Latest news with #Sportage
Business Recorder
8 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Former Kia India workers, scrap dealers face probe over theft of 1,008 engines
NEW DELHI: Two former Kia India workers are under investigation over accusations that they colluded with scrap dealers to steal 1,008 engines from the carmaker's factory over three years, police investigation documents showed. Though the engines were worth only $2.3 million, the police investigation noted the case had 'widespread impact on industrial operations, stakeholder trust and employment security', and raised concerns about inter-state crime networks. Kia in March complained to police in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh that a review of internal records found engines sourced from its sister carmaker, Hyundai, were missing and it suspected a conspiracy between past and present employees. An initial police investigation found two former Kia India factory workers - a team leader and a head of section in the engine dispatch section - were involved in illegally transporting the engines from the factory using forged invoices and manipulated gate passes, according to an April 16 police document. They worked with at least two other individuals who helped arrange transport, and two other scrap dealers who helped sell them to buyers as far away as the capital city New Delhi. 'The entire operation involved repeated illegal transactions, use of multiple trucks bearing manipulated or pseudo registration numbers,' Inspector K. Raghavan said in his investigation document dated April 16, seen by Reuters. Kia cuts Sportage prices by up to Rs1.85mn in Pakistan Raghavan declined to comment when contacted, citing confidentiality. In a statement to Reuters, Kia India said it identified the discrepancies as it enhanced its inventory management processes last year. Kia India conducted an internal investigation, reported the case to police and was continuing to strengthen internal process governance and reinforce stringent monitoring systems, it added. 'Disappearance' of engines The former head of the engine dispatch section at Kia's factory, Vinayagamoorthy Veluchamy, 37, is currently under arrest in custody, and has applied to the state High Court for bail, according to court papers seen by Reuters. He denied any involvement in the alleged thefts, the papers showed. He left the company in 2023. The other Kia worker accused is 33-year-old former team leader Patan Saleem, who worked at the factory from 2020 to 2025, police documents showed. His whereabouts were not known and two phone numbers cited in the police document were not in service. The two former employees are yet to be formally charged with any offence, but have been named as accused in the investigation, which is still in initial stages. Given the 'high-level preplanning, internal access manipulation', they could face punishment of 10 years imprisonment or more under Indian laws if charged and convicted, the police document said. While theft is relatively common in India, such large-scale, prolonged corporate-level cases such as the one involving Kia are rare. Kia first reported the matter of the 'disappearance' of engines to police after stock reconciliation in January 2025, a month after it also found unauthorized vehicle movement in the factory's CCTV footage. Its March complaint put the missing engines number at 940, documents show. Police recovered nine mobile phones containing WhatsApp screenshots, transport invoices and truck photos. 'The proceeds of crime were either spent on personal needs, clearing debts, purchasing immovable property or reinvested in businesses,' said the police document.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Hans India
Kia's May sales rise 1.7 pc on SUV demand, India market sees over 14 pc growth
Kia, South Korea's second-largest automaker by sales, said on Monday its sales gained 1.7 per cent last month from a year earlier on steady overseas demand for sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Kia, a smaller affiliate of local industry leader Hyundai Motor Co., sold 269,148 vehicles in May, up from 264,699 units a year ago, the company said in a press release. Domestic sales declined 2.4 percent on-year to 45,003 units last month, while overseas sales climbed 2.6 percent to 223,817, it said, reports Yonhap news agency. From January to May, sales rose 2.3 percent to 1,316,233 units from 1,286,496 in the same period last year. Domestic sales decreased 0.4 percent to 230,420 units from 231,237, while overseas sales increased 2.9 percent to 1,084,368 from 1,053,674. The Sportage compact SUV was the bestselling model in May, with 48,091 units sold globally, followed by the subcompact Seltos with 21,889 units sold. Meanwhile, Kia India maintained its strong growth momentum for the fifth consecutive month by reporting 22,315 vehicle dispatches in the domestic market for May. This marks a year-on-year growth of 14.43 per cent, compared to 19,500 units sold in May 2024. Hardeep Singh Brar, SVP and National Head of Sales and Marketing, at Kia India, said, "Our strong sales performance in May, reflects the growing resonance of Kia's diverse offerings across segments'. 'This momentum validates our ongoing efforts to expand and strengthen our product portfolio in line with evolving customer needs,' he added. Kia India has completed almost 1.5 million vehicle dispatches from its Anantapur plant, including over 1.2 million domestic sales and over 3.67 lakh exports. With more than 4.5 lakh connected cars on Indian roads, it is among the connected car leaders in the country.
West Australian
5 days ago
- Automotive
- West Australian
2026 Kia Sportage price and specs: More tech, more hybrids, higher prices
Pricing and specifications for the facelifted 2026 Kia Sportage have been announced for Australia as first vehicles arrive in showrooms, and the upgraded mid-size SUV lineup brings more more hybrid variants, more standard equipment, and the introduction of Kia Connect services, accompanied by price increases of up to $4070. As before, the Sportage will be offered in S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line trim levels, with no less than five different drivetrain variants available. The six-speed manual is dead, and 1.6T AWD variants swap out their dual-clutch automatic transmission for an eight-speed torque converter unit. Further, hybrid (HEV) versions of the SX and GT-Line are now available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) form, taking the total number of hybrid options to four. Revised design details, new alloy wheel options and increased tech levels round out the highlights. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . Pricing for the MY26 Kia Sportage starts from $37,990 before on-road costs, which is $5000 higher than the old base manual and $3000 more than the outgoing entry-level S automatic. These price rises are somewhat offset by enhanced specification levels, as detailed further down. Prices are up across the board, by at least $500 and an average of around $3000 depending on the model variant. Kia has confirmed a four-strong engine lineup and changes like a new eight-speed auto for the 1.6T and the availability of AWD for the 1.6T Hybrid (HEV), though further details like outputs (if changed) and fuel consumption are still to be confirmed. *Figures quoted are for pre-facelift vehicles Kia Australia hasn't confirmed any changes to the Sportage's dimensions – see below for pre-facelift figures. The updated Kia Sportage, like the Korean brand's other models, will be covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre new vehicle warranty. Hybrid vehicles are also subject to a seven-year/150,000km high-voltage battery and component warranty. Kia Australia offers seven years of capped-price servicing across its lineup, though finer details around intervals and pricing for the updated Sportage range are still to be confirmed. For reference, the 2.0L petrol and turbo-diesel models in the pre-facelifted range have 12-month/15,000km intervals, while the turbocharged 1.6L petrol and HEV versions have shorter 10,000km distance intervals. The updated Kia Sportage is expected to retain its five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on 2022 Euro NCAP tests. While there have been some feature upgrades – such as a more advanced semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system from SX+ level and up – the fundamentals appear to be the largely same. Standard safety equipment includes: SX+ adds: GT-Line adds: Kia has confirmed preliminary specifications across the range, with each trim level scoring new equipment. 2025 Kia Sportage S equipment highlights: Sportage SX adds: Sportage SX+ adds: Sportage GT-Line adds: Further details will be confirmed at the Australian media launch next week. Two new paint options join the Sportage's palette, while the outgoing model's Dawning Red has been discontinued. Standard: $NCO Premium paint: $TBC MORE: Everything Kia Sportage
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
2026 Kia Sportage price and specs: More tech, more hybrids, higher prices
Pricing and specifications for the facelifted 2026 Kia Sportage have been announced for Australia as first vehicles arrive in showrooms, and the upgraded mid-size SUV lineup brings more more hybrid variants, more standard equipment, and the introduction of Kia Connect services, accompanied by price increases of up to $4070. As before, the Sportage will be offered in S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line trim levels, with no less than five different drivetrain variants available. The six-speed manual is dead, and 1.6T AWD variants swap out their dual-clutch automatic transmission for an eight-speed torque converter unit. Further, hybrid (HEV) versions of the SX and GT-Line are now available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) form, taking the total number of hybrid options to four. Revised design details, new alloy wheel options and increased tech levels round out the highlights. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 2026 Kia Sportage SX 1.6T HEV AWD Credit: CarExpert Pricing for the MY26 Kia Sportage starts from $37,990 before on-road costs, which is $5000 higher than the old base manual and $3000 more than the outgoing entry-level S automatic. These price rises are somewhat offset by enhanced specification levels, as detailed further down. Prices are up across the board, by at least $500 and an average of around $3000 depending on the model variant. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Kia has confirmed a four-strong engine lineup and changes like a new eight-speed auto for the 1.6T and the availability of AWD for the 1.6T Hybrid (HEV), though further details like outputs (if changed) and fuel consumption are still to be confirmed. Supplied Credit: CarExpert *Figures quoted are for pre-facelift vehicles Kia Australia hasn't confirmed any changes to the Sportage's dimensions – see below for pre-facelift figures. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The updated Kia Sportage, like the Korean brand's other models, will be covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre new vehicle warranty. Hybrid vehicles are also subject to a seven-year/150,000km high-voltage battery and component warranty. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Kia Australia offers seven years of capped-price servicing across its lineup, though finer details around intervals and pricing for the updated Sportage range are still to be confirmed. For reference, the 2.0L petrol and turbo-diesel models in the pre-facelifted range have 12-month/15,000km intervals, while the turbocharged 1.6L petrol and HEV versions have shorter 10,000km distance intervals. The updated Kia Sportage is expected to retain its five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on 2022 Euro NCAP tests. Supplied Credit: CarExpert While there have been some feature upgrades – such as a more advanced semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system from SX+ level and up – the fundamentals appear to be the largely same. Standard safety equipment includes: 7 airbags incl. front-centre Smart Cruise Control 2 – SCC 2 (NEW) Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) Blind-spot assist Intelligent speed limit assist Lane Following Assist (centring) Lane-keep assist Multi Collision Brake Rear cross-traffic assist Parking sensors – front (NEW), rear Reversing camera Tyre pressure monitor SX+ adds: Highway Driving Assist (NEW) GT-Line adds: AEB – reverse Blind Spot View Monitor Surround View Monitor – 360 cameras Kia has confirmed preliminary specifications across the range, with each trim level scoring new equipment. SX 1.6T HEV AWD Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia Sportage S equipment highlights: Kia Connect Services (NEW) 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment – ccNC Lite (NEW) Over the air (OTA) updates (NEW) 17-inch alloy wheels Full-size alloy spare wheel Cloth upholstery Electronic park brake incl. Auto Hold Leather steering wheel PVC shift selector Sportage SX adds: 12.3-inch navigation system – ccNC (NEW) 18-inch alloy wheels Rain-sensing wipers 2-way lumbar support – driver Premium shift selector – Petrol, Diesel Dial-type shift selector – HEV Remote folding second-row seats Dual-zone climate control Temporary spare wheel – HEV Sportage SX+ adds: Wireless phone charger (NEW) Heated steering wheel (NEW) 19-inch alloy wheels – Petrol, Diesel Power driver seat Heated front seats Harman Kardon premium audio Power tailgate Rear privacy glass Artificial leather upholstery Sportage GT-Line adds: Head-up display (NEW) Dynamic welcome light – front, rear (NEW) Heated steering wheel (NEW for Petrol, Diesel) 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster Memory function – driver seat Power front passenger seat Ventilated front seats Ambient mood lighting Panoramic sunroof LED interior lighting Alloy sports pedals Dial-type shift selector – all variants Further details will be confirmed at the Australian media launch next week. Two new paint options join the Sportage's palette, while the outgoing model's Dawning Red has been discontinued. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Standard: $NCO Premium paint: $TBC Heritage Blue (NEW) Wolf Grey (NEW) Steel Grey Gravity Grey Fusion Black Vesta Blue Snow White Pearl – SX+, GT-Line only Jungle Wood Green – SX+, GT-Line only MORE: Everything Kia Sportage
7NEWS
5 days ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
2026 Kia Sportage price and specs: More tech, more hybrids, higher prices
Pricing and specifications for the facelifted 2026 Kia Sportage have been announced for Australia as first vehicles arrive in showrooms, and the upgraded mid-size SUV lineup brings more more hybrid variants, more standard equipment, and the introduction of Kia Connect services, accompanied by price increases of up to $4070. As before, the Sportage will be offered in S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line trim levels, with no less than five different drivetrain variants available. The six-speed manual is dead, and 1.6T AWD variants swap out their dual-clutch automatic transmission for an eight-speed torque converter unit. Further, hybrid (HEV) versions of the SX and GT-Line are now available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) form, taking the total number of hybrid options to four. Revised design details, new alloy wheel options and increased tech levels round out the highlights. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Pricing for the MY26 Kia Sportage starts from $37,990 before on-road costs, which is $5000 higher than the old base manual and $3000 more than the outgoing entry-level S automatic. These price rises are somewhat offset by enhanced specification levels, as detailed further down. Pricing Prices are up across the board, by at least $500 and an average of around $3000 depending on the model variant. Drivetrains and Efficiency Kia has confirmed a four-strong engine lineup and changes like a new eight-speed auto for the 1.6T and the availability of AWD for the 1.6T Hybrid (HEV), though further details like outputs (if changed) and fuel consumption are still to be confirmed. *Figures quoted are for pre-facelift vehicles Dimensions Kia Australia hasn't confirmed any changes to the Sportage's dimensions – see below for pre-facelift figures. Servicing and Warranty The updated Kia Sportage, like the Korean brand's other models, will be covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre new vehicle warranty. Hybrid vehicles are also subject to a seven-year/150,000km high-voltage battery and component warranty. Kia Australia offers seven years of capped-price servicing across its lineup, though finer details around intervals and pricing for the updated Sportage range are still to be confirmed. For reference, the 2.0L petrol and turbo-diesel models in the pre-facelifted range have 12-month/15,000km intervals, while the turbocharged 1.6L petrol and HEV versions have shorter 10,000km distance intervals. Safety The updated Kia Sportage is expected to retain its five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on 2022 Euro NCAP tests. While there have been some feature upgrades – such as a more advanced semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system from SX+ level and up – the fundamentals appear to be the largely same. Standard safety equipment includes: 7 airbags incl. front-centre Smart Cruise Control 2 – SCC 2 (NEW) Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) Blind-spot assist Intelligent speed limit assist Lane Following Assist (centring) Lane-keep assist Multi Collision Brake Rear cross-traffic assist Parking sensors – front (NEW), rear Reversing camera Tyre pressure monitor SX+ adds: Highway Driving Assist (NEW) GT-Line adds: AEB – reverse Blind Spot View Monitor Surround View Monitor – 360 cameras Standard Equipment Kia has confirmed preliminary specifications across the range, with each trim level scoring new equipment. 2025 Kia Sportage S equipment highlights: Kia Connect Services (NEW) 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment – ccNC Lite (NEW) Over the air (OTA) updates (NEW) 17-inch alloy wheels Full-size alloy spare wheel Cloth upholstery Electronic park brake incl. Auto Hold Leather steering wheel PVC shift selector Sportage SX adds: 12.3-inch navigation system – ccNC (NEW) 18-inch alloy wheels Rain-sensing wipers 2-way lumbar support – driver Premium shift selector – Petrol, Diesel Dial-type shift selector – HEV Remote folding second-row seats Dual-zone climate control Temporary spare wheel – HEV Sportage SX+ adds: Wireless phone charger (NEW) Heated steering wheel (NEW) 19-inch alloy wheels – Petrol, Diesel Power driver seat Heated front seats Harman Kardon premium audio Power tailgate Rear privacy glass Artificial leather upholstery Sportage GT-Line adds: Head-up display (NEW) Dynamic welcome light – front, rear (NEW) Heated steering wheel (NEW for Petrol, Diesel) 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster Memory function – driver seat Power front passenger seat Ventilated front seats Ambient mood lighting Panoramic sunroof LED interior lighting Alloy sports pedals Dial-type shift selector – all variants Further details will be confirmed at the Australian media launch next week. Colours Two new paint options join the Sportage's palette, while the outgoing model's Dawning Red has been discontinued. Standard: $NCO Clear White Premium paint: $TBC Heritage Blue (NEW) Wolf Grey (NEW) Steel Grey Gravity Grey Fusion Black Vesta Blue Snow White Pearl – SX+, GT-Line only Jungle Wood Green – SX+, GT-Line only
