Kia India is expected to produce 10-15% more vehicles than planned in calendar year 2026, supported by strong demand for the new-generation Seltos and the Sorento, according to people familiar with the development.

The automaker could produce around 365,000-370,000 vehicles during the year, compared with an initial plan of approximately 320,000-330,000 units. The target was subsequently raised to around 340,000 units before the latest increase.

While Kia has not formally communicated a production target of 370,000 units to suppliers, the current production run rate and forecasts indicate that the company could reach this level by the end of December.

Kia India's response on production and sales momentum

Responding to a questionnaire from media sources, a Kia India spokesperson did not confirm the production estimates but said the company had maintained its sales momentum through the year.

"2026 has been an important year for Kia India, with the brand witnessing strong and sustained momentum across the year. We have been consistently building on our performance, with several months recording our best-ever monthly sales since inception in India," the spokesperson said.

The company added that its recent product introductions, including the new-generation Seltos, Syros EV and Sorento, had contributed to this performance. Kia is estimated to have produced around 235,000 vehicles between January and August 2026. It is targeting another 135,000 units during the final four months of the year.

Anantapur plant ramps up production capacity

Supplier estimates indicate that monthly production at the Anantapur plant has increased from around 24,000-27,000 units earlier to as much as 35,500 units. Output is expected to remain between 33,000 and 35,500 units a month during the remainder of the year.

Production of the Sorento has only recently commenced and is being scaled up in phases. Monthly output is understood to be moving from an initial level of around 1,000 units towards approximately 3,500 units as production stabilises.

Seltos, Sonet, Sorento and Syros EV production mix

Seltos production is currently estimated at around 10,000 units a month and could be raised further, depending on component availability. Kia had earlier planned to produce around 8,000-9,000 units of the midsize SUV every month.

The indicative monthly production mix includes around 10,000 units each of the Seltos and Carens, 7,500 units of the Sonet, 3,500 units of the Sorento and 2,000-3,000 units of the Syros EV. While Sorento production is being progressively scaled up, Sonet output has been moderated from earlier levels.

Kia India's export plans and global manufacturing role

Exports are expected to account for around 35,000-40,000 units during the year, leaving approximately 330,000 vehicles for the domestic market. "As demand evolves, we continue to closely assess our production and business plans in line with market requirements. Our priority remains to sustain the strong momentum we are seeing while building a healthy and scalable business for the long term," the Kia India spokesperson said.

The company said it sees India playing a larger role within Kia globally, both as a key market and as a manufacturing and export hub. Its long-term strategy for the country includes an expanded model range and a wider choice of internal combustion, hybrid and electric powertrains.