Kia India Appoints Atul Sood as Senior VP of Sales and Marketing for Its Next Growth Phase

Kia India has announced a major leadership shift with the appointment of Atul Sood as Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, signaling the company’s intent to strengthen its position in India’s competitive auto sector. The move comes as Kia prepares to roll out new products and expand its footprint across the country.

A Strategic Appointment to Drive Growth

Atul Sood brings nearly three decades of experience in the Indian automotive industry. Prior to joining Kia, he held leadership roles at Toyota Mobility Solutions and Services India, where he played a critical role in pan-India operational expansion, dealer network scaling, and the execution of customer-centric strategies.

Commenting on his appointment, Sood said,

“I am excited to join Kia India at such a dynamic time in its evolution. Kia has established itself as a forward-thinking and customer-focused brand. I look forward to working with the team to deliver exceptional value and drive sustainable growth across the country.”

Sood will now report directly to Joonsu Cho, the Chief Sales Officer at Kia India.

Kia’s Evolving India Strategy

Sood’s onboarding comes as Kia India charts a bold new direction with aggressive product expansion and customer engagement strategies. The company recently introduced the Carens Clavis and Syros models and is preparing for the launch of an affordable electric MPV, which is expected to target India’s growing mass-premium EV market.

Kia’s current Indian portfolio includes eight models, spanning internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs). The diversification strategy is designed to appeal to a wide demographic—from urban professionals to family-oriented buyers.

Manufacturing and Sales Milestones

Kia India has shown consistent manufacturing strength through its Anantapur facility in Andhra Pradesh. The plant has so far dispatched approximately 1.5 million vehicles, which includes:

• Over 1.2 million units sold domestically

• Around 3.67 lakh units exported globally

The company is also a leader in the connected car segment, with over 4.5 lakh connected vehicles already on Indian roads—underscoring Kia’s commitment to tech-driven mobility solutions.

Distribution Network and Market Presence

Kia currently operates through 744 touchpoints across 329 cities in India, reflecting its efforts to create a deeper reach in both urban and tier-II/III markets. Expanding this nationwide footprint is expected to be one of Atul Sood’s key responsibilities as he works to boost dealer accessibility, after-sales service, and brand presence.

Recent Sales Performance

In June 2025, Kia India reported total sales of 20,625 units, reflecting a 7% month-on-month decline and a 3.2% drop year-on-year. Despite the dip, Kia remains one of India’s most trusted automotive brands, currently ranking sixth in the national auto market.

The brand's best-selling model in June was the:

• Kia Carens with 7,921 units sold

• Followed by the Sonet at 6,658 units

• And the Seltos with 5,225 units

While sales saw a temporary dip, the launch of new models and the addition of EV options are expected to reignite consumer demand.

A Vision Aligned with ‘Movement That Inspires’

Under its reimagined global philosophy “Movement That Inspires”, Kia is focusing on sustainable innovation, customer satisfaction, and brand repositioning. The appointment of a seasoned professional like Atul Sood reflects this vision, as the company aims to consolidate its identity as a mass-premium brand.

By enhancing both sales strategy and brand engagement, Kia seeks to bridge the gap between aspiration and accessibility in the Indian auto market.

Conclusion: Preparing for a Transformational Chapter

With Atul Sood joining at a critical juncture and a growing emphasis on EV launches, connected mobility, and network expansion, Kia India appears ready to reshape its future growth trajectory. As the company scales up operations and adds to its product lineup, Sood's experience is expected to play a key role in helping Kia retain its competitive edge in India's dynamic automotive landscape.