Kia Motors to build new manufacturing plant in India

Kia Motors has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the State Government of Andhra Pradesh, India to build a new manufacturing facility in the Anantapur District. The MOU was signed on 27^th April at a ceremony held in the city of Vijayawada, a part of Andhra Pradesh Capital Region; and was attended by executives from Kia Motors and the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Nara Chandrababu Naidu.

Construction of the new manufacturing facility, Kia Motors' first in India and representing approximately a $1.5 billion investment, will commence in the final quarter of 2017. The manufacturing facility is expected to begin production in the second half of 2019 and produce up to approximately 300,000 units each year.

Kia plans to produce a strategic compact sedan and compact sport utility vehicle especially for the Indian market at the new plant, which will occupy around 2.16km² and incorporate facilities for stamping, welding, painting and assembly. The site will also be home to numerous supplier companies' facilities.