Naza Kia plans to double sales volume with new Kia models

KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Group, through Naza Kia Sdn Bhd, plans to introduce four new Kia models in 2010 and expects to double its sales volume to 26,000 units.

Group executive chairman SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin said the new models would be replacements of the Sportage and Sorento multi-purpose vehicles, the all-new Kia Soul and a Forte coupe model.

“Next year will be an active year where we will launch various new models in different segments,” he said after the launch of the new Kia Forte yesterday.

Models pose with the new Kia Forte at the launch Wednesday.

He said plans were in the pipeline to export the Forte to regional markets such as Thailand, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia.

“We need to discuss with the principal as we may have to address the supply constraint for the local market first,” he said. The Forte is manufactured at Naza’s Gurun plant in Kedah. Nasarudin said 23% of the group’s 2010 sales would come from the Forte, which represents the brand new design DNA of present and future Kia cars.

“We are optimistic of achieving 6,000-unit sales of the Forte in 2010, taking 11% of the non-national B and C segments,” he said, adding that so far some 300 bookings had been received for the model.

He said he was confident of achieving this target as the Forte was the only product in this segment which offered extensive features, normally found in premium cars, at attractive pricing.

The B segment refers to sedans such as Toyota Vios and Honda City, while the C segment includes Honda Civic, Nissan Sylphy and Mitsubishi Lancer.

“We have had much success with the C segment in particular, having sold close to 34,000 units of the Spectra since 2001. The C segment is among the strongest segments in the automotive industry and we believe the Forte will position itself as a major player in this segment,” Nasarudin added.

The Forte comes in three variants with two engine options – the 1.6-litre EX, 1.6-litre SX and the flagship 2.0 Forte. The 1.6-litre EX is priced at RM75,800, the 1.6-litre SX costs RM81,800 and the 2.0 Forte is sold at RM93,800.