Kia Motors has made the decision to discontinue the Carnival MPV in the Indian market and has removed the model from its official website. This move has been confirmed by various dealer sources, as many of them have already ceased accepting new orders, and only a limited number of unsold units remain available at select outlets. The Carnival, which was locally assembled in India from CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits, served as Kia’s flagship model in the country.
The third-generation Kia Carnival was initially launched in India at the Auto Expo in February 2020. However, just a few months later, in June, the Korean automaker unveiled the fourth-generation MPV for international markets. As a result, the Carnival that was sold in India for three years was already an older-generation model.
Kia had intended to establish a strong foothold for the outgoing third-generation model in India, despite its launch coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The initial sales were relatively slow due to the challenging market conditions at the time. However, the company had plans to increase localization levels as sales gained momentum. Despite being an older-generation model, the third-generation Carnival, which made its global debut in 2014, still offered a comprehensive set of features and amenities that appealed to discerning customers in the Indian market.
While the discontinuation of the Carnival may come as a disappointment to some, Kia’s focus now lies on introducing newer generation models that align with the brand’s evolving global portfolio. Kia Motors has been actively expanding its product lineup in India and aims to cater to the changing preferences and demands of Indian consumers. By offering a range of technologically advanced and stylish vehicles, Kia seeks to solidify its position in the highly competitive Indian automotive market.
As Kia bids farewell to the Carnival MPV in India, automotive enthusiasts and potential buyers eagerly await the introduction of Kia’s upcoming models, which are expected to bring fresh design elements, enhanced features, and improved performance to the table. Kia Motors remains committed to providing Indian customers with innovative and captivating vehicles that deliver a memorable driving experience.
