Korean car manufacturer, Kia, has launched the new ‘Kia Care’ to help its customers during these tough times. This new initiative includes a free sanitisation service for a limited time, first come, first serve basis. Additionally, a three-step protocol for hygiene and care to prevent the spread of the Corona virus. The Korean automaker has also extended the time period of the free service for new customers by two months. This would ensure that customers who could not avail the free service during the lockdown period would be able to avail the benefit.

Talking about their new hygiene protocol, which would be implemented to protect the car, the customers, dealership, service centre and the company staff. This safety initiative has been broken down into three steps. The first protocol takes care of vehicle hygiene. Every car will be treated to a thorough wash, followed by an interior clean up. The company shall use a special anti-microbial solution to sterilize the cabin. Parts like the steering wheel, door handles, etc which are touched quite frequently shall be given extra attention, making the cars completely safe to use.

The second protocol would require the sales and service network of the brand to maintain proper hygiene. Apart from frequent temperature checks for customers and staff, there also will be a three-shift sanitisation process implemented. Thus, the safety of the staff and customers will be taken care of.

The final protocol involves the use of the Kia link app. Customers are advised to use the service to schedule, pay and fix pick up/drop times for service, thus reducing the human contact aspect. With the customer not required to physically visit the dealership for a service or any sort of issue, keeping human interaction to a minimum, the company aims to check the spread of this virus.

Riding high on the success of their first car in the Indian market, the Seltos, Kia recently entered the MPV market space as well with the Carnival. The Korean carmaker currently has these two models on sale and soon is planning to enter the sub-4-metre SUV segment with the Sonet, shown as a concept at the auto expo.