Kia Corp. started mass production of its revamped Seltos SUV at its Andhra Pradesh plant in India, banking on enhanced features to boost sales in the world’s third-largest auto market.
The Korean automaker secured 10,258 pre-orders for the compact SUV ahead of its price announcement scheduled for Feb. 1. The new model integrates smart connectivity systems and advanced driver assistance technology, responding to increasing consumer demand for premium features in the segment.
Kia President Song Ho-sung said the company incorporated customer feedback into the vehicle’s design, which includes ventilated seats and dual panoramic sunroofs. The model also features adjustable rear seating, a premium option rarely found in this vehicle category.
The launch marks Kia’s continued push into India’s competitive automotive sector, where the company aims to strengthen its position against established rivals like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. The Andhra Pradesh facility serves as a strategic manufacturing hub for Kia’s expansion plans in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle Eastern markets.
India’s compact SUV segment has seen robust growth, with consumers favoring vehicles that combine the utility of larger SUVs with better fuel efficiency. The segment grew by 25% in 2023, according to industry data.
