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Kia to Produce Cars in Nigeria By Sept
[July 22, 2014]

Kia to Produce Cars in Nigeria By Sept


(AllAfrica Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Kia Motors has announced that it will commence production of selected models in Nigeria by September this year. The Korean auto makers by this move, joins the likes of Nissan and others who took advantage of the Federal Government's auto policy to set up assembly plants in the country.



The automaker's Africa & Middle East Manager, Mr. Homer Kim disclosed this during media chat at a ceremony to inaugurate Kia ultramodern showroom in Lagos.

KIA's decision to establish a local plant in Nigeria followed Federal Government's proclamation of a modified National Automotive Policy that seeks to revolutionise Nigeria automotive industry and steadily discourage importation of fully built-up vehicles.


KIA Motors Corporation had in February inked a treaty with Dana Motors Limited, local KIA representatives to restructure existing short-term obligation to align with long-term investment in assets development - a scenario that culminated in the provision of technical knowhow and setting up machinery for the local plant.

Mr. Kim said the plant would immediately begin to assemble select KIA models including A, B &C - segment Rio, Cerato and Optima because of the huge KIA model line-up and by mid 2015 commence full scale production of the entire KIA range.

"We will immediately begin to assemble few models including KIA Rio, Cerato and Optima because of the huge model line-up of KIA and by mid 2015, all things being equal the entire KIA range will be made locally. This in essence implies that, not a single KIA model will be imported into Nigeria from Korea." Also speaking at the occasion, Dana Motors Limited Managing Director, Mr. Jacky Hathiramani said the dealership is proud to be associated with the Korean automaker and seeks to replicate KIA outstanding qualities in Nigeria.

Dana Motors was appointed KIA representatives in 2002 and within a relatively short time, positioned the brand as one of Nigeria's foremost automobile brands and best selling passenger car.

Mr. Hathiramani reiterated the company's commitment to the success of the investment, adding that "we will continue to introduce convincing marketing communications techniques that will help raise KIA's profile and brand identity, while also creating positive perceptions for KIA products through high-profile sponsorship deals." This strategy is aimed to change the perception of customers to view KIA not only as an automobile but a manufacturer of cars of great quality and design, Dana Motors CEO assured.

He commended KIA's resilience and candour from a mere bicycles and motorcycles manufacturer 50 years ago to a world-class manufacturer of cars in rapid succession that resulted in broad range of models available in the global market.

"Today, KIA Motors Corporation has become a genuine global force in the automotive world and its brand slogan - 'The Power to Surprise' represents the company's global commitment to surpassing customers' expectations through continuous automotive innovation," said Mr. Hathiramani.

Copyright Vanguard. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).

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