Kia PH plans to sell 6,000 units this year, to launch 2 new models

Kia Philippines said during the online launch of the all-new Carnival that it is eyeing to sell 6,000 units this 2022. To do just that, Kia is committed to delivering a stress-free ownership experience through parts availability, and top-notch aftersales service.

All-new 2022 Kia Carnival is now available in the Philippines

Aside from those points, Kia PH president Manny Aligada revealed that the car brand is looking to introduce two new models that will help achieve its 6,000 annual unit sales target. While those new models have yet to be named by Kia PH, Aligada said that it is expected to be launched in the market sometime in the third (Q3) or fourth (Q4) quarter of the year.

Back in 2021, Philkotse.com sat down with Kia PH’s boss during the Stonic media drive to Nasugbu, Batangas as to what the car brand has in store for the future. Aligada didn’t divulge any information during that time but somewhat hinted at the possibility of bringing in an SUV, and a large minivan since these types of vehicles have a demand in the local market. True enough, those two hinted vehicles are already in the Philippines in the form of the all-new Sorento, and all-new Carnival. 

For this year though, Kia PH is tight-lipped as to what two models it plans to launch later in the year. But, a quick look at Kia’s current global models could give us an idea of what those two upcoming vehicles are. 

All-new Kia Sportage

The local market might be ready for the all-new Kia Sportage that debuted globally last June 2021. Now on its fifth generation, Kia’s five-seater compact crossover has been drastically revamped inside and out. 

The current Sportage offered in the local market comes with notable features but it has an Achilles heel, which is its price tag that’s already within the range of midsize SUVs. However, that may not be an issue moving forward once the Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement (PKFTA) becomes official. The said agreement is seen to slash off vehicle tax, a window of opportunity that can allow Kia PH to price the all-new Sportage more competitively. The PKFTA is said to be signed before the end of February 2022. 

Could the updated Picanto be among the new Kia models this year?

Another possible vehicle that Kia PH could introduce this year is the updated Picanto (marketed as Morning in South Korea). The current Picanto offered in the local market is in dire need of an update to make it one of the contenders in the subcompact hatchback segment. Globally unveiled last 2020, the new Picanto has a restyled exterior along with upgraded tech and safety features that can challenge segment rivals such as the Toyota Wigo, and the Honda Brio. 

Last year, Kia PH managed to sell 3,748 units with the Stonic leading the company’s 76 percent sales growth. The Stonic subcompact crossover posted 1,400 units sold, claiming the best-selling Kia in the Philippines last 2021. It is followed by the Soluto sedan with 787 units sold, and the K2500 commercial vehicle with 662 units. 

Kia PH president Manny Aligada and the K2500

Kia PH said that it still leans on its top three best-selling models from 2021 to hit its sales target this year. The car brand is also optimistic that the recently launched all-new Sorento and Carnival as well as the upcoming two new unnamed models will help further in hitting its targeted 6,000 unit sales this 2022.  

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