyundai has 1/2/3 dealers, will Kia open an independent sales and service outlet? Or you can buy a Kia at a big place and get it serviced at Hyundai?

Any idea how are they going to position themselves wrt Hyundai?