Interview: Alexander Moynov, Managing Director, Kia Motors Russia

Kia has become a major player in the Russian market, and believes it can weather the storm that has seen others fall. As a result of the previous crisis in 2009, Russian OEM IzhAvto – which at the time assembled several Kia models – filed for bankruptcy. Following the most recent crisis, GM bit the bullet and in 2015 withdrew its Chevrolet and Opel brands from the market and suspended most of its St Petersburg operations.

Part of Kia’s game plan is localisation.