India emerges as Kia’s 4th largest global market

Kia is targeting a minimum growth of 10% next year.

India has emerged as the fourth largest market for Kia, with local sales contributing to 10% of the brand’s global sales. 

Tae-Jin Park, MD of Kia India, recently revealed that India was among the top 5 markets for Kia, after South Korea, the US and Europe. 

“India is the fourth largest market, with local sales contributing to 10% of our global sales,” Park said. “The domestic market (South Korea) tops the list with almost 7,00,000-7,50,000 units, followed by the US at about 6,50,000 units and then the European market at 5,50,000 units. India sells about 3,00,000 units at number four,” he added.

Kia is targeting a minimum growth of 10% next year. The company’s focus will be on bringing premium brands to India. It is also looking to “completely refresh” its current lineup.

Kia plans to reintroduce the manual transmission next year. According to Park, even though the iMT is a good technology, it hasn’t been 100% accepted by consumers yet.

Speaking about alternate powertrains, Park said that EVs and hybrid could be their second priority, and then, depending on the market demand, the company might even think of CNG. However, it would take 1-2 years to introduce hybrids.

Park was interacting with the media on the sidelines of the unveiling of the Sonet facelift.

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