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Speaking to Autocar India, Tae Jin Park, MD of Kia India, has revealed that the South Korean carmaker will launch two localized electric vehicles in the Indian market by 2025. The two EVs are reported to be a compact SUV (codenamed AY) and an MPV.
To increase its presence in the electric vehicle segment, Kia Motors will invest INR 2,000 crore over the next four years in India for EV-related R&D, manufacturing and charging infrastructure development.
The first is likely to be an all-new MPV, which would be developed specifically for India, and is likely to be launched by 2025 in the Indian market. The second will be an all-new compact SUV (codenamed – Kia AY).
The Kia AY will be a sub-4 meter SUV that is expected to be positioned between the Sonet and Seltos in the brand’s line-up. The upcoming electric compact SUV will be offered with petrol and electric powertrain options. If the reports are to be believed, the development of this electric compact SUV has already commenced.
The petrol version of the Kia AY compact SUV is expected to have a higher share in the model’s overall sales volumes. The carmaker aims to sell 1 lakh units annually out of which 80% would be the petrol version and the rest would come from the EV derivative (including RHD units of export markets).
Park, while explaining the company's plans to produce this new range of EVs in India, said that Kia India’s Anantapur plant is already capable to manufacture both EVs and ICE cars. He also stated that a part of the Rs 2,000 crore investment will also be allotted to upgrade the current production line to produce both ICE cars and EVs at the same time.
(Representational Image)
