Kia Motors commences trial production at Anantapur plant in Andhra Pradesh

Kia Motors has commenced trial production at its manufacturing facility in Anantapur, in the state of Andhra Pradesh. This signifies the completion of construction of the new 536-acre manufacturing facility. It also marks the arrival of Kia’s new flagship car for India, the Kia SP2i – a new SUV based on the Kia SP Concept, first showcased at India’s Auto Expo 2018.

The Kia SP2i will bring Kia’s exacting standards for quality to the Indian market, as well as the brand’s reputation for cool, modern design and cutting-edge in-car technology. Trial production of the SP2i will enable Kia to synchronise and fine-tune the brand’s manufacturing equipment and technologies before series production commences later in 2019.

Kia marked the start of trial operations with a launch ceremony at the Anantapur plant, in the presence of Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu and Shin Bongkil, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India. The ceremony was also attended by Han-Woo Park, President & CEO of Kia Motors Corporation, and Kookhyun Shim, Managing Director and CEO of Kia Motors India.

Kia also consolidated its Future Mobility Partnership with the government of Andhra Pradesh by handing over an example of the new Kia Soul EV (electric vehicle). The new EV is part of Kia’s growing portfolio of advanced, eco-friendly powertrains.