Kia Motors India is advancing its automotive offerings by exploring the hybrid vehicle segment, building upon its existing presence in the electric vehicle market. Details about the specific models to be equipped with hybrid technology remain limited, but the company has publicly acknowledged its intention to integrate hybrid options into its Indian lineup.
Tae-Jin Park, the CEO of Kia India, shared with Autocar India his optimism about the role of hybrid technology in their future models, possibly as a substitute for diesel engines. Despite this new direction, Park noted that diesel-powered vehicles still play a significant role in Kia’s sales, making up 40% of their total output. He affirmed that Kia will keep producing diesel models as long as they meet regulatory standards.
As per inside information, Kia is actively working to launch their hybrid 1.2 Liter and 1.5 Liter petrol engines in the Indian market. In the international market, koreans do not have strong hybrids – Kia Carnival MPV, K8 sedan, Niro crossover, Sorento, and Sportage SUVs, all have 1.6 Liter turbo petrol engine combined with electric motor powered by small battery pack.
For the Indian market, the key challenge for Kia will be to adapt this hybrid technology in an economically viable way. This could involve localizing the production of essential components like motors and batteries. The Kia’s hybrid engines are expected to be used in popular models such as the Seltos SUV, Carens MPV, and possibly a new sub-four-meter vehicle.
Kia’s entry into the hybrid market in India is timely, considering the recent market trends. Sales data indicates an increasing preference for hybrid vehicles over electric vehicles. In the month of September to November 2023, hybrids sold 24,026 units, and 21,445 units of EVs sold. This adoption is surprising despite of the higher tax rate of 43% on hybrids compared to 5% for EVs. Kia’s upcoming compact SUV, which is rumoured to have a 1.2-liter hybrid engine, could benefit from a lower tax bracket, making it a better option when compared to EVs.
The new Kia compact SUV codenamed AY, which will positioned between the Sonet and Seltos, could mark Kia’s debut in the strong hybrid segment by early 2025. Additionally, Hyundai, a sister brand, is expected to adopt the same hybrid powertrain for its future SUV models.
Also Read – Nitin Gadkari Rejects Driverless Vehicle in Favor of Job Security
