Kia India produces 1.5 millionth vehicle, Seltos and Sonet command 81% share

Kia India, which is ranked No. 6 among the country’s 16 passenger vehicle manufacturers with total sales of 255,207 units in FY2025, rolled out its 1.5 millionth locally produced vehicle on April 25, 2025 from its manufacturing facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. The milestone car to commemorate this achievement was a Carens MPV. The production landmark comes a fortnight before the company will launch the new Carens on May 8.

Kia India’s 1.5 million production milestone comes in a little less than six years since the hi-tech plant went on stream in August 2019. While the Seltos has a 47.70% share of the output, the Sonet has a 34.60% share.

The state-of-the-art Kia plant, which commenced mass production in August 2019, which began operations with an installed annual production capacity of 300,000 units has expanded the same to over 350,000 units. Its highest 12-month output to date was in FY2023 when it produced 359,323 units.

The model-wise production split for the 1.5 million locally produced vehicles is 700,668 units (46.7%) of the Seltos midsize SUV, 519,064 units (34.6%) of the Sonet compact SUV, 241,582 units (16.1%) of the Carens MPV, 23,036 units (1.5%) of the recently launched Syros compact SUV and 16,172 units (1.1%) of the Carnival luxury MPV.

All of Kia India’s models are utility vehicles, the segment which has powered growth in the overall passenger vehicle industry. While the midsize SUV category has contributed 46.70% to overall production, the two compact SUVs have a 36.10% share and the two MPVs, a 17.2% share.

Commenting on the latest production milestone, Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director and CEO, Kia India, said: “Rolling out our 1.5 millionth 'Make in India' vehicle is a proud and emotional moment for Kia India and every partner who has been a part of this journey. From the very first Seltos to the 1.5 millionth Carens, each car stands as a testament to the trust, love, and support of our customers and partners. We are deeply grateful for this association and look forward to continuing our pursuit of automotive excellence. The future of Kia India looks bright as we remain steadfast in driving innovation, offering industry-leading products, and shaping the mobility landscape in India.” 

1.19 million Kia UVs sold in India, over 260,000 exported
Since its market entry in August 2019 through till end-FY2025 (March 2025), Kia India has clocked domestic market sales of 11,97,447 units and exported another 263,448 units. Together they add up to 14,60,895 units (see India and export sales data tables above).

The Seltos midsize SUV, Kia India’s first product launched in August 2019, has sold 539,992 units till March 2025 and accounts for 45% of total sales.

The Sonet compact SUV, launched a year later, has sold 412,866 units till date and contributed 34% to Kia India’s domestic market dispatches. The Seltos was the company’s best-selling model for five fiscals in a row but has been overtaken by the Sonet in FY2025.

The spacious and versatile Carens MPV, which has a usable third row of seats, was launched in February 2022 and has been a key growth driver. With cumulative sales of 210,782 units, the Carens has an 18% share of Kia’s 1.19 million domestic market sales.

The fourth-ranked Kia India product is the recently launched Syros compact SUV with 15,986 units and a 1.33% share. The Carnival MPV, with 15,903 units, is next in line and is followed by the two EVs – the EV6 (1,900 units) and the EV9 (18 units).

On the export front, Kia India has till March 2025 shipped a total of 263,448 units overseas. Export demand was at its highest in FY2023 (85,756 units, up 69% YoY) albeit since then exports have fallen to 52,105 units in FY2024 (down 39%) and to the lowest yet – 12,822 units in FY2025 (down 75%).

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