Kia’s new models launched at Mauritius market

13 years, 10 months ago - 13 January 2011

The new Kia Soul. The price starts at Rs 950,000

The new Kia Soul and the two-door Kia Cerato Koup are officially presented on the local market since January 12. The cars’ price starts at Rs 950,000 and Rs 962,000 correspondingly.

Authorised dealer of Kia, United Motors Ltd, in partnership with Leal & Co Ltd, wants to reposition the brand in Mauritius.

This year seems prospective for the Korean automakers who have presented a total of seven different new car models on the market.

New models are: Kia Cerato five-door hatchback, Carens, Optima, Picanto, Rio, Sportage and Sorento. These new makes will be released on Mauritius market throughout the year Eric Leal, chief executive officer Leal & Co Ltd, said that the appreciation of the Japanese yen has positive impact for the Korean manufacturers who offers the same cars quality at competitive prices. “The yen has been steadily gaining power in recent times and this has led to an increase in the price of Japanese vehicles,” he thought.

“With this in mind, we made the acquisition of Kia Motors, enabling our customers to find a nice car at a reasonable price. Comfort, safety and service are also included,” he added.

For Leal, the aim behind the acquisition of Kia Motors is also to reposition the official dealer of the brand among the top five car dealers.

“We have achieved a great feat by selling 380 vehicles of the Great Wall Motors (GWM) brand in 2010. We are now expecting a brilliant performance from Kia Automotive Group,” he assumed.

Commenting on the impact of the economic crisis on car sales in 2010, Leal explained that the market was doing well with the emergence of new clients, including expatriate professionals, businessmen and returning residents.

“The year 2010 was marked by a record sale of 305 BMWs in Mauritius,” he added. Sapan Etwaroo, general sales manager of Kia Motors, talked about the increasing popularity of the Kia group on the international market, positioning itself at the end of 2010 as the fourth most powerful vehicle manufacturer.