Kia Motors India (KMI) has announced the appointment of Tae-Jin Park as the company's executive director and chief sales officer, with immediate effect. Park replaces Yong S Kim, who has been instrumental role in establishing the Kia brand in India. As is known, the Korean carmaker, which is part of the Hyundai Motor Group, has grabbed a 6.34% utility vehicle market share in barely four months since launch in the Indian market with a single product, the Seltos. 

According to the company, Park will be responsible for driving Kia Motors’ sales, marketing, service and network development in the country.

Kia Motors India says Kim, who has contributed to positioning the brand amongst the Top 5 automobile manufacturers in India in just four months of operations, is returning to Kia Motors Corporation's headquarters in Seoul, Korea.

The OEM says that the new appointment will ensure Kia maintains the positive momentum it has gained in the Indian market. Park has over 30 years’ experience in the automotive industry and has most recently served at Kia Motors' HQ as the head of operations for the Middle East, Africa and Asia base in Seoul, South Korea. Prior to this, he was the head of sales at Kia Motors Mexico.

Commenting on the new appointment, Kookhyun Shim, MD and CEO, Kia Motors India said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Tae- Jin Park as executive director and CSO for Kia Motors India. He comes with immense knowledge of global markets and expertise in penetrating a new market. We have witnessed a huge demand for the Seltos in India and the love for brand Kia grows continuously. We are confident with Park’s joining, Kia will grow from strength to strength. With the launch of Carnival and our compact SUV lined up this year, I am sure he will help us propel forward the success of Seltos and find a place for Kia cars in many more households in India.”

Since the launch of the Seltos on August 22, 2019, the sole product from Kia Motors India has gone home to over 40,581 customers, which translates into a monthly sales average of 10,145 units or 338 units for each day between August and end-November 2019. 

Not surprisingly, the Seltos won the prestigious Autocar India 'Car of the Year 2020' award, along with the awards for Viewers' Choice and Midsize SUV of the Year. The Seltos also gave Kia the Manufacturer of the Year award.

Also read: Hyundai-Kia target speedy growth in India, look to leverage synergies