Kia India is revving its engines in the connected car segment, surpassing a milestone of 4 lakh connected car sales! This translates to a whopping 44% of their total domestic sales, showcasing a strong customer preference for tech-savvy vehicles. Kia’s connected car sales are growing at an impressive 30.9% CAGR, significantly outpacing the projected global growth rate of 18% by 2032.
Kia’s Connected Car Game: Made in India, Packed with Tech
Kia currently manufactures three popular models in India – the stylish Seltos, the feature-rich Sonet, and the versatile Carens. However, connected car features are not standard across the board and are offered in select variants of each model.
Myung-sik Sohn, Chief Sales and Business Officer for Kia India, emphasizes the brand’s focus on design and technology, stating, “We’ve differentiated ourselves in the market by offering vehicles that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also packed with cutting-edge technology.”
He further elaborates, “In today’s digital age, customers are increasingly seeking cars that seamlessly integrate with their lifestyles. This is why the demand for tech-equipped vehicles is witnessing a phenomenal rise.”
Kia Seltos: The Connected Car King
Among Kia’s connected car offerings, the Seltos reigns supreme, capturing a massive 65% share of sales. This dominance reflects a clear shift in customer preferences, with a staggering 57% of all Seltos sold being equipped with connected car features.
Following the Connected Trend: Carens and Sonet
The Kia Carens follows a similar trend, with 31% of customers opting for variants boasting connected car technology. While the Sonet currently offers telematics features in only seven variants, these models still contribute a noteworthy 21% to the total Sonet sales.
Features that Set Kia Connected Cars Apart
So, what features are driving this surge in popularity for Kia connected cars? Here are some of the most sought-after functionalities:
- Hinglish Voice Commands: Kia caters to the Indian market with voice commands that understand Hinglish, a blend of Hindi and English, making interaction with the car’s features a breeze.
- Remote Window Control: Lock or unlock your car windows from the comfort of your smartphone using the Kia app, ensuring extra peace of mind.
- Remote Engine Start/Stop: Beat the heat or chill before you even get in with the remote engine start and stop feature. Perfect for those scorching Indian summers and chilly mornings!
- Remote AC Start/Stop: Pre-cool or pre-heat your car’s cabin remotely for a comfortable journey right from the start. No more waiting in an uncomfortably hot or cold car!
- Valet Mode: When handing over your car to a valet, activate valet mode for enhanced security. This limits access to certain features and functions, giving you peace of mind.
Beyond the Basics: A Glimpse into the Future of Kia Connected Cars
Kia’s connected car technology is constantly evolving, aiming to offer a more personalized and integrated driving experience. Here’s a peek into what we might expect in the future:
- Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): Imagine features like lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, all working together to enhance safety on the road.
- Real-time Traffic Updates and Navigation: Stay ahead of traffic jams and navigate unfamiliar roads with ease using real-time traffic updates and advanced navigation systems.
- Personalized Connectivity: Imagine a car that remembers your preferences, from seat adjustments to music choices. This level of personalization is on the horizon for Kia connected cars.
- Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: Keep your car’s software up-to-date with seamless OTA updates, ensuring you always benefit from the latest features and bug fixes.
- Vehicle Diagnostics and Maintenance Alerts: Monitor your car’s health remotely and receive timely alerts for any maintenance needs. This proactive approach can help prevent breakdowns and keep your car running smoothly.
Kia Connected Cars: A Sign of Things to Come
Kia’s success in the connected car segment in India is a clear indicator of the growing demand for tech-enabled vehicles. As technology continues to advance, we can expect Kia to stay at the forefront of innovation, offering even more features and functionalities that redefine the driving experience in India. So, buckle up and get ready for a connected and convenient ride with Kia!
