Thread: New Hyundai Kia

Kia Motors, south Koreas Second Largest automobile manufacturer seems to be looking at entering the Indian ar market next year. Pan of the Hyundai Kia automotive group, two years back, the Korean maker was in the news for its interest in setting up a wholly owned manufacturing hub here. At that time things didn't materialize, however, it is learnt that lately Kia Motors has been in talks with the Tamil Nadu government officials for acquiring land to set up a complete manufacturing unit which could also double up as an expon unit.

Kia has been successful in different markets and is currently the fastest growing automobile company in the UK. It is also learnt that they will be entering the Indian market as a completely owned subsidiary and the brand will co-exist separately along with Hyundai India Motor Limited. The brand has an impressive lineup of entry-level cars which might do well in India.



The Picanto is based on a shonened Hyundai Getz platform and is the largest selling Kia worldwide. Slightly shoner but wider than the Santro, it is available in two engine 9ptions, a I.o-litre and a slightly more powetful 64bhp 1.1-litre variant. Kia will rely heavily on the Picanto once it enters the domestic market. The company will also be looking at selling the entry-level sedan Rio and the supermini C' eed here. Kia sells more than 1.4 million vehicles a year which are produced across 14 manufacturing and assembly operations in eight countries. These are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 165 countries.