Kia Philippines announced its targets for 2021 as well as its plans to attain the required numbers for 2021. This was done during a virtual round table discussion with members of the motoring media. According to Kia Philippines president Manny Aligada, the company is eyeing a 3-digit growth and to at least double its current market share.
To back their predictions, Kia executives laid out their plans for the year.
New models
Aligada confirmed that Kia is introducing two new models to its current lineup, as well as the possible addition of two more aspirational nameplates within the year. While he would not name the exact models they were bringing in, Aligada said that the models would bolster their best sellers for 2020 — the Soluto subcompact sedan, the K2500 business and utility truck, and the recently launched Stonic crossover.
The Soluto proved to be the Korean brand’s top seller, contributing 39 percent of the company’s total sales. This was followed by the K2500 with 17 percent, and the Stonic, despite only being launched in the last quarter of the year, was responsible for 16 percent.
Expansion
While 2020 was bad for businesses everywhere, Kia Philippines actually closed the year with 10 more dealerships – 8 full-service (3S) dealerships and two sales outlets – added to its network. Five more openings and appointments are in the works for 2021, with two to be located in Metro Manila, two in Luzon, and one in Mindanao. This will bring Kia’s dealer network to 45 locations by year-end.
New logo and positioning
In line with the global brand’s focus on creating an emotional bond with its customers, Kia in the Philippines will showcase its roster through a series of activities, beginning with the “My Year, My Kia” program. Come mid-year, Kia’s new branding will finally launch in the Asia-Pacific region, and with the brand refresh will come the shift of positioning from “value-for-money” to just simply “valuable”—forging an enduring connection with customers.
Improved after-sales service
To further strengthen brand relationships, Kia Philippines has committed to the following: Improved parts availability using reliable partners for direct delivery, wherein parts would be available at the dealer within seven days; enhanced service quality and lead time with real-time technical support using a remote diagnosis system, and; lower cost of ownership. These are on top of the Promise to Care program, in which customers are assured of a worry-free experience with the five-year warranty or 160,000 kilometers, whichever comes first (the K2500 comes with a three-year or 110,000 km-warranty), and the 24/7 Roadside Assistance that’s free for the first five years.
For more information about Kia in the Philippines, visit www.kia.com/ph or AC Motors’ unified virtual showroom at www.acmotors.com.ph/.