'Kia India doesn't rely on hybrid incentives'

Bets on agility amid regulatory shifts, plans two mass market EVs in 2025

- Alisha Sachdev

Kia India, known for its sharp focus on sport utility vehicles (SUVs), is treading with flexibility in the dynamic Indian passenger vehicle market, where regulatory uncertainty and shifting consumer trends leave automakers scrambling for direction. Gwanggu Lee, managing director and CEO of Kia India, emphasized the importance of agility over rigid strategies, pointing out that committing to a single course could be perilous.

"In India, it's very dangerous if we just stick to one direction because it's such a dynamic country," said Lee in an interview. "The policy environment here is constantly changing, and OEMs need to adapt swiftly to new developments."

Kia, having access to a broad range of technologies, is hedging its bets on multiple fronts, from electric vehicles (EVs) to hybrids and even compressed natural gas (CNG) models. However, Lee is wary of regulatory unpredictability, which complicates long-term investment strategies.