The fourth Generation Optima will not be produced in China next year

Shanghai. August 28 (Gasgoo.com) – Kia decided to import the fourth generation Optima, not produce the model locally in China next year.

“Kai will introduce two or three car models to China next year,” said Zheng Changhao, CEO of Kia China. “In the first half year, Kia will introduce SUV 2.5L diesels powered Sorento to China. Optima will be imported, not to be locally produced in China next year.”

Since the beginning this year, the sales of Korea-made cars, like Hyundai and Kia brands, have been on decline. By contrast, the imports of Korea-made have been on the rise.

Beijing Hyundai’s sales continued to significantly under-perform in July, with a 32 percent decline year on year, driven by sagging sales of Sonata (down 46.3 percent year on year) and Elantra (down 49.5 percent year on year), according to a Morgan Stanley report.

Dongfeng Yueda Kia sales fell 24 percent year on year in July, dragged down by weak sales of both old and new models. Cerato sales dropped 18.4 percent year on year, while Qianlima plunged 86, 4 percent year on year in July.