AP CM hopes Kia paves way for more investments

Erramanchi (Anantapur district): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday expressed hope that the successful completion of Kia Motors' car plant here, would pave way for more investments into Andhra Pradesh.

Speaking after inaugurating 1.1-billion dollar Kia's car plant at Erramanchi village near Penukonda in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, the Chief Minister said his government would extend all possible support to Kia Motors.

"I am happy to inaugurate fully-functional Kia Motors' plant. I foresee great good not only to Andhra Pradesh, but also for India as the plant paves way for other global companies setting up their shop in the country, especially in Andhra Pradesh," Jagan said in his speech that last for nearly four minutes.

Jagan further said that Kia Motors did a wonderful job by setting up the plant. Once it is fully operational, the plant and its ancillary will create total jobs of 18,000 units, he added.

He hoped that Kia would soon launch more models from the facility in order to utilise the entire three lakh units capacity so that it could create more jobs.

Jagan assured the automaker full support from the government. "I assure the management team that we would support Kia Motors all through. We are a proactive government and will extend every possible help whatsoever required to make this plant successful", Jagan maintained.

The Chief Minister thanked Kia Motors for "giving the wonderful car plant to the State of Andhra Pradesh".

Meanwhile, Kia Motors feels that the Indian market and its new plant in the country will play key role in the automaker's global growth.

"We have set a target to sell 2.8 million vehicles globally in 2020. The Indian sales will play major role in achieving this target", said Han-Woo Park, president and CEO, Kia Motors Corporation.

The automaker plans to expand its dealer network. Currently, it has 265 touchpoints and service centres in 160 different cities. It will open additional 50 touchpoints and service centres by March 2020.

"We have a robust plan for India. The launch of new models and technologies will help us maintain the positive momentum we have enjoyed till now," felt Kookyun Shim, Managing Director, Kia Motors India.