Kia Philippines president Manny Aligada stands beside the Kia Soluto, the Korean automaker’s bet in the subcompact sedan segment. | contributed photo Carl Cabusas
Cebu City, Philippines – Things are looking bright for the Kia brand in Cebu.
This after the Korean automaker was re-launched in Cebu last Feb. 15, 2019 at the Ayala Center Cebu together with the unveiling of the newest member in its vehicle lineup, the Soluto subcompact sedan.
Kia in Cebu will still be distributed solely by the Gateway Group. But what’s new and exciting is that the brand will now be handled in the Philippines by Ayala’s AC Automotive under the AC Industrial Technology Holdings, Inc. (AC Industrials).
The Kia Soluto subcompact sedan. | contributed photo Carl Cabusas
Kia will be the sixth mobility brand of Ayala, joining Honda, Isuzu, Volkswagen, KTM and Maxus.
Present during the relaunch were Kia Philippines president Manny Aligada, Gateway Group president Markane Goho and Kia Cebu General Manager Lowell Belarmino.
The Soluto, which will be sourced from China, is a 4-door subcompact sedan with 1.4 liter engine with CVVT, mated to either a manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
All variants of the Soluto, including the base model with come standard with a touch screen infotainment system, anti-lock braking system, front airbags and a driver’s armrest. /bmjo