Kia India Regional Headquarters has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Tirupati on May 9, 2025. The agreement marks the beginning of a long-term partnership aimed at strengthening ties between the automotive industry and academic research and training.
As part of the agreement, Kia will invest ₹35 crore over a five-year period (2025–2029) to support a wide range of initiatives. These include the development of academic infrastructure, implementation of internship programs, creation of automotive-focused academic streams, scholarships, and the promotion of joint research and development projects related to future mobility.
A key feature of the collaboration is the creation of a ‘Makers Laboratory’—a modern research facility where students will be able to design and develop prototypes. This space is intended to foster innovation in engineering and product development aligned with emerging mobility technologies.
Lee Kwang-koo, Executive Vice-President of Kia’s India operations, emphasized the company’s goal of training future leaders in sustainable mobility and industrial manufacturing through this academic partnership. Dr KN Satyanarayana, Director of IIT Tirupati, expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential to deliver innovation and prepare students for leadership roles in next-generation mobility solutions. This partnership is strategically located in Andhra Pradesh, where Kia’s manufacturing facility is based in Anantapur district, enhancing regional synergy between industrial operations and technical education.
Kia India, a subsidiary of South Korea’s Kia Corporation, has rapidly established itself as a prominent player in the Indian automotive market since its entry in August 2019. With an investment of USD 2 billion, the company operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, boasting an annual production capacity of 300,000 units.
By 2024, Kia India achieved a significant milestone, delivering 255,038 vehicles, marking a 6% year-on-year growth compared to 2023 . The brand’s portfolio includes popular models such as the Seltos, Sonet, Carens, Carnival, and the EV6 electric vehicle . The Seltos, in particular, has been a flagship model, contributing over 48% to total domestic sales . In 2025, Kia India aims to expand its sales and service network to 700 touchpoints across 300 cities, with a focus on rural markets to achieve a 20% year-on-year growth . Additionally, the company plans to launch the Syros SUV and a mass-market electric vehicle in the second half of the year, aligning with India’s goal of 30% electric vehicle sales by 2030
