Korean carmakers Kia Motors are on the cusp of entering the Indian market and their first model will be a compact SUV based on the SP Concept shown at the Auto Expo 2018, called the Kia SP2i. To help make this entry a smooth one, they have commenced the production of the SUV on 29 January 2019, at their manufacturing centre in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. This new facility spans over 213 hectares and is expected to provide over 3,000 jobs to locals when finished.
The trial operations were marked with a launch ceremony that saw Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India – Shin Bongkil, Han-Woo Park – President & CEO of Kia Motors Corporation, and Kookhyun Shim – Managing Director and CEO of Kia Motors India at the company’s Anantapur plant site.
The frame installation ceremony for the plant was held on 22 February 2018, with construction expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter next year, and the first vehicles to begin rolling out by 2019 end. The entire investment is expected to reach close to US $2 billion (Rs 13,000 crore) by 2021, and produce 300,000 units.
The facility marks the arrival of Kia’s new flagship car for India, the Kia SP2i. The SP2i is a new SUV based on Kia’s SP Concept that was showcased last year at the Auto Expo 2018. Production of the car should commence later this year.
Kia are also in talks with the Andhra Pradesh government to develop a training program that would equip local residents with the skills necessary to fulfill roles in the new plant when it is ready. Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, was also present at the event and stated that he believed the Kia plant could become the biggest car manufacturing plant in the world.
In addition, Kia also briefly mentioned a second launch of a seven-seater diesel MPV, called the Carnival. A launch date for this new car has not been mentioned, but, we shall keep you posted on any news that comes our way.
