KIA Motors (Lanka) Ltd is planning to invest Rs 1 billion over the next three years to expand service infrastructure in Sri Lanka, following phenomenal sales and the growing demand and popularity of its vehicles, company officials said.
Three more service stations will be set within the Colombo metropolitan region in addition to their current service station at Union Place in the heart of Colombo.
Their second service station is now being built at Battaramulla, Pelawatta at a cost of Rs.250 million. The facility will be opened by June 2012, Mahen Thambiah, Managing Director of KIA Motors (Lanka) Limited said.
Referring to sales of KIA sport utility vehicles (SUVs), he disclosed that ‘Sorento’ and ‘Sportage’ exceeded 1,500 units in the first six months of this year making the design-driven Korean brand one of the most popular in the new vehicle segment.
There was great demand for all models including the 2011 KIA Optima luxury sedan previewed in Colombo in May. Two new models, the new Rio mid-sized hatchback and the five-door compact Picanto, are eagerly awaited by a fast-expanding KIA fan base, Mr Thambiah said.
He disclosed that KIA Motors had options on several new sites for service facilities to support the increased flow of KIA vehicles in to the country. With work on the second facility already commenced, the expansion plan would be in two stages and represents a significant value addition for KIA customers in Sri Lanka.
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