Kia steps up its Thailand expansion plans; more EVs led by Kia EV9, 5x increase in sales network, and more
Sanjay · Feb 5, 2024 04:29 PM
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Kia Corporation has officially declared its entry into Thailand market with its own subsidiary, as part of its strategic expansion plan in the Asia Pacific region. Kia Thailand Co., Ltd. will oversee the sales and marketing of its vehicles in the country, taking over from the previous local distributor model.
The launch of Kia Sales in Thailand is geared towards accelerating brand transformation and achieving long-term business objectives outlined in the global "Plan S-5" strategy for 2024-2028. The strategy includes goals such as:
Achieving a 5% market share in the passenger car market
Securing a 50% battery EV sales ratio
Ranking in the top five for brand awareness
Expanding the country’s dealer network fivefold
Kia currently only offers the Carnival and Sorento in Thailand
As of 2023, Kia Sales Thailand boasts 19 approved dealers and service centers. Sales acceleration will be facilitated by an expansion of dealers, with 10 new dealers expected to join in 2024.
Additionally, Kia Sales Thailand is enhancing its after-sales strategy to align with Thai consumers’ expectations, introducing a new 7-year warranty program for every new model in Thailand from 7-March 2024. The new warranty standards include an 8-year battery warranty for all electric vehicles, along with 7 years of roadside assistance.
The EV9 is to make its ASEAN debut in the Land of Smiles
Kia Sales Thailand aspires to become a "Premium Smart" brand by offering Thai customers all-electric models, expanding SUV/MPV line-ups with value-added features, and adopting connectivity solutions in the near future.
Mr. Jun Oh Lee, President of Kia Sales (Thailand) Company Limited, elaborated about the venture: “Today marks an auspicious beginning for Kia Sales Thailand, as it officially enters the Thai market."
"Our global Kia Plan S is based upon three pillars of Planet, People, and Profit, in order to foster trust and engagement among our people and the community. It positions us as a ‘Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider,’ which is our corporate philosophy for establishing a leadership position in the future automotive industry.”
Kia Thailand's first launch will be the Kia EV9 on 1-March 2024.
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.
