First CKD Kia Carnival rolls off production line, set for export to ASEAN countries



Ahead of its imminent launch here, Kia Malaysia (joint venture company between Kia Corporation and Bermaz Auto) announced that the first locally-assembled (CKD) Kia Carnival has just rolled off the production line at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah. The Carnival will be the first Kia model to be produced in Malaysia under the new partnership.

As previously reported, the CKD Kia Carnival will be offered in three different variants, in both seven- and eight-seater configurations. Pricing for the locally-assembled models are as follows, on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of a five-year/100,000 km warranty and free service package:

  • 2.2D 8-Seater – RM 231,228
  • 2.2D 8-Seater ‘High’ – RM 247,228
  • 2.2D 7-seater ‘High’ – RM 261,228

The pricing represents a fairly steep jump over the existing fully-imported counterpart, as the latter benefitted from preferential taxation status, with the 11-seater being categorised as commercial vehicle.

For the extra dough that you’ll have to fork out, the equipment list does at least get an upgrade. The analogue instrument cluster is now replaced by a 12.3-inch display, while the taillights also now come with LED illumination as standard.

Other additional equipments, depending on the variant, also include a 12-speaker Bose sound system, Premium Relaxation seats in the second row that can be fully reclined, heated and ventilated seats, one-touch smart power sliding rear doors, as well as the Kia Drive Wise suite of advanced driver assistance systems.

Global model shown.

The latter, exclusive to the High variants, will come with features such as autonomous emergency braking with junction detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, lane centring and lane keeping assist, blind spot and rear cross traffic collision avoidance, as well as automatic high beam.

All three variants are powered by the same 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine under the bonnet, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission to send 199 hp and 440 Nm of torque to the front wheels.

“The roll-out of the Kia Carnival in CKD form was an important milestone in the marque’s renaissance in Malaysia. We are delighted to welcome the first Kia model produced here at Inokom for the Malaysian and ASEAN markets,” said Kia Asia Pacific President and Chief Executive Officer, Ted Lee.

Aside from serving its home nation, the company is also planning to make Malaysia the marque’s ASEAN hub, with vehicles built in the Inokom plant to be exported to several targeted markets within the region. Kia Malaysia says that the plan to export is “firmly on track”, with the maiden shipment to happen soon.

Global model shown.

Dinamikjaya Motors Managing Director, Dato Wong Kin Foo added, “The consumer’s response to the fully imported Kia Carnival 11-seater variant launched in January has been very encouraging, and we are confident that the consumers will be equally enthusiastic about the CKD Kia Carnival.

“We believe these CKD variations will serve the differing needs and expectations of those in the market for a modern and luxurious multi-purpose vehicle.”