Kia to double India touch points to 600

WITH INDIA EMERGING as the sixth-largest market and contributing 8-9% to its global sales, Kia Corporation is aiming to increase its market share in the country to 10%, from 7%, by the turn of this decade. Kia India is doubling its touch points as a first step towards this goal.

- ROHIT VAID

In a conversation with FE, Myung-Sik Sohn, chief sales and business officer, Kia India, said the carmaker is focusing on network expansion from the existing 300-plus touch points to more than 600.

In short term, this network expansion will help Kia India achieve 10% sales growth rate in 2023. "We have been growing at a rate higher than the industry and expect this trend to continue. While the industry is likely to grow 5-6%, we are targeting 10% sales growth in 2023," he said.

A surge in RV (recreational vehicle) sales the company calls its Carnival and Carens as RVs - along with mainstreaming of premiumisation trend and the expected healthy offtake during the festive season has Kia India upbeat on sales prospects.

This network expansion will also help the Korean carmaker achieve its long-term goal of 10% market share by 2030, as stated during the unveiling of the Seltos last month.