South Korean automaker KIA is in process of making its comeback in Pakistan. This time partnered with Lucky Cement group, the Kia-Lucky venture had already signed an agreement with the Ministry of Industries and Production. According to which, production of light commercial and passenger vehicles will take place in Pakistan under Automotive Development Policy 2016-2021.
Reportedly the manufacturing and assembling facilities will be functional in the year 2019/20. However KIA vehicles will be available for purchase to car buyers in Pakistan as KIA-Lucky will start importing cars in 2018.
KIA Pakistan’s website was launched in March 2018, and one can see Pakistan among the listed countries in Asia Pacific region. Kia vehicles have been spotted testing in Pakistan numerous times already, with Sportage SUV, Grand Carnival van, Rio subcompact and Picanto hatchback making frequent appearances on public roads.
Now interestingly, Kia Pakistan website is updated with an addition to the range of vehicles. This includes the Cerato sedan, Niro hybrid crossover, Stinger fastback and the K-series 1-ton commercial loader.
It is yet unclear which vehicles will be assembled locally and which will be available as CBU import, however the product portfolio does look impressive and will open doors to some long-awaited healthy competition in our market
