Seems it’s too early to dash completely hopes for Australian sales for Kia’s funky Picanto.
However with Kia grappling to keep production levels matching burgeoning global sales, don’t look for the five-door - and just-launched three- door - Picanto on local shores anytime soon.
Kia Australia COO, Tony Barlow, told Car Showroom at today’s Kia Rio launch that local plans for the Picanto are actually still on the table and discussions are continuing with head office in Seoul, Korea.
“We have no definitive timetable to share with you and all I can say is that dialogue is ongoing,” Mr Barlow said.
Kia’s problem is production capacity in Korea. Demand is so hot for all Kia models throughout the world that to add Picanto production to Australia’s numbers could jeopardize numbers for other models.
In any case, when full details of the ne Kia Rio range are released on 1 September, Australian compact car buyers will understand will appreciate Kia has an outstanding all-new star with or without the Picanto
