Kia Bets Big On India To Launch 5 Cars By 2022

• Kia plans to launch a new car every six months.
• It will kickoff India journey with SP Concept-based SUV.
• A sub-4m SUV, an MPV, a premium hatchback and a plug-in hybrid to follow.
• All of the above will be made in India.
• Aims to become one of the top five car manufacturers in India by 2022.

South Korean carmaker. Although Kia hasn't confirmed it yet, we expect it to launch the Rio that's already on sale in various global markets. The Rio shares its underpinnings and powertrain with the Hyundai Elite i20, thus making it more cost-effective to bring it here instead of an all-new product.

However, what Kia has confirmed is that it is developing a Carnival-based rival for the Innova Crysta in the premium MPV space. The Carnival is Kia's flagship MPV and is larger than the Innova Crysta. It is offered with 7- and 8-seater standard configurations and also has a unique 11-seater setup too.

Apart from these upcoming conventionally powered cars, the carmaker is also expected to introduce a plug-in hybrid in the country. With development on an India-specific EV platform already underway, we expect the first PHEV from Kia's stable by 2022.

Along with a strong product offensive, Kia will also focus on its dealer and service network when it comes to India in 2019. The carmaker is expected to start its India innings with over 70 dealerships across the country and will also have a presence in Tier IV cities. However, it will be done through service centres and touch points.

As far as market share is concerned, 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 utilisation. The carmaker has a planned annual capacity of 3 lakh units at its Anantapur plant, out of which it will use 90 per cent for domestic sales and 10 per cent for exports.

What do you think about Kia cars? Would they be able to replicate the same success that Hyundai has seen in India? Do let us know in the comments section below.

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