Kia begins Sorento production ahead of India launch
Kia India has commenced production of the Sorento premium three-row SUV at its Anantapur manufacturing facility, ahead of the model’s scheduled India launch on September 4.
The company has also released the first official images of the Sorento, which will expand Kia’s presence in India’s premium SUV segment. The model is being manufactured locally and is positioned as the brand’s flagship SUV for the Indian market.
The Sorento will be Kia India’s first hybrid SUV, with an all-wheel-drive system. It will also be offered with a diesel powertrain, giving buyers a choice between electrified and conventional propulsion. The company said the move forms part of its broader multi-powertrain strategy for India.
A key technology feature of the India-bound Sorento will be Kia’s AI Assistant, powered by live generative artificial intelligence. According to the company, the India-specification Sorento will be the first model globally to introduce the technology across Kia’s product portfolio. It will also mark the first deployment of live generative AI in the Indian automotive industry, Kia said.
Unlike conventional voice assistants that respond to a limited set of commands, the system is designed to support more conversational interactions and provide access to real-time information. Kia expects the feature to enhance the vehicle’s technology and premium positioning.
The first locally produced Sorento rolled off the assembly line at Anantapur on Thursday. Kia began manufacturing vehicles at the Andhra Pradesh plant in 2019. The facility has an installed annual production capacity of 400,000 units and serves both domestic and export markets.
“With the first locally produced Sorento rolling off the production line at our Anantapur facility today, we are taking an important step in bringing this globally acclaimed premium flagship SUV to Indian customers,” said Gwanggu Lee, managing director and CEO, Kia India.
Pre-bookings for the Sorento are currently open through Kia India dealerships and the company’s official website. Pricing and detailed specifications are expected to be announced at the launch.
Kia India has dispatched nearly 1.9 million vehicles from its Anantapur plant, including more than 1.5 million units sold domestically and over 367,000 exported, according to company data. It operates 892 touchpoints across 407 Indian cities.
