KIA Motors (Lanka) to invest Rs 1 b on service facilities
KIA Motors (Lanka) Limited plans to invest an estimated Rs 1 b over
the next three years to expand service infrastructure in Sri Lanka,
following phenomenal sales and the growing demand for vehicles.
Sales of KIA SUVs ‘Sorento’ and ‘Sportage’ exceeded 1,500 units in
the first six months of the year, making the design-driven Korean brand
one of the most popular in the new vehicle segment, the company said.
Orders are flowing in for all models including the 2011 KIA Optima
luxury sedan previewed in Colombo in May. Two new models, the new Rio
mid-sized hatchback and the five-door compact Picanto, are eagerly
awaited by a fast-expanding KIA fan base, Managing Director of KIA
Motors (Lanka) Limited, Mahen Thambiah said.
He said KIA Motors had options on several new sites for service
facilities to support the increased flow of KIA vehicles in to the
country. With work on the second facility already commenced, the
expansion plan would be in two stages and represents a significant value
addition for KIA customers in Sri Lanka.
Although worldwide, demand for KIA vehicles continues to outpace
production capacity,KIA has promised to support us, because KIA Motors
Lanka has recorded the highest growth in the region, Thambiah said.
Dismissing as ‘mere speculation’ recent reports of agency reviews, he
disclosed that instead, the agency relationship will be further
strengthened together with the company structure inclusive of management
participation, in conformance with KIA’s ‘Global Space Identity’ (GSI)
requirements.
He said the distinctive road presence common to the new generation of
KIA models across categories — the result of elegant new styling by
Chief Designer Peter Schreyer — comprehensive features, new high
performance engines with optimal fuel efficiency and value-for-money
pricing, as principal contributors to the high residual values
associated with the KIA brand in the local market.
Worldwide, KIA Motors Corporation sold 197,695 passenger cars,
recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles in August 2011,
recording a year-on-year increase of 13.8 percent. Cumulatively, through
the first seven months of 2011, KIA’s global sales have increased by
18.4 percent year-on-year to reach 1,609,886 units.
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