Kia launches ‘Rio’ in Sri Lanka

Expects 2012 to continue 2011 success despite anticipating slow year

By Cheranka Mendis

Kia Motors is geared to embrace a phenomenal year in 2012, riding high on the extraordinary success of 2011.

Launching the final model that was to be introduced to the local market in 2011, the all new fourth generation Kia Rio, Kia Motors (Lanka) Ltd. Managing Director Mahen Thambiah told the Daily FT that the company was expecting the best after an “exceptional 2011”.

“Last year was phenomenal, to say the least. It has been an exceptional year for us and the only hindrance was the shortage in supply given the increasing demand,” Thambiah stated.

He noted that while the demand and supply issue was a globally common one for Kia, the situation was exceptional for Sri Lanka. However, Kia International has promised greater supply this year, hoping to bridge the gap between the market forces and to serve the loyal customers better.

Kia has now become one of the most in-demand automobile brands in the country, he asserted.

“In 2011 the total sales across all models for the year exceeded 2,500 units. This year, which is expected to be a slower year due to the global economic situation and its adverse effects, Kia Sri Lanka hopes to maintain a similar unit figure as in 2011.”

The company launched Kia Optima and Picanto last year while Kia Sportage was launched in 2010. Kia Rio launched yesterday was set to be launched in December but due to shipment related issues, a delay took place.

“At the introduction of Picanto three months ago, I noted that a sporty sedan compact, a hatchback version of Rio, would be launched before end December. We are three days’ past our said time period. Nevertheless, we are confident that the new model will be a hit in the market,” Thambiah said.

Later this year a revised version of the Kia Sorento will be introduced to the local market, he assured. “We are unable to launch all models that are being introduced globally due to left hand drive make. We will however bring in more models in line with the demand.”

“Rio is excellent in design and is another masterpiece in the segment. It has received excellent reviews from the countries it was previously launched in,” he said. “We are confident that the local market will embrace the new model, especially by the young and the young at heart.”

The five-door edition of the new Rio is said to be a revolutionary enhancement from its third generation predecessor in many aspects including design, performance, technologically advanced options and safety and environment-friendly features.

A dynamic interplay of bold and striking automotive design, sophisticated safety features and top performance credentials that champion the cause of environment-friendly driving set the new Kia Rio apart from other cars in its class.

“The new Rio is a multi-talented car with a versatile appeal due to its strength in all key aspects,” Thambiah said. “While being a B-segment vehicle it possesses capabilities and amenities available in much larger and higher-priced European cars and is therefore a highly cost-effective as well as an environment-friendly premium option.”

The distinct design identity synonymous with Kia features prominently in the new Rio. Its wide stance and short overhangs give it a strong, youthful identity while its sleek and sophisticated profile emanates flair from every angle. Its low roof line lends it a coupe like silhouette which together with the LED side repeaters, LED positioning lamps and LED rear combination lamps further accentuate its attractive aesthetic properties.

The new Rio available in Sri Lanka will have a Gamma 1.4 Gasoline Engine which has been geared to substantially increase fuel efficiency and power and reduce emissions. The target carbon dioxide emission figures for the Rio is class leading and starts at just 85g per kilometre.

In Sri Lanka the Kia Rio will be available in 10 colours. These are white (solid), fresh beige (pearl), signal red (pearl), electronic blue (pearl metallic), platinum graphite (pearl metallic), bright silver (metallic), caramel yellow (pearl metallic), Wendy brown (pearl metallic), formal deep blue (pearl metallic) and aurora black (pearl).

Buyers also have the option of choosing between a 14-inch steel wheel, 15-inch steel wheel, 15-inch alloy wheel and 17-inch alloy wheel. The Rio will be offered at Rs. 2,650,000 upwards (exclusive of VAT) and a three-year/100,000 km warranty.

Since its launch in 2005, global sales of the third-generation Rio have totalled more than 860,000 units. It was Kia’s third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 219,000 units.

Thambiah noted that the growth of Kia is a worldwide occurrence and that Kia is globally expected to produce seven million vehicles this year and move from being the fifth largest automaker in the world to the forth.