In a shocking development, Kia has reported a theft of 900 engines from the company’s manufacturing facility in Penukonda, Andhra Pradesh. Gwanggu Lee, Kia Motors India MD and CEO, has filed a formal complaint with Penukonda Industrial Estate Police Department regarding the same.
According to a report by The Economic Times, this theft has taken place over the course of five years. The felony came to light on Tuesday, three weeks after the company management lodged a police complaint on March 19. The Korean carmaker learned about this deed after an internal year-end audit revealed some discrepancies.
Kia India engine theft details
Based out of Penukonda in Andhra Pradesh’s Sri Sathya Sai district, situated in Rayalaseema region, Kia’s manufacturing facility rolls out models like Sonet, Seltos, Carens, and Syros. In addition, this facility also rolls out the new Carnival through CKD kits. This facility currently has an annual production capacity of 3.5 lakh units which the company intends to expand to 4 lakh units by the end of FY25.
Investigation has revealed that engines were stolen in a phased and planned manner. Penukonda DSP Y Venkateswarulu claims that some insiders are involved in this engine theft. He suspects that there was connivance between some former and present employees. Police officials added that modus operandi was not clear at the moment. Further, investigation and custody of suspects will bring more insights to the case.
At first, police suspected that the thefts might have occurred during transit while the engines were being transported from Tamil Nadu—likely by Hyundai—to Kia’s facility in Penukonda. However, recent investigations have revealed that the engines were actually stolen from within the Penukonda facility itself, with records being tampered with to cover up the crime. Kia Motors India has not disclosed specific details about the case, but the company has confirmed that the theft has not affected its production output in any way.
