In case, the government of India formulates a policy in a short time, Kia Motors can launch a car which can meet the rules and needs of Indian customers
South Korean automobile manufacturer Kia Motors feels that India will follow the international direction towards eco-friendly technologies driven by electric vehicles (EVs) and the company can soon adapt from its current global portfolio for the domestic market with regards to eco-friendly vehicles.
The Government of India policies with regards to EVs are not clear. However, Kia Motors is not concerned over the lack of policy with regards to eco-friendly vehicles in the country, reported PTI citing Kookhyun Shim, CEO & Managing Director, Kia Motors India as saying.
To launch EV in India by 2021
However, the company has already announced its intentions to launch electric and hybrid vehicles from its forthcoming manufacturing plant at Anantpur in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The company has set target to roll out an EV in the country by 2021.
Shim further said that in case, the government of India formulates a policy in a short time, the company can launch a car which can meet the rules and needs of Indian customers.
From now on, the present powertrain of internal combustion engines would be changed by eco-friendly technology, he said.
Kia is preparing for international automotive market. India’s market will also come in line with international strategy. The company has already started preparing for manufacturing of eco-friendly vehicles,” he added.
MoU with AP Government
Past week, the company had inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Andhra Pradesh for collaboration on ‘Future E-Mobility’.
According to the MoU, the company will provide the Andhra Pradesh government with three of its international eco cars including a Niro EV, Niro Plug-in Hybrid and Niro Hybrid. In addition, it also installs a charging station for EVs at Vijayawada.
Kia Motors claims that its fully electric crossover model – Niro EV, can travel 455 km on a single charge.
However, the company’s Niro Plug-in Hybrid and Niro Hybrid models are among the highest-selling hybrid vehicles worldwide. These two car models use parallel hybrid powertrains that shift between electric power and petrol.
