Kia SP Concept to be a global SUV, confirmed for the U.S. market - Report

30/10/2018 - 11:39 Kia SP Concept, Kia Sagar Parikh

In June, IAB reported that the India-bound Kia SP Concept will have a market in its homeland, South Korea, as well. Now, a new report says that it’s going to the USA.

Kia SP Concept at 2018 Busan Motor Show — The Kia SP Concept was introduced at Auto Expo 2018 in February and then showcased at the 2018 Busan International Motor Show in June.

In an interview with Automotive News recently, Han-Woo Park, CEO, Kia Motors Corporation, was talking about how SUVs will have an even higher contribution in the company’s U.S. market sales in the future. To achieve that, it will supplement two new models: Telluride and SP Concept. Park said that the latter would follow in the second half of 2019.

The U.S. market will source its Kia SP Concept from South Korea. Like in India and the USA, the launch is scheduled in the company's home market in the second half of 2020. Our market will likely conduct the global SUV's world premiere. In South Korea and the USA, this model will slot above the Kia Stonic.

The Kia SP Concept will mark the brand’s entry in the Indian market when it goes on sale. Production will take place at a new plant in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, where the construction work is running ahead of schedule. The first trial run will begin in May, and the series production will commence in September. Currently, road testing is undergoing in South Korea.

Production version of Kia SP Concept to be called Kia Trazor — The Kia SP Concept will likely slot above the Kia Stonic in markets where both will co-exist.

Also See: Kia Tusker/Trazor (production Kia SP Concept) spied up close [Video]

The Kia SP Concept will go up directly against the Hyundai Creta and the Nissan Kicks in India. Its prices could start at around INR 10 lakh (ex-showroom). A sub-4 metre Kia SUV will follow in 2020.

[Source: autonews.com]