Kia Motors likely to kick-start India innings in Q1 2017

Kia Motors, South Korea's second-largest automobile manufacturer and a subsidiary of Korean auto giant Hyundai is reportedly set to announce its entry into the Indian market in Q1 of next year. Although Kia has been rumoured for its foray into the Indian market for quite a while now, the company has not talked about its plans.

Now a report of ET Auto says that Kia is in the process of finalising its entry into the market and could announce the decision by Q1 of next year. However, the first offering of Kia to hit Indian roads may take at least two years more after the announcement.

Previous reports had said that, Kia, which is known for its league of small cars and SUVs, is studying the feasibility of the Indian market and the discussions are underway to set up its plant in the country. Kia said to have scouted three locations in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat and is likely to also make the announcement about it during the same time in Q1.

Rumour has it that Kia is likely to select a location in Andhra Pradesh due to the proximity to Hyundai India's plant at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The plant of Kia Motors would also be utilised by Hyundai for the production of some of its models. While other details about the positioning of the brand in India are scanty at this point of time, reports suggest that could be placed in the slightly premium category to differentiate it from Hyundai line-up. There have also been reports that Kia could be looking to take on the likes of Maruti Suzuki in India.