“We are being very careful in forecasting sales for 2021”, Tae-Jin Park, Executive Director and Chief Sales Officer, Kia Motors says quite honestly. One might find that surprising as the Korean company has made a big splash in the Indian market, their Seltos and Sonet SUV’s and Carnival MPV all are best-sellers. Data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) showed that Kia’s sales more than doubled in India to 89,010 units between April and November 2020, despite the first few months of the financial year being lost thanks to the pandemic. Park’s cautiousness however has some merit, “The festive season has been good, but we have to see how the rest of the economy is doing before forecasting for 2021.”

That said, Park said that Kia is not slowing down or postponing any plans for 2021. “The Indian market is very important for Kia Motors. We believe we have changed the expectations of Indian customers with more happiness and enjoyment from our products and we are offering Indian motorists a new experience.” Asked about trends for future products, Park said that consumers wanted “more connectivity, more high-end features as well as more safety from their cars.” He also expects market changes as more people choose personal transportation options.

Kia Motors which is a leading sponsor of global sporting events, Kia sponsors FIFA, the Europa League and Australian Open tennis and has Rafael Nadal among their brand ambassadors is also looking at good opportunities for Sports Marketing in India, Park told The Pioneer.