A Compact SUV Targeting Global Market
Kia Motors put the new compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) “Seltos” front and center in making a foray into the Indian car market.
Tthe Seltos made its global debut at the A DOT Convention Center in Gurgaon, India, on June 20. The name Seltos is a combination of “Speedy” and “Celtos,” a son of Hercules in Greek mythology, and means “brave and strong.” The Seltos is scheduled to go on sale in the Korean market in July and make its debut in India in the second half of the year.
Kia Motors chose India as a venue for the Seltos’ international debut as the new SUV will be Kia’s first model in the Indian automobile market. In addition, Kia Motors believes that the Seltos is a key strategic vehicle that will enable Kia to smoothly position itself in India, which is emerging as a key automobile market.
Kia Motors is currently building a 300,000-unit production plant in Anantapur, India. Ground was broken in October 2017. The Korean automaker started trial production of the Seltos at the Indian plant in January this year and will start a regular operation of the plant in the second half of this year.
Kia Motors is aiming to become one of the top five automakers in the Indian market within the next three years by promoting the Seltos.