Kia SP Concept due ahead of brand’s 2019 Indian market entry

Kia SP Concept due ahead of brand’s 2019 Indian market entry Korean car maker will enter one of the world’s fastest growing markets with new SUV

Kia will reveal an all-new SUV concept at the Indian Auto Expo with plans of putting it into production next year.

The SP Concept, which will represent the brand's first entry into India, has been previewed in darkened images. It features a strong shoulder line with a tapered glassline towards the rear.

Although hidden from view, the car is expected to feature the same pinched front grille that is applied to Kia’s other models, in order to create a clear brand identity in what is the world’s fastest growing new market.

A Kia spokesman told Autocar that there are no plans to offer it elsewhere, but its design and technical features could offer hints for forthcoming models.

Kia has refrained from revealing what will power the new model, but it has claimed that the car will feature “advanced technology”, suggesting electrified variants may be offered alongside conventional combustion engine versions.

Kia president Han-Woo Park said of the brand’s Indian plans: “We are here to build more than just great cars. We aim to set a new standard in the Indian auto industry by providing consumers with world-class products and services, while engaging with and giving back to the local community.”

Kia first announced its intentions to sell cars in India last year, when it revealed plans for a new Andhra Pradesh factory. The site, which is currently under construction, will be completed next year and eventually have an annual capacity of 300,000 cars.

Kia’s entry into the country will come at a time when new car sales in India, which currently make it the fifth largest new car market in the world, recently surpassed 3 million cars per year. Forecasts suggest India will become the world’s third largest new car market by 2020.

Kia sibling Hyundai already has a strong presence in India, having been selling cars there since 1996.

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