Kia officially opens its first production facility in India

Kia Motors Corporation on Thursday announced that it has officially opened its first production in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh.

The manufacturing facility is now full functional and will manufacture the popular Seltos SUV, the only product in the Kia lineup currently. The facility, however, will also be home to future models launched in the country.

Kia had invested USD 1.1 billion into having its own manufacturing facility with the construction starting in the fourth quarter of 2017.

The plant is equipped with more than 450 robots, helping to automate the press, body and paint shops, as well as the assembly line. Additionally, the area around KMI is home to numerous supplier companies’ facilities. Kia’s presence in Anantapur has helped create over 12,000 new direct and indirect jobs across the region.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, AP CM, and Bongkil Shin, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India.

Having sold 40,649 units of Seltos since the vehicle was launched in August, till November, Kia has confirmed that it is planning to also bring in a sub-compact SUV to strengthen its position in the Utility Vehicles' segment. It will also showcase the Carnival MPV at the Auto Expo next year. “We have a robust plan for India, and the launch of new models and technologies will help us maintain the positive momentum that we have enjoyed to-date," said Kookhyun Shim, Managing Director and CEO of Kia Motors India.

The company also adds that it is focusing on expanding its service and dealer network and has already established with 265 touchpoints and service centers in 160 different cities. It says another 50 of these would be added by March of 2020.