Mass production of Kia Motors' first product for India has begun at the state-of-the-art plant in Andhra Pradesh. it can also produce hybrids and EVs.
08 Aug 2019 | 28301 Views | By Autocar Professional Bureau
Kia Motors, the world’s eighth largest automaker, today rolled out the production version of its first product for India – the Seltos SUV – manufactured at its state-of-the-art facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. The Korean carmaker says mass production of the Seltos in India has begun after testing the vehicle ...
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Kia Motors, the world’s eighth largest automaker, today rolled out the production version of its first product for India – the Seltos SUV – manufactured at its state-of-the-art facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. The Korean carmaker says mass production of the Seltos in India has begun after testing the vehicle over two million kilometres in different climatic conditions and some of the most challenging terrains in rthe country.
The first Kia Seltos was rolled off the assembly line by the Ambassador of the Republic of South Korea to India, Shin Bong-kil and Kookhyun Shim, managing director and CEO of Kia Motors India among other distinguished dignitaries from the State government and Kia Motors India.
Kookhyun Shim, MD and CEO of Kia Motors India said, “The roll-out of the first Seltos is an emotional moment for all of us, especially for the people at the plant as we worked together, relentlessly to build the future of Kia Motors in India. The invaluable contribution made by the government of Andhra Pradesh has enabled us to achieve our target of manufacturing the Seltos in record time. The first Seltos is the symbol of our promise and commitment of Kia to the Indian market.”
Sticking to timelines
Kia Motors' India project has stuck to its timelines. Within the first six months of commencement of the trial production (January 2019), it held the world premiere of the Seltos in Delhi on June 20. Now, mass production of the SUV has begun in record time at the world-class manufacturing facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. The state-of-the-art plant, spread across the 536 acres, has an annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles. This plant will also be capable of producing hybrid and electric vehicles.
The plant in Anantapur is equipped with the most advanced global technologies such as robotics and Artificial Intelligence and is environment-friendly with capabilities like 100 percent water recycling within the plant. The plant also houses a five-acre training facility offering a Basic Technical Course (BTC) in automobiles for skill development to provide all the skills necessary for an entry-level job on the factory floor, in the plant.
The Seltos will be BS VI-compliant right from its launch. It will be available in a highly efficient, brand new Smartstream engine that will come in three variants: 1.5 Petrol, 1.5 Diesel, first in segment 1.4 Turbo Petrol, offering the perfect balance of performance and efficiency. The mid-SUV offers 3 automatic transmission variants – 7DCT, IVT, and 6 AT along with 6 speed Manual Transmission thereby, giving a range of engine and gearbox options to consumers that suit their needs and driving style.
The Seltos will be officially launched on August 22 and bookings are being accepted across all Kia dealerships in 160 cities along with the Kia official website. Since the commencement of pre-booking on July 16, the Seltos has already gathered bookings of 23,311 in a short span of just 3 weeks, as per the latest report issued by the company at 2pm today. Deliveries will begin across India, August 22 onwards.
Also read: Kia Motors to have 192 service centres across 160 cities in India