Kia's India plant hits 1 million vehicle production mark

Park Tae-jin, fifth from right, CEO of Kia Motors India, poses with Andhra Pradesh Minister for Industries Gudivada Amarnath, sixth from right, along with government officials and Kia employees at the Kia India plant in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, Thursday (local time). Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group

By Kim Hyun-bin

Kia's Indian factory achieved the cumulative production of 1 million units in just four years, according to the company, Friday.

In celebration, the company held an event at their Indian factory in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, Thursday (local time) attended by 150 people, including government officials and Kia employees.

Since the inauguration of the Indian factory in 2019, Kia has produced a total of 532,450 Seltos; 332,450 Sonet; 125,160 Carnival and 14,584 Kia Carnival, thereby achieving the cumulative production of 1 million vehicles Thursday, marking four years of operations.

The 1 millionth vehicle produced was the new Seltos, an improved model iteration.

Kia's Indian factory, spanning approximately 2.16 million square meters, consists of press, body, paint, assembly and engine plants, with an annual production capacity of up to 350,000 completed vehicles.

In April 2017, Kia signed an investment agreement with the government of Andhra Pradesh to establish the Korean company's factory in India. Construction began in October of the same year. In July 2019, Kia started production of the Seltos and entered full-scale operations.

Additionally, Kia held a declaration ceremony for Kia India's vision. At the event, Kia announced its Kia 2.0 strategy for the Indian market, aiming to increase its market share from 6.7 percent in the first half of this year to 10 percent in the future.

Kia plans to expand its production lineup further and increase the number of dealerships, which currently stands at 300 in 215 cities nationwide as of last month, to more than double the current number.

"Kia will continue to evolve into a more beloved brand in the Indian market through various marketing efforts and specialized vehicles," a Kia official said.