Kia races ahead as the fastest carmaker in India to hit the 1.5 million production milestone!

Kia India has achieved a major production milestone by rolling out its 1.5 millionth vehicle from the Anantapur manufacturing plant in Andhra Pradesh. The milestone model, a Kia Carens, highlights the brand’s growing popularity and rapid rise in the Indian automotive market since operations began in August 2019.

Fastest Carmaker to Hit 1.5 Million Production Mark

Kia has become India’s fastest and youngest carmaker to cross the 1.5 million production mark. All units were manufactured at the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Anantapur, which also serves as a key export hub for over 90 countries.

Breaking down the production numbers, the Seltos leads the tally with 700,668 units (46.7%), followed by the Sonet with 519,064 units (34.6%), and the Carens with 241,582 units (16.1%). The Syros, Kia’s newest compact SUV, contributed 23,036 units (1.5%), while the Carnival added 16,172 units (1.1%).

Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director and CEO, Kia India, said,

“Rolling out our 1.5 millionth ‘Make in India’ vehicle is a proud and emotional moment for Kia India and every partner who has been a part of this journey. From the very first Seltos to the 1.5 millionth Carens today, each car stands as a testament to the trust, love, and support of our customers and partners. We are deeply grateful for this association and look forward to continuing our pursuit of automotive excellence. The future of Kia India looks bright as we remain steadfast in driving innovation, offering industry-leading products, and shaping the mobility landscape in India.”

New Kia Carens Set for Launch on May 8

To mark this achievement, Kia India has announced that the updated Carens will be unveiled on May 8, 2025. While the current Carens will continue to be available, the new model will appeal to buyers looking for a more premium and tech-savvy experience.

Spy images suggest a more SUV-inspired stance with design changes including a revised front fascia, sharper LED lighting elements, new bumpers, and a fresh set of alloy wheels. The rear will also feature updated lighting and bumper styling.

On the inside, the Carens is expected to get major upgrades like Level-2 ADAS, a 360-degree parking camera, a fully digital instrument cluster, ventilated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, new upholstery options, and minor changes to the dashboard and center console layout. These updates aim to elevate comfort, safety, and convenience in the competitive MPV segment.

The Carens, first launched in 2022, was initially met with skepticism, but it has now crossed over 2 lakh units in sales—proving its popularity among Indian families seeking a feature-packed MPV.

Kia’s Growth Strategy in India

Since its debut with the Seltos, Kia has aggressively expanded its portfolio, which now includes the Sonet, Carnival, Carens, and the recently introduced Syros compact SUV. The brand’s focus on stylish design, modern features, and a strong after-sales network has helped it quickly establish a loyal customer base in India.

With the new Carens on the horizon and a strong production footprint, Kia is well-positioned to further strengthen its presence in the Indian market.