KIA Motors to invest Rs 1 b here

KIA Motors (Lanka) Limited has announced plans to invest an estimated Rs 1 billion over the next three years to expand service infrastructure in Sri Lanka, following phenomenal sales and the growing demand for and popularity of its vehicles.

Sales of KIA SUVs ‘Sorento’ and ‘Sportage’ exceeded 1,500 units in the first six months of the year, the company said, making the design-driven Korean brand one of the most popular in the new vehicle segment.

Meanwhile, orders are flowing for all models including the 2011 KIA Optima luxury sedan previewed in Colombo in May. Two new models, the new Rio mid-sized hatchback and the five-door compact Picanto, are eagerly awaited by a fast-expanding KIA fan base, KIA Motors (Lanka) Managing Director Mahen Thambiah said.

He said KIA Motors had options on several new sites for service facilities to support the increased flow of KIA vehicles in to the country.