From Our Correspondent
Seoul, South Korea: Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education, IT and Electronics Nara Lokesh has invited Kia Motors to significantly expand its manufacturing footprint in the state by establishing an integrated electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid vehicle production hub.
During a meeting in Seoul with Kia Motors Executive Vice President (Global Operations) Tae Hun Lee and the company’s senior leadership team, Lokesh outlined the state’s vision to position Andhra Pradesh as a major global automotive manufacturing and export hub.
The minister urged Kia to set up an integrated manufacturing facility for EVs, hybrid vehicles and the company’s specially designed Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) models in Andhra Pradesh. He also proposed establishing a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly and export centre near Visakhapatnam Port to serve global markets.
Lokesh further requested Kia to establish an EV components manufacturing facility for E-GMP platform components, battery systems and EV charging electronics. He also proposed developing an EV powertrain testing centre for powertrain integration, testing and vehicle homologation.
Responding to the proposals, Tae Hun Lee said Kia India established its manufacturing plant in Anantapur in 2017 and commenced mass production in 2019. He noted that Kia is expanding beyond passenger, commercial and recreational vehicles through its Plan S strategy, with a strong focus on Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) solutions, electric vehicles and autonomous mobility.
Lee said Kia has emerged as South Korea’s second-largest automobile manufacturer after its parent company, Hyundai Motor Company. He added that the company would discuss the Andhra Pradesh government’s proposals with its senior management before taking a decision.
The meeting was attended by Kia Motors Senior Vice President (Strategic Planning) Eui Chul Jeong, Senior Vice President (Global Operations) Sang Un Cho, Vice President (Strategic Operations) Hee Sam Kim, Vice President (Global Operations) Tae Kun Yang, Kia India Senior Legal Adviser Jungho An, and Principal Adviser Somasekhar Reddy.