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Kia Motors, this Thursday, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the State Government of Andhra Pradesh, India to build a new manufacturing facility in Anantapur District.
The MOU, according to a statement issued in Seoul, was signed at a ceremony held in the city of Vijayawada, a part of Andhra Pradesh Capital Region, attended by executives from Kia Motors and the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Nara Chandrababu Naidu.
The statement said construction of the new manufacturing facility, Kia Motors’ first in India and representing approximately a US$1.1 billion investment, will commence in the final quarter of 2017. The manufacturing facility, it added, is expected to begin production in the second half of 2019 and produce up to approximately 300,000 units each year.
Kia said it plans to produce a strategic compact sedan and compact SUV especially for the Indian market at the new plant, which will occupy around 23 million square feet (2.16 km2 / 536 acres) and incorporate facilities for stamping, welding, painting and assembly. The site will also be home to numerous supplier companies’ facilities.
“We are delighted to announce that Kia’s newest manufacturing facility will be here in Andhra Pradesh,” said Han-Woo Park, President of Kia Motors. “Our new India plant will enable us to sell cars in the world’s fifth largest market, while providing greater flexibility for our global business. Worldwide demand for Kia cars is growing and this is our latest step towards becoming a leading global car manufacturer.”
Venturing into the fastest-growing major new car market
Kia said it believes that construction of a new manufacturing facility in India will enable it maintain its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing automobile brands. The new facility in Anantapur , Kia noted, will enable the company to start selling its models in India, and benefit from further sustainable sales growth, locally and internationally.
Kia said it also plans to commence local sales of cars produced at the new facility towards the end of 2019, once mass production begins in Anantapur. Furthermore, the region’s fast-developing supply chain network and skilled labor force were other key reasons for the new investment by Kia Motors.
India is the fastest growing major new car market and the fifth largest in the world, with more than 3.3 million new cars sold in 2016. Forecasts suggest the country will become the third-largest car market by the end of 2020.
