Amaravathi, December 10, 2018 : Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that there is a need for a new approach in order to improve transport quality by promoting electric vehicles. The electric charging station set up by Kia Motors for e-Cars was launched at the Secretariat. The manufacturing giant presented three hybrid electric cars to the Andhra Pradesh government. KIA Motors entered into a ‘Future Mobility Partnership’ MoU with AP government at the launch of the KIA electrical vehicle charging station on 6th December.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Minister said an environment-friendly transport system should be introduced in the State. “The cost of solar energy has come down to Rs. 4 per unit. 7,500 garbage collection electric tricycles will be introduced in AP by January 2019. The introduction of electric vehicles will majorly help with curbing air pollution,” he added.
KIA Motors has set a high record with the production of vehicles in AP manufacturing unit and the first car is likely to be out by February 2019. CM said that KIA should act as an ambassador to Andhra Pradesh in order to help AP attract more investments from South Korea.
“With the prevailing industry-friendly atmosphere, an increasing number of international companies like Isuzu, Hero MotoCorp, Apollo Tyres, Ashok Leyland, Amar Raja Batteries are coming forward to set up units in Andhra Pradesh. The State government is focussing on developing Andhra Pradesh as an automobile hub of India,” said CM addressing the gathering.
KIA Motors MD Kookhyun Shim said, that the cars would be produced in 15 variants. 3 Lac cars would be produced from the Anantapur manufacturing plant, providing employment to around 11,000 people. The KIA EV variant car would travel up to 455 Km with a single charging.