KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 12 — Naza Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd plans to launch the new version of Kia Picanto in the fourth quarter, said chief operating officer Datuk Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar.
He said the company aims to sell about 400 units per month for a start.
“Our target market is first-time car buyers and we hope we can launch it the earliest in mid-October.
“We are still studying the prices, which are expected to be between RM55,000 and RM65,000,” he said.
Hafiz said Naza Kia will bring in the auto and manual transmission Picanto.
“Previously, we did not offer the manual version, so the Picanto will be the first.
“We believe, especially outside the Klang Valley area, the demand for the manual car is still strong due to its price and fuel consumption,” he said.
On why Naza Kia took so long to bring in the A-segment car in the local market, Hafiz said: “When we started the three-year turnaround plan, the first thing we knew was that smaller model like the A-segment Picanto would be the last for us to bring in.
“This is because previously Kia’s brand image was low and if we start our turnaround plan by bringing in the A-segment car, our price will not be attractive.
“That’s why when we started the turnaround plan, we opted for the D-segment. Once the brand has strengthened we started to bring in the A-segment and that’s the reason for the Picanto,” he said.
Hafiz said the company will come up with multi-purpose vehicles next year. — Bernama
