Kia India on October 3 launched its flagship electric SUV EV9 for Rs 1.3 crore (ex-showroom). The ultra-premium electric car, which was unveiled at the Auto Expo 2023, is equipped with a 99.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that is said to offer a maximum range of 561 km (WLTP cycle). The Kia EV9, which is based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), is available in the GT-Line AWD 6-seater variant.
Kia has also launched the new Kia Carnival Limousine at Rs 63.90 lakh (ex-showroom), available in a single trim with a seven-seater configuration. For this model, the company retained the 2.2-litre diesel engine, which has an output of around 190 bhp and 441 Nm torque, and is mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission. It is also equipped with safety features, including 8 airbags, ESC, Hill Assist Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), parking sensors, a 360-degree camera and ADAS.
"Our new design language, 'Design 2.0,' embodies elegance, sophistication, and boldness, evident in our latest showstoppers – the EV9 and Carnival Limousine. Kia's success in India testifies to our commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction,” Gwanggu Lee, MD & CEO, Kia India, said in a statement.
While the EV9 will arrive in the country via the Completely Built Up (CBU) route, the Carnival MPV is follow the Semi Knocked Down (CKD) route.
The South Korean carmaker also announced a futuristic approach to "redefine the Indian automobile ecosystem with its 2.0 transformation strategy". The company launched the EV9 and Carnival Limousine in India to kick-start this transformation "with never seen before technologies, reiterating its imagery as the industry disruptor".
"We disrupted the Indian Automobile Industry in 2019, we are yet again doing it after 5 years with our Kia 2.0 transformation strategy, which is aimed to redefine how you perceive automobile conventionally while keeping the cores intact. The introduction of Kia Connect 2.0 and Vehicle to Everything is our way to showcase the next level of Tech mobility, ” added Lee in the statement.
He noted that technology will play a major role in the mass market segment as well. "The company's focus on technology, design, and unparalleled luxury will revolutionise the Indian market," Lee said.
Meanwhile, Lee noted that the company is looking to touch 4 lakh unit sales annually in the Indian market by 2030. According to him, India is at the third position in terms of the largest markets for Kia globally.
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