Kia India, one of the country’s leading mass premium carmakers, has taken a significant step towards empowering the future of India’s automotive workforce. The company has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Automotive Skill Development Council (ASDC), marking a milestone in fostering strong industry-academia collaborations.
This strategic partnership aims to build a sustainable skilling ecosystem, enhance placement opportunities, and prepare India’s workforce for the country’s rapidly evolving mobility landscape — particularly in the areas of electric vehicle (EV) adoption and customer experience enhancement.
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A 30-Day Immersive Training Program
The collaborative program has been designed as an intensive 30-day training module that blends classroom learning with hands-on dealership experience.
Phase 1: Foundation (15 Days)
Participants will begin their journey with two weeks of foundational learning at ASDC-certified training centers. This stage covers essential automotive concepts, dealership operations, and the fundamentals of customer service. In addition, candidates will receive Kia-specific training — covering brand standards, operating systems, and in-depth product knowledge — ensuring they understand what makes Kia’s approach unique.
Phase 2: On-the-Job Training (15 Days)
Following the theoretical foundation, participants will undergo practical, supervised learning at authorized Kia dealerships. Here, they will gain real-world exposure to sales and service roles, enabling them to confidently navigate customer interactions, vehicle servicing procedures, and operational workflows from day one.
Empowering the Workforce for the Future
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Joonsu Cho, Chief Sales Officer of Kia India, emphasized the transformative potential of this collaboration:
“This partnership with ASDC is a crucial step towards shaping a future-ready ecosystem based on skilled human capital and an elevated customer experience. Through structured training and certification, we’re empowering India’s youth with meaningful employment while strengthening our dealer network with professionals who reflect Kia’s values of quality, care, and innovation. Ultimately, this initiative will create a more seamless and rewarding journey for every Kia customer in the country.”
The initiative is not just about training but also about aligning with national skill development goals. By combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of customer expectations, Kia India and ASDC are creating a new generation of professionals who are capable, confident, and career-ready.
Job-Ready from Day One
Upon completing the program, candidates will be evaluated at an ASDC assessment center. Successful participants will receive a jointly awarded certificate from Kia India and ASDC. Importantly, they will also be eligible for direct recruitment at Kia dealerships in both sales and service positions — giving them a clear career path right after training.
About Kia India
Kia entered the Indian market in April 2017, signing an MoU with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to set up a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Anantapur District. Mass production began in August 2019, and the facility now boasts an annual production capacity of 300,000 units.
In April 2021, Kia India embraced its global rebranding — “Movement that Inspires” — aiming to deliver not just cars, but meaningful experiences backed by innovation. Since then, Kia has launched nine models tailored for Indian consumers: the Seltos, Sonet, Carens, Carnival, EV6, EV9, Carens Clavis, and the all-new Carens Clavis EV.
Kia India has dispatched nearly 1.5 million vehicles from its Anantapur plant, with over 1.2 million sold domestically and 3.67 lakh units exported. With 4.7 lakh connected Kia cars on Indian roads and a network of 744 touchpoints across 329 cities, Kia continues to strengthen its presence and redefine mobility experiences for Indian customers.
FAQ on Kia
Q1: What is Kia India’s latest collaboration with ASDC about?
A: Kia India has signed an MoU with the Automotive Skill Development Council (ASDC) to create a structured training program aimed at building a future-ready automotive workforce. This partnership focuses on enhancing skills related to electric vehicles (EVs), dealership operations, and customer service.
Q2: How long is the training program and what does it include?
A: The program is 30 days long, split into two phases: 15 days of classroom-based training at ASDC-certified centers, followed by 15 days of practical learning at authorized Kia dealerships. Participants learn automotive fundamentals, Kia-specific processes, brand standards, and hands-on dealership functions.
Q3: Who can participate in this program?
A: While the eligibility criteria are determined by ASDC and Kia India, the program is aimed at aspiring automotive professionals, particularly youth looking to start a career in the automotive sector.
Q4: What are the benefits for participants?
A: Participants gain technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and industry-recognized certification jointly awarded by Kia India and ASDC. Graduates of the program are eligible for direct recruitment in sales and service roles at Kia dealerships.
Q5: How does this initiative align with EV adoption in India?
A: As India transitions towards electric mobility, there is a growing need for skilled professionals who understand EV technology and customer expectations. This program prepares participants to meet these demands effectively.
Q6: What is Kia India’s history in the country?
A: Kia India began operations in 2017 and set up its manufacturing facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. Since starting production in 2019, the brand has launched multiple successful models and built a strong dealership and service network across the country.
Q7: What are Kia India’s current best-selling cars?
A: Models like the Kia Seltos, Sonet, and Carens have been among the brand’s most popular in India, while the EV6 and EV9 have strengthened Kia’s position in the electric vehicle segment.
Q8: How many Kia dealerships are there in India?
A: Kia India currently has 744 touchpoints across 329 cities, ensuring strong accessibility for sales, service, and customer support.
Text and Photo: Media Kit
