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Tag: Kia

  • Kia drives peace of mind with 7-Year warranty

    Kia drives peace of mind with 7-Year warranty

    MUMBAI: Seven years of smooth sailing for Kia owners. Kia India is taking the worry out of car ownership by extending its warranty programme up to seven years, giving drivers extra miles of peace of mind. The move covers popular models including the Seltos, Sonet, Syros, and Carens, for both new buyers and loyal customers who already enjoy a five-year plan.

    Existing owners can upgrade from a five-year warranty to a 5 plus 2-year plan starting at Rs 32,170, while new customers can secure the full seven-year coverage from Rs 47,249. The extended programme is available at any authorised Kia dealership across the country.

    “At Kia India, we are committed to making ownership truly worry-free,” said Kia senior VP, sales & marketing Atul Sood. “By extending our warranty, we are showing confidence in the durability of our vehicles while ensuring our customers have continued support through our service network.”

    Kia has consistently focused on enhancing the ownership experience through tailored programmes that reduce maintenance costs and boost resale value. The brand has rolled out nine vehicles in India to date and boasts a network of 744 touchpoints across 329 cities.

    Since opening its Anantapur plant in 2019, Kia India has dispatched over 1.5 million vehicles, including more than 1.2 million domestically, cementing its position as a leader in connected car technology with over 4.7 lakh connected vehicles on the road.

    With this seven-year warranty, Kia is making it clear: owning a car should be more about the journey and less about the worry.

  • Kia India announces new CSO and CBO

    Kia India announces new CSO and CBO

    MUMBAI: Kia India, the premium automobile manufacturer, has announced a major leadership reshuffle with the appointment of Sunhack Park as chief sales officer (CSO) and Joonsu Cho as chief business officer.

    In his new role, Park will spearhead Kia India’s sales strategy, focusing on sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and market expansion. With over 28 years of global automotive experience, he has previously held senior positions at Kia headquarters in South Korea, as well as in the Middle East & Africa and India.

    As chief business officer, Cho will lead business strategy, production planning, export logistics, and strategic partnerships, driving operational excellence across divisions. Cho brings with him more than 32 years of leadership experience across Australia, the UK, and Europe.

    Expressing his excitement, Park said in a statement, “I am privileged to take on the role of chief sales officer. This is an exciting phase for the brand as we continue to expand in a dynamic market. My focus will be on driving sales growth, optimising efficiency, and strengthening our dealer network.”

    Echoing the sentiment, Cho added, “I am honoured to assume the role of chief business officer. Kia India has made remarkable progress, and my goal is to develop strategies that sustain growth and operational excellence.”

    With these leadership changes, Kia India reaffirms its commitment to innovation, efficiency, and long-term growth in the Indian automotive market.

  • Kia shifts into top gear with Atul Sood as new sales and marketing head

    Kia shifts into top gear with Atul Sood as new sales and marketing head

    MUMBAI: From driving growth at Toyota to taking the wheel at Kia, Atul Sood is all set for his next ride. Kia India has hit the accelerator on its leadership transformation, appointing Atul Sood as senior vice president of sales & marketing, effective 11 July 2025. A veteran of the Indian auto sector, Sood will lead Kia’s pan-India sales operations and marketing strategy, reporting directly to chief sales officer Joonsu Cho.

    Bringing with him nearly 30 years of industry experience, Sood was most recently president and director at Toyota Mobility Solutions and Services India (TMSS), where he played a key role in steering innovation and business expansion. His previous stints at Toyota Kirloskar Motors and Toyota Motor Asia Pacific further cement his reputation as a strategic leader with a deep understanding of both market dynamics and customer needs.

    Kia India’s MD & CEO Gwanggu Lee welcomed the appointment saying, “Atul’s proven track record in customer-first innovation and dealer network development makes him the ideal candidate to guide Kia through its next growth chapter. We’re confident his leadership will further our brand promise and strengthen our foothold in India’s mass-premium segment.”

    An engineer from Thapar Institute and a PGDM holder from SCMHRD Pune, Sood brings a rare mix of operational rigour and marketing flair. His leadership comes at a time when Kia India is looking to expand its market share, grow its product footprint, and deepen customer relationships across metros and emerging markets alike.

    Speaking on his new role, Sood said, “Joining Kia at such a pivotal moment in its India journey is truly exciting. The brand’s commitment to innovation, design, and customer delight aligns perfectly with my own values. I look forward to building on its strong foundation and driving sustainable growth across the country.”

    With this appointment, Kia India signals its intent to keep up the momentum in one of the world’s fastest-evolving auto markets and if Sood’s track record is any indication, the ride ahead is going to be anything but ordinary.
     

  • Battle royale gets a cash boost as BMPS 2025 ups prize pool to Rs 4 crore

    Battle royale gets a cash boost as BMPS 2025 ups prize pool to Rs 4 crore

    MUMBAI: Drop in, level up and cash out Krofton India has gone all in with Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series (BMPS) 2025, announcing a blockbuster Rs 4 crore prize pool, the highest in the tournament’s history. The mega bump in winnings signals a big moment for Indian Esports, putting the spotlight firmly on mobile gaming’s rise from hobby to headline act.

    The top 16 BGMI teams have locked in their slots for the Grand Finals, set to light up New Delhi’s Yashobhoomi Convention Centre from July 4 to 6. With the crowd roaring and the stakes sky-high, fans can expect three days of edge-of-the-seat action, tactical brilliance and adrenaline-fuelled eliminations.

    The elite contenders include heavyweights like iqoo 8Bit (led by Saumraj), Oneplus Gods Reign (featuring Destro), and rising stars like 2oP Official, TWOB and Team Eggy. All 16 teams have battled their way through a gruelling qualifying gauntlet, showing off the kind of skill that’s fuelling the BGMI frenzy across India.

    The Final 16 Squads:

    ●    Nonx eSports

    ●    Aryan x TMG Gaming

    ●    Genesis Esports

    ●    Los Hermanos

    ●    Team Eggy

    ●    Team Forever

    ●    TWOB

    ●    Oneplus K9 Esports

    ●    Gods Omen

    ●    Oneplus Gods Reign

    ●    iqoo 8Bit

    ●    Team Insane Esports

    ●    Rising Inferno Esports

    ●    4TR Official

    ●    4Merical Esports

    ●    2oP Official

    “The Rs 4 crore prize pool is not just a number, it’s a message,” said Krofton India associate director of esports Karan Pathak. “It tells every aspiring gamer that this is a career path with passion, prizes and potential. The BMPS Grand Finals will be a celebration of everything Indian Esports has grown into and where it’s going next.”

    Even if you’re not on the Yashobhoomi stage, you can still win big. 1 Until July , players can rack up Discovery Island (DI) points in Classic Mode for exclusive BGMI Esports outfits and up to 50 in-game rewards. Hit 3000 Exploration Points and unlock all six DI rewards because who says the audience can’t be in the game too?

    With a record prize pool, premium venue, fan-first features and big-brand partnerships, BMPS 2025 isn’t just the grand finale, it’s a new beginning for Indian mobile Esports. And as the top 16 prepare to drop in, the rest of India is getting ready to watch history being made one clutch play at a time.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Havas Media India shakes up leadership ranks with bold new moves

    Havas Media India shakes up leadership ranks with bold new moves

    MUMBAI: Havas Media India is mixing things up at the top, elevating a clutch of seasoned insiders in a bid to fuel its growth spurt and flex its media muscle.

    Ramsai Panchapakesan, a media maven with 28 years under his belt, has been bumped up to president – investments & partnerships. Since joining the agency in July 2024, Ramsai has been steering the ship on integrated investment strategy and scaling up client alliances across the board.

    Meanwhile, managing partner – investments & buying is now the new badge for Binu Thomas. A Havas veteran of nearly two decades, Binu’s got a sharp nose for investment strategy and a track record of wrangling performance-driven outcomes across sectors.

    Also stepping into the limelight is Manish Sharma, who takes over as president – Arena India, the specialised arm under Havas Media Network India. Over the past nine years, Manish has built a reputation for crafting content-first client engagement strategies, driving growth for big-ticket names like Kia, Bumble, Realme, Zupee, and Kajaria Tiles.

    Commenting on the development, Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi said, “Ramsai, Binu, and Manish have been instrumental in driving our investment and business strategy, unlocking consistent growth for our clients and the network. Their expertise, leadership, and commitment to innovation continue to shape the success story of Havas Media. I am confident that in their new roles, they will further accelerate our progress and deepen our market leadership.”

    Havas Media India COO Uday Mohan added, “These well-deserved elevations reflect the strength and depth of our leadership team. Ramsai and Binu have been the backbone of our investment function, while Manish has led Arena India with great vision and execution. Their contributions embody the Havas ethos of Meaningful Media, and I look forward to collaborating closely with them as we steer the next phase of growth.”

    The elevations are in line with Havas Media’s continued focus on empowering internal talent and scaling leadership across core and emerging verticals.

  • Kia expands AI voice Assistant to Europe with smarter in-car experience

    Kia expands AI voice Assistant to Europe with smarter in-car experience

    MUMBAI: Kia is now bringing its generative AI-powered voice recognition system, AI Assistant, to European customers via an Over-the-Air (OTA) update.

    The cutting-edge system transforms how drivers interact with their vehicles, enabling smooth, natural conversations and offering intuitive responses based on context and intent. From casual questions to detailed feature guides, Kia’s AI Assistant brings a new level of intelligence and personalisation to the driving experience.

    Designed to go far beyond traditional voice control, the AI Assistant understands follow-up queries, provides thoughtful suggestions, and evolves continuously with OTA updates. These enhancements ensure users always have access to the latest features and improvements without needing to visit a dealership.

    Users can activate the AI Assistant by pressing the voice recognition button on the steering wheel or simply saying, ‘Hey Kia.’ Once active, the system can answer open-ended questions, offer local recommendations, and even assist with travel or cultural tips.

    For example, users might ask,

    – ‘I am going camping tomorrow, what items should I take?’

    – ‘What are the advantages of an EV compared with an ICE car?’

    – ‘I am going to meet a Spanish friend tomorrow are there any important table manners or customs I should be aware of?’

    More than just an infotainment upgrade, the AI Assistant also boosts driving convenience. If a driver encounters traffic, they might say, ‘Hey Kia, let me know about any driving assistance systems that can make driving easier in heavy traffic.’ In response, the Assistant might suggest Highway Driving Assist and explain how to activate and use it.

    Kia has already integrated the AI Assistant into the Kia K4 (U.S.) and Kia EV3 (Korea), and now it’s standard on European-spec EV3 models built from March 2025. Earlier vehicles will receive the update via OTA rollout. Future models featuring Kia’s connected car Navigation Cockpit system will also benefit from the AI Assistant.

    “This technology could, for example, enable users to ask for the location of restaurants selling specific foods,” Kia noted. “The possibilities are endless.”

    As the AI evolves and drivers grow more accustomed to its capabilities, Kia’s AI Assistant aims to redefine the connection between humans and their cars one conversation at a time.

  • Mahindra races past Hyundai as India’s no two carmaker in February 2025

    Mahindra races past Hyundai as India’s no two carmaker in February 2025

    MUMBAI: India’s automobile sector witnessed a power shift in February 2025, as Mahindra outsold Hyundai to claim the second-largest carmaker spot in the country. With 50,420 domestic sales, Mahindra registered a robust 19 per cent YoY growth in the passenger vehicle segment, while Hyundai’s domestic sales dropped by 4.3 per cent YoY to 47,727 units, securing its third-place position.

    Mahindra’s total sales, including exports, reached 52,386 units, riding high on India’s SUV boom. On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, the company registered 20 per cent growth, selling 5,03,439 units in FY25, compared to 4,10,246 units in FY24.

    Mahindra’s export performance was particularly impressive, nearly doubling YoY, with 3,061 units shipped in February 2025, marking a 99 per cent surge from 1,539 units last year.

    Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) recorded total sales of 58,727 units, including 47,727 domestic sales and a strong export performance of 11,000 units registering 6.8 per cent YoY growth. However, the domestic market decline from 50,201 units in February 2024 signalled a 4.3 per cent drop.

    Market leader Maruti Suzuki maintained its top position, selling 1,60,791 passenger vehicles, reflecting a marginal 0.32 per cent YoY growth. The company’s exports, however, dipped by 13.5 per cent, with 25,021 units shipped compared to 28,927 units in February 2024.

    Tata Motors saw a 9.43 per cent YoY decline in February, selling 46,435 passenger vehicles, down from 51,267 units in 2024. The company’s EV sales were particularly affected, registering a 22.82 per cent drop, with 5,343 units sold, compared to 6,923 in the previous year.

    Toyota Kirloskar Motor maintained its stronghold in the Indian automotive market, recording an impressive 13 per cent YoY growth in February 2025. The company sold 28,414 units, a significant jump from 25,220 units in February 2024. Of these, 26,414 units were dispatched to domestic dealers, while 2,000 units were shipped to international markets. With this steady growth, Toyota continues to strengthen its position, riding high on demand for its premium and reliable offerings in India and beyond.  

    Kia continued its upward trajectory, selling 25,026 vehicles in February 2025, marking an impressive 23.89 per cent YoY growth from 20,200 units in February 2024. Kia kept the momentum going in February 2025, clocking an impressive 25,026 unit sales, a 23.89 per cent YoY surge from 20,200 units in the same month last year. Leading the charge was the ever-popular Sonet, roaring ahead with 7,598 units, followed by the stylish and powerful Seltos at 6,446 units. The all-new Syros made a strong debut, securing 5,425 units, while the Carens, a favourite among families, registered 5,318 units. Meanwhile, the premium Carnival added an exclusive touch to Kia’s lineup with 239 units sold. With this stellar performance, Kia continues to solidify its place in India’s ever-evolving automobile landscape.

    Mahindra’s rise highlights India’s growing preference for SUVs, while Hyundai’s dip suggests an evolving competitive landscape. Tata Motors faces challenges in the EV space, while Kia continues to gain traction. As the race heats up, all eyes are on how carmakers respond to shifting market trends.

     

  • FILA 2025 honours leaders, sparks dialogue on India’s business future

    FILA 2025 honours leaders, sparks dialogue on India’s business future

    MUMBAI: Leadership, vision, and resilience take centre stage as Forbes India Leadership Awards (FILA) 2025 gears up for its grand 14th edition on 28 February 2025. With a power-packed lineup of industry trailblazers, economic thinkers, and visionary entrepreneurs, the event promises insights, inspiration, and accolades for those shaping India’s business landscape.

    The journey to this prestigious evening began in December 2024, when a distinguished jury—chaired by Marico’s founder and chairman Harsh Mariwala—began the task of identifying the best in leadership, innovation, and impact. The panel featured financial and business heavyweights such as Federal Bank MD & CEO KVS Manian, Bain Capital’s India chairman Amit Chandra, and Boat Lifestyle’s chairman Vivek Gambhir, among others.

    This year’s FILA 2025 will not only honour leaders but also spark dynamic discussions on India’s evolving business landscape. Key highlights include a panel discussion on India’s Growth Story in a Volatile Environment, featuring KVS Manian, Rajesh Jejurikar, and Madan Sabnavis, exploring economic resilience and future opportunities. Tata Power CEO Praveer Sinha will take the stage for a fireside chat on India’s energy transition, shedding light on the sector’s transformation.

    Adding a touch of glamour and business acumen, movie actor and entrepreneur Katrina Kaif will share insights on ‘Going Beyond Endorsements—Building Your Brand,’ offering a glimpse into her journey from actor to business leader.  

    Supported by partners including Federal Bank, Kia, Rajasthan Tourism, and Reliance Industries, FILA 2025 is set to honour leaders who not only drive business success but also shape India’s future.

  • Bobby Deol drives the Seltos in Kia’s ‘Tech is now Badass’ TVC

    Bobby Deol drives the Seltos in Kia’s ‘Tech is now Badass’ TVC

    Mumbai: Kia, a premium carmaker, has rolled out a new TVC, ‘Tech is now Badass’, featuring Bollywood star Bobby Deol for the New Seltos powered with Kia Connect. In the TVC, Bobby can be seen driving the Seltos X-Line, testing its limits on city roads. The TVC highlights Kia Connect’s advanced technology and seamless connectivity as Bobby utilizes its features to help him navigate and adjust the AC temperature.

    The TVC personifies the word ‘Badass,’ with Seltos and Bobby presenting bold, non-apologetic, unconventional, and innovative characteristics, complementing each other’s ‘BADASS’ imagery.

  • TAM report: Kia Seltos entered the top 10 list of brands in Jul-Sept’23

    TAM report: Kia Seltos entered the top 10 list of brands in Jul-Sept’23

    Mumbai: TAM AdEx India has released a quarterly advertising report on print for Jul-Sept’23.

    Print advertising experienced a six per cent increase in ad space from Jan-Mar’23 to Apr-Jun’23. However, from Jul-Sept’23, there was a two per cent decline in ad space compared to Jan-Mar’23. Additionally, during Jul-Sept’23, there was an 11 per cent reduction in ad space compared to the same period in 2022 for print advertising.

    The services sector claimed the top spot, capturing a 16 per cent share of ad space in Jul-Sept’23, surpassing its position in Apr-Jun’23. Computers emerged as the sole newcomer in the top 10 sectors, securing a two per cent share of ad space in Jul-Sept’23 compared to the previous quarter. Together, the top 10 sectors added 82 per cent share of ad space in Jul-Sept’23.

    During Jul-Sept’23, coaching/competitive exam centre descended to ninth position with a three per cent share of ad space compared to its first position in Apr-Jun’23. Whereas, in Jul-Sept’23, public issues ascended to fourth position with five per cent share of ad space compared to its tenth position in Apr-Jun’23. Additionally, the top 10 categories collectively added 44 per cent share of ad space in Jul-Sept’23.

    Maruti Suzuki India was the leading advertiser during Jan-Mar’23 and Apr-Jun’23. During Jul-Sept’23, the top 10 advertisers together covered 13 per cent share of ad space. SBS Biotech ascended to first position in Jul-Sept’23 compared to its second position in Apr-Jun’23. 38k plus exclusive advertisers were present in Jul-Sept’23 compared to Apr-Jun’23.

    Kia Seltos entered the top 10 list of brands in Jul-Sept’23 and secured first position compared to its 78th position in Apr-Jun’23. 47k+ Exclusive Brands were present during Jul-Sept’23 compared to Apr-Jun’23. Patanjali Divya OTC Products was an exclusive brand in Jul-Sept’23 compared to Apr-Jun’23. Also, the top 10 brands covered six per cent share of ad space in Jul-Sept’23.

    Public issues among categories witnessed highest increase in ad seconds with twofold growth followed by cars with 29 per cent growth during Jul-Sept’23 compared to Apr-Jun’23. In terms of growth percentage, the corporate-IT category witnessed the highest growth percentage among the top 10 i.e. four times in Jul-Sept’23.

    Sales promotion advertising covered 29 per cent share of ad space in Print during Jul-Sept’23. Among sales promotions, multiple promotion secured first position with 52 per cent share of ad space followed by discount

    promotion with 34 per cent share. The top two promotions covered 86 per cent share of ad space during Jul-Sept’23.