Kia Motors to make India debut with SP Concept, Kia Motors display 16 models

New Delhi - Due to its lower production costs, India is becoming a car production hub of note. In fact, many of SA’s more affordable ranges - think Toyota Etios, Ford Figo, Hyundai i10 and most Suzukis - are sourced from there.
Now Kia is getting in on the action with plans to open its first Indian assembly plant in 2019 - and to celebrate its entry into that market, Kia created this concept car, previewed in these teaser shots ahead of its imminent debut in New Delhi's Auto Expo.
This concept, which is called the SP, “hints at plans for an Indian-market SUV” according to Kia.
Though Kia SA says it’s too early to speculate whether the new compact SUV is destined for our shores, the local importer will certainly have access to right-hand-drive production from that facility.
Nothing is set in stone then, but we wouldn’t be surprised if this, and perhaps another compact car range, hit our shores around 2020.
We have also heard rumours that Hyundai SA plans to import an EcoSport-rivalling compact SUV from India from 2019 - which could very well be related to the upcoming Kia.
If that’s all true, SA’s compact crossover market could be in for a South Korean shake-up, via India.

IOL Motoring

 

Kia Motors India will showcase 16 vehicles from its global range at the Auto Expo.   

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New Delhi: South Korean carmaker Kia Motors is planning to introduce a new SUV in the Indian market and is going to showcase it in the Auto Expo 2018, which starts next week. The company will also showcase 16 vehicles from its global range at the 14th Auto Expo, the Economic Times reported.

Kia Motors India will unveil the SP Concept in its debut at the show in Greater Noida on February 7, the company said in a statement on Tuesday.

“The Kia SP Concept hints at the company’s plan to introduce a new SUV to the Indian market in the future. Bold and stylish, the SP Concept combines sophisticated beauty, breakthrough technology, and high functionality in an SUV form,” the ET report quoted Kia Motors as saying in a release.

Apart from the SP Concept, the company will put on display models including electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and the Stinger sports sedan. 

“All of us at Kia Motors are extremely proud to take our first steps into one of world’s largest automotive markets. And we are here to build more than just great cars,” Han-Woo Park, president of Kia Motors said. 

In April 2017, the company had signed an MOU with the Andhra Pradesh government to invest $ 1.1 billion for setting up a new manufacturing plant in Anantapur.

Kia will unveil the SP Concept at the motor show on February 7, alongside a showcase of 16 of the brand’s global models.

 

The Indian arm of South Korea-based Kia Motors, Kia Motors India (KMI), will make its Indian market debut at the ensuing Auto Expo 2018 in New Delhi with a new concept car. Kia will unveil the SP Concept at the motor show on February 7, alongside a showcase of 16 of the brand’s global models. Inspired by Indian heritage and driven by advanced technology, the Kia SP Concept hints at the company’s plans to introduce a new SUV to the Indian market in future. Bold and stylish, the SP Concept combines sophisticated beauty, breakthrough technology, and high functionality in a SUV form. Alongside the global debut for the SP Concept, Kia will showcase its global range of cars at auto expo. Kia will exhibit its wide range of electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and a range of other cars — including the exciting new Stinger sports sedan. Kia Motors is looking to replicate its global success in India, the world’s fastest growing car market.
Han-Woo Park, president, Kia Motors Corporation, said: “All of us at Kia Motors are extremely proud to take our first steps into one of world’s largest automotive markets. And we are here to build more than just great cars. We aim to set a new standard in the Indian auto industry by providing consumers with worldclass products and services, while engaging with and giving back to the local community.”
In April 2017, Kia Motors signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh government to set up a greenfield manufacturing facility at Anantapur district with an investment of $1.1 billion. Construction of Kia Motors’ first manufacturing facility in India is under consideration to commence in the first quarter of 2018. The manufacturing facility is expected to begin production in the second half of 2019 and produce approximately 300,000 units per year.