Which Kia models may be the first to appear in Russia

Although there has been no official return of Kia cars to Russia yet, discussions on this topic are still going on. While the automaker remains silent, experts are making predictions about the possible scenario of the brand’s entry into the Russian market.

SUVs are a priority segment

According to automotive analyst Oleg Moseyev in an interview with aif.ru, if Kia does resume deliveries to Russia, the logical step would be to focus on crossovers and SUVs of the middle and higher classes. In his opinion, among the likely candidates for the return are Kia Seltos, Sportage, Soul, Sorento and other models of the SUV-segment.

The expert explained this by the fact that such cars are the most cost-effective, taking into account the current utilization fee. According to him, importing inexpensive passenger car models in the current conditions is economically inexpedient – the levy will actually cancel out the potential benefits from the supply.

An expert explained this by the fact that these are the most profitable cars, taking into account the current recycling fee.

“Budget cars” under attack due to utilization fee

Oleg Moseyev emphasized that the mass segment – compact and inexpensive cars – is unlikely to be of interest to the manufacturer in the first place. The reason lies in the high utilization fee, which makes such supplies unprofitable for official imports. Therefore, even if Kia returns, we should not expect affordable models like Rio or Picanto in the near future.

An alternative path: a return to the bypass

Earlier, the vice-president of the National Auto Union Jan Heitzeer put forward a version according to which South Korean brands may try to return to the Russian market bypassing direct imports. In his opinion, Hyundai and Kia are potentially able to establish the supply of car kits with subsequent assembly in Russia under another brand or in cooperation with local partners. This way will allow to reduce costs and bypass a number of restrictions.

The prospect is still vague

Despite rumors and expert predictions, there have been no official statements from Kia about its return to the Russian market. However, the continued consumer interest in the brand, as well as the demand for crossovers, may in the future prompt the company to look for options for a legal or gray market return.