Kia Philippines looks to sustain its growth in 2022 after a strong showing last year. To do so, the Korean automaker is looking to introduce new models and expand its showroom presence nationwide.
In 2021, Kia managed a 76 percent growth, easily outpacing the industry’s 18 percent rise. This year, as the Philippine auto industry seeks to grow another 18 percent, Kia is targeting a 60 percent growth. Kia Philippines President Manny Aligada revealed that they’re targeting to sell 6,000 units this year, compared to 3,748 units last year. With that, they’re setting to claw a 1.7 percent share of the market from 1.3 percent.
Mr. Aligada says that they will continue to lean on their best-selling models such as the Stonic, Soluto, and K-Series while also introducing more new products such as the Sorento and Carnival.
Despite the lack of an 11-seater variant at the Kia Carnival’s launch, Mr. Aligada is confident in the market performance of the more upscale “Grand Utility Vehicle.” Citing their internal focused group studies as well as initial customer feedback, they’re confident that they’re hitting the right target market with the right set of features.
Moreover, based on the sales of the previous third-generation Grand Carnival, the uptake of the sole 7-seater already makes up 50 percent of sales. From annual sales reaching 251 units last year (close to 1,000 units since 2019), Kia says they’re targeting annual sales of around 400 units this year.
Aligada has confirmed that two all-new models will join the Kia line-up this year, and one of these is likely the all-new Sportage (lead photo).
New products aside, Kia Philippines will also be expanding its dealer network. In 2021, that number stood at 39 dealers, and by the end of 2022, they’re hoping to grow that to 46 dealers with seven new locations opening this year. By the end of 2023, they’ll add four more to even things out to 50.
In order to ensure better and more consistent aftersales service across their growing dealer network, Kia Philippines is continuing its customer-centric mindset by elevating its touchpoints to align with the new global identity, ensure the immediate availability of spare parts at competitive prices, and through continued personnel training in both sales and aftersales.
The other one will be introduced in the Philippines is likely the Sonet Subcompact Crossover
ReplyDeleteDEAR KIA PHILIPPINES,
ReplyDeletePlease bring Kia K5, Kia Carens, Kia Stinger (facelift), Kia Forte (facelift), and Kia Mohave or Telluride to our market.
Does this mean that AC Motors is now prioritizing Kia Phils. over Volkswagen Phils. with this dealership expansion? Is this bec Kia Phils. is doing better than VW Phils. in terms of sales?
ReplyDeleteI think the 2nd one is the ev6
ReplyDeleteThis is just a pipe dream as Philippines doesn't have the infra for EVs
DeleteShould have brought a better specced seltos for 2022.
ReplyDeleteIdk but the cayennish sportage looks better to me, i think my eyes aren't good at looking cars..
ReplyDeleteI hope the other is the new Carens 7-seat mpv which was just launched in India
ReplyDeleteKia Ph asked its HQ if the Kia vehicles sold in the Phils. are also affected by the faulty ABS which is a potential cause of vehicle fire. So far, no response yet from Kia HQ.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if Hyundai Ph communicated with its HQ about the matter.
Yes, we asked the question to Kia even before the press con (and also asked for a statement from Hyundai PH). They will get back to use once the local distributors get word from their Korean counterparts. In the mean time, there is an existing recall for the Sorento and Carnival:
Deletehttps://www.carguide.ph/2020/07/kia-ph-recalling-selected-carnival.html
Thank you for reaching out to both Kia Ph and Hyundai Ph to address the matter. Hope they will soon, for the benefit and safety of the current and prospective owners.
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