KIA Motors is to strengthen its presence in Sri Lanka with a distributor dealership model following the recent corporate structure change which saw Managing Director Mahen Thambiah securing 100 per cent ownership with a total investment of Rs. 1.02 billion.
The seamless transition has been achieved with no reduction in employee numbers or changes of key personnel and will enable KIA to introduce new vehicle models that are competitive in the current market dynamics, while enhancing after-sales service levels for KIA owners, Thambiah said.
With its Rs. 800 million Logistics Centre in Malabe as the hub for a network of owned subsidiaries and franchised satellite sales, service and spare parts outlets, the new operational structure is designed to drive a new phase of growth for KIA.
The recently opened state-of-the-art Logistics Centre offers KIA customers all their vehicle-related needs at a single location and is KIA’s largest facility in Sri Lanka. The complex on 3.4 acres of land is purpose-designed for the full gamut of service needs, mechanical and collision repairs, spare parts and mechanic training, and also has a spacious showroom, on the New Kandy Road at Malabe.
“Our decision to spend Rs. 800 million on service, repair and after sales infrastructure at a time when the local market is faced with numerous challenges is a reflection of our commitment to KIA vehicle owners in Sri Lanka and to the KIA brand,” Thambiah said. Kia Motors (Lanka)’s subsidiary ‘Autopoint Limited’ has made a Rs 150 million investment in a facility at Kurunegala.
The next phase of expansion, supported by the arrival of new KIA models would provide opportunities for more franchises to be opened in different parts of the country, Thambiah said.