Kookhyun Shim appointed as new Managing Director and CEO, Kia Motors India

Kookhyun Shim will lead Kia Motors in India as Managing Director and CEO.

Kia Motors has appointed their first Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for Kia Motors India. Kookhyun Shim will lead Kia Motors India in its initial phase of operations and commencement of production in India.

Shim has been tasked with ensuring KMI’s projected timeline and schedule of operations. Additionally, he will oversee the construction of Kia Motor’s first manufacturing facility in India, in which the Korean manufacturer has invested US$ 1.1 billion.

At the age of 58 years, with over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Shim will head Kia’s India operations after recently serving as Head of Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia Plant Coordination Group. Prior to this, Shim was stationed in Slovakia, where he was the head coordinator of Kia production.

Han-Woo Park, President, Kia Motors Corporation, said, ‘We are delighted to announce the appointment of Kookhyun Shim as MD & CEO for India. We recognise India as a major market with huge potential for our world-class cars. We are confident that Shim’s leadership will provide the direction we need to grow our presence in what is one of the world’s biggest new car markets.’

On his new appointment as MD and CEO of Kia Motors India, Kookhyun Shim commented, ‘Kia has big plans for India. The Indian economy is at an inflection point, and I am excited to work in an emerging market that’s forecasted to become the third largest globally by 2021. India is a crucial market for all global automotive brands, and I aim to replicate the success that Kia has seen in many other major markets. Kia’s brand slogan, “The Power to Surprise”, will be present in everything we do here.’

Kia’s initial plan is to manufacture 3,00,000 units annually in India with 30 to 40 per cent parts localisation. Eventually, Kia is looking to localise production completely for the Indian market with 100 per cent parts sourced from Indian suppliers. In a phased manner, Kia has set a target to open 300 dealerships across the nation over a three-to-five-year period. As for their product line up, three models have been confirmed by the manufacturer, which will be produced locally. These models include the Kia Rio sedan, the Kia Picanto and a compact SUV based on the PB platform which underpins the Hyundai Creta. Additionally, it is possible that Kia will also launch the Stinger GT as a premium offering which would be brought in as a completely built-up unit.