Andhra Pradesh is set to emerge as a major automobile hub as South Korea’s automobile giant, Kia Motors, is setting up a mega automobile manufacturing project at Yerramanchi village in Penugonda mandal of Anantapur district. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will be the chief guest at the frame installation programme of Kia Motors on Thursday, according to a press release. Kia Motors is planning to release its first car in March 2019.

Kia Motors entered into an MoU with the Andhra Pradesh government on April 20, 2017, to produce 3 lakh vehicles annually, with an investment of Rs 13,000 cr to provide employment opportunities to 11,000 persons, including 4,000 direct jobs. The APIIC allotted 535.50 acres to the main plant, 36 acres to the township and 11.20 acres to the training centre. The state is ready to allot 250 acres to 40 automobile allied industries in Gudipalli and Yerramanchi villages. Besides, the state has been making efforts to allot 100 acres for railway siding and 48.47 acres for a truck terminal, the release added.

The plant works are being carried out at a brisk pace. The engine shop, body shop, paint shop, seat shop, assembled unit, utility centre and power train shop are being established in the main unit of the plant.