KUALA LUMPUR: Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a joint-venture between Kia Corp and Bermaz Auto Bhd (BAuto), has rolled out its first locally-assembled Kia model - the Kia Carnival.
Assembled at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah, the Carnival which is available in configurations of seven- or eight- seater, is expected to launched soon.
The spacious vehicle is powered by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine with 199hp and 440Nm of torque matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Carnival comes with a long list of stylish and high-tech features to deliver a premium class mobility experience for the driver and passengers.
Among the features are front and rear heated and ventilated seats, Premium Relaxion seats in the second row that can be fully reclined, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, one-touch smart power sliding doors and smart power tailgate.
Kia Asia Pacific president and chief executive officer Ted Lee said the roll-out of the Carnival in CKD form was an important milestone in the marque’s renaissance in Malaysia.
“We are delighted to welcome the first Kia model produced here at Inokom for the Malaysian and Asean markets.
“The Carnival marks a new beginning for the Kia brand and showcases all the hallmarks of our products, superior design, smart technology and an impressive driving experience,” Lee said.
Dinamikjaya Motors managing director Datuk Wong Kin Foo said the response of consumers towards the fully imported Carnival 11-seater variant launched in January had been very encouraging.
“We are confident that the consumers will be equally enthusiastic about the CKD Kia Carnival. We believe these CKD variations will serve the differing needs and expectations of those in the market for a modern and luxurious multi-purpose vehicle,” he said.
Dinamikjaya Motors, a unit of BAuto, is the distributor of both CKD and CBU Kia vehicles in Malaysia.
Kia Malaysia believes that this joint-venture plan will boost the price competitiveness and supply of the Kia Carnival due to the significant demand for vehicles in Malaysia and export markets.
The company will continue to pursue its plan to be the hub that serves the targeted export markets with various CKD models introductions.
Its plans to export are firmly on track and will make the maiden shipment soon.
