Kia India exports more than 1 lakh units in 29 months
India Today
Kia Seltos and Kia Sonet cumulative export figures have crossed the 1 lakh mark. The company started shipping made in India products to overseas markets back in September 2019.
Kia India has reported that the brand has achieved the milestone of exporting 1 lakh units with a total of 1,01,734 vehicles shipped until January 2022 from India since it began export operations in September 2019. The company started with exporting the Kia Seltos and later added the Sonet to the mix too shipping to 91 countries in Central America, South America, Africa, Middle-East and Asia-Pacific.
The Seltos commands a greater portion of the exports with 77 per cent to its name while the Sonet makes up for 23 per cent of the shipments. Compared to 2020, last year Kia India's exports grew by 23 per cent as the brand shipped 46,261 units in CY2021.
Speaking on Kia’s achievement, Tae-Jin- Park, MD & CEO, Kia India said, “India is a strategic geography for Kia Corporation, not only in terms of sales but also in terms of developing India as a manufacturing and export hub. To meet the world's growing demand for SUVs, our hi-tech Anantapur plant has become one of the most critical production hubs for compact and medium-sized SUVs.”
Kia’s vehicles have been designed for India but their international success reiterates the quality and features. “We are extremely pleased that our India-centric models, Seltos and Sonet, have performed admirably in international market; highlighting the fact that our Indian products are truly global in nature. We are now excited to continue building on this positive momentum with India manufacturing facility being the mother plant for Carens, serving the world,” added Tae-Jin-Park.
The Seltos, leading the charge both in domestic sales and exports has been the brand’s star ever since Kia entered the Indian market with the vehicle. It comes with the option for three engines, 1.4-litre turbo petrol, 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel. These engines are available with manual, DCT, iMT, IVT and torque convertor AT options. The car is available in seven trim levels, with two sub-trim options, the GT-Line and Tech-Line both adding a distinct set of cosmetic options and extra features. However, for export markets, Kia customises the vehicles depending upon the unique demand of the particular export destination.
The next product planned for the Indian market, the Kia Carens, will join the list of the company's exports from India. Kia has stated that the made in India Carens will be shipped to 80 countries. Kia Carens launch in India will take place in February 2022.