Kia intends to launch a sub 4-metre SUV, an MPV, a premium hatchback and a PHEV back-to-back by 2022
South Korea-based carmaker Kia is planning to launch the SP Concept-based SUV showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo in India. The premium compact SUV will be the first introduction in the beginning of a long lineup of India-specific cars.
Kia has confirmed that it will launch at least five made-in-India cars in its lineup by 2022. It plans to launch a new car every six months, starting with the SP Concept-based SUV in September 2019. Kia will follow a future proof product strategy, which will help the South Korean carmaker tojump into booming car segments like the sub-4m SUV, premium hatchback, and premium MPV.
The new Kia SUV will take on Indian SUV giants
Currently, the carmaker has no sub-4m SUV in its global lineup. Considering that it’s one of the most hotly contested segments in India. The new SUV by Kia will be a big fighter to the well-established players such as the Tata Nexon,the VitaraBrezza, and also the upcoming S201 compact SUV from Mahindra.
Kia also confirmed that it is developing a Carnival-based rival for the InnovaCrysta in the premium MPV space. The Carnival is Kia’s flagship MPV and its size is larger than the InnovaCrysta. It comes with 7- and 8-seater standard configurations and also has a unique 11-seater setup too.
Plug-in hybrid by Kia
Besides these upcoming conventionally powered cars, the South Korean carmaker is also expected to introduce a plug-in hybrid in India. With development on an India-specific EV platform already underway, we expect the first PHEV from Kia’s manufacturing unit by 2022.
Kia’s future strategies for Indian automobile market
Having a keen interest in Indian automobile market, Kia plans to be among the top five carmakers in India by 2022 with a market share of 10-15 per cent by the time it reaches 100 per cent capacity utilization. The leading carmaker has a planned annual capacity of 3 lakh units at its Anantapur plant, out of which it will use 90 percent for domestic sales and 10 percent for exports.
