A significant theft has occurred at Kia’s manufacturing plant in India, with around 900 automobile engines reported stolen. However, Kia has stated that the incident will not disrupt future production.
According to industry sources on the 10th, local police in Penukonda, Andhra Pradesh, received a report that approximately 900 car engines had gone missing from the Kia plant. Lee Kwang-koo, head of Kia’s India operations, became aware of the issue during an audit at the end of last month and formally reported it to the police on the 19th (local time), prompting an official investigation.
Authorities are focusing on the possibility of insider involvement and have expanded their probe. Local police stated, “Initial speculation suggested the engines may have been lost during transport, but we are now investigating potential insider collusion. Given the strict controls on external access and logistics at the Kia plant, this crime would be nearly impossible without internal assistance.”
Police are currently widening their investigation to include current and former Kia employees. Reports indicate that three special investigation teams have been formed, and relevant documents and records have been secured.
Kia’s India subsidiary has not issued an official statement on the incident. However, a plant representative mentioned, “There is no major disruption to production at the facility.”
Meanwhile, Kia’s India plant, which began operations in 2019, surpassed cumulative production of 1 million vehicles in 2023 and currently manufactures around 400,000 cars annually.
