Kia gets ready for an ‘epic’ ride

By Cheranka Mendis

Kia Motors is ready to zoom their way across the market with new model launches and has confidence that the industry could accelerate by 20 per cent this year ceteris paribus. The industry which is said to have been on an upward ride following the tax slashes in June 2010 would continue to grow its market and is expected to significantly increase the number of vehicles sold within the year.

Riding on high industry expectations, Managing Director of Kia Motors (Lanka) Ltd. Mahen Thambiah speaking to Daily FT stated that the company is bracing itself for an epic ride this year with the launch of two new models, of which the first — the 2011 Kia Optima took its spin last week.

“The industry itself can achieve a 20% growth this year if there are no major changes in the tax structure or any other big surprises. The industry has seen a momentous growth over the past few years,” Thambiah added.

He stated that the company is expecting a significant growth in the market share backed by the high level enthusiasm shown by the consumers who have shown willingness to wait for as long as five to six months to get a vehicle whereas the average time period for a wait is three to four months.

“Kia at the moment is on a very fast increasing sales base worldwide and is said to be growing on a 20-30% on a month to month basis. As at now the production cannot keep up with demand and there is a huge waiting list worldwide,” Thambiah asserted.

The situation is no different in Sri Lanka as well, he said, “We are confident that in 2011 there will be a significant growth in the market share. The key factor holding back the expected growth is the limited supply.” However the company has had discussions with its principles to find fast solutions for the recurring problem, he assured.

Quoting Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) statistics, Thambiah laid out that in the SUV market Kia Sportage and Sorento have been identified as segment leaders under their particular categories. Sportage is said to have a 60% market share under its category while Sorento is said to be having a 50% market share in its category. “This is a significant achievement as the models have been in the market for a considerably short period of time, almost less than six months.”

Launching the first new model for the year the 2011 KIA Optima which is also the first passenger car to hit the market under Kia, just eight months after the all new KIA Sportage, the new model is sure to be a hit, Thambiah said. Names have already started piling up in the waiting list, he said.

The cars will be available in the country from September this year. It will be offered at a special introductory price of Rs.4.2 million exclusive of VAT and a three year 100,000 km warranty.

The 2011 KIA Optima tagged as a winner of multiple top international awards for its avant-garde design and class leading safety features has been designed by the former Audi Chief Designer Peter Schreyer.  The latest member in Kia’s ‘tiger family’ face edged by piercing projector headlamps has had an almost insatiable global demand due to its design, safety, price and leading-edge features, he said. “One only has to glance at the Optima to realise that its exceptional design is the most crucial aspect of appeal. It is a masterpiece that clearly reflects Kia’s evolution into a design driven auto manufacturer.” The new ride will be an “epic drive” for all Kia lovers, he said.

The vehicle comes with pure leather seats, Day time Running Lights (DRLS), 17 inch tire with alloy wheels, six speakers with front door-mounted tweeter among other standard features. Personalising the Optima with a range of options is also available.

The next model to hit the market from Kia will be the 1000cc KIA Picanto which was launched in Geneva in February this year. This would arrive in Sri Lanka in July this year.



Pix by Krishan Shashika