Kia Motors India is going all out with its India operations. The carmaker has laid down the structural framework for its new manufacturing facility in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh.

The plant covers an area of 23 million square feet and is expected to create about 3,000 jobs and produce 300,000 vehicles annually once it is fully operational. Construction of the facility began mid-2017 with an investment of about $1.1 billion (around Rs 7,050 crore). 

The first model to roll out of the facility will be the production-spec SP concept SUV that was showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo. Manohar Bhatt, senior vice-president, Marketing, Kia Motors India, said production is scheduled to begin by the middle of 2019. That said, the market launch of the SP SUV will likely be closer to Diwali next year.

The South Korean carmaker is in the process of developing a training programme for its 3,000 employees in partnership with the Andhra Pradesh government. The brand will also continue to invest in the site, adding another $1 billion till 2021, helping create more than 10,000 jobs by then.

At Auto Expo 2018, Kia had a large selection of its international model line-up, a section of which are being evaluated for the Indian market. However, most of them are unlikely to be introduced, with Kia focusing on developing bespoke models for India.

Also see:

Kia SP Concept SUV first look video

Kia SP SUV concept image gallery

In conversation with Han-Woo Park, CEO, Kia Motors

Kia looking at premium positioning to establish brand

Kia at the Auto Expo 2018 first look video