900 Engines Stolen From Kia's Andhra Pradesh Factory
Generally, we have heard that expensive mechanical components get stolen from car garages or other places where vehicles are parked. However, recently, it has been reported that over 900 engines have been stolen from the South Korean automotive giant Kia’s factory located in Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh. As per the preliminary investigation and report, the stealings are a result of internal collusion of past and current employees of Kia India.
900 engines stolen from Kia
This particular case has been reported from Kia’s Penukonda manufacturing facility, which is situated in the Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh. According to the Penukonda Sub-Division Police, over the past five years, starting from 2020, over 900 engines of Kia cars have been stolen. The complaint for these engines getting stolen was filed on March 19, 2025.
As for the disclosure of this case, the police authorities made the news public today, on April 9. It has been mentioned in the report that these engines were stolen while they were in transit to the plant. Also, some engines were stolen from the Kia factory as well.
Who has been involved in these thefts?
Reportedly, the thefts indicate collusion or negligence within Kia’s internal staff structure. The police authorities have also added that there may be an involvement of systemic lapses over a long period of time as well. Currently, past employees of Kia are being targeted in the investigation. Also, there have been reports that current employees may also be involved in the stealing of these engines.
Commenting on the matter, Penukonda Sub-Divisional Police Officer Y. Venkateshwarlu stated, "It (engine thefts) started in the year 2020. It has been a continuous process, nearly five years. We will go deep into the investigation.” He added, “Not outsiders, it is from within. Not even a small piece will come out without their (Kia management) permission. We are checking who are all involved in it. We conducted a preliminary inquiry, found certain loopholes, and are now targeting former employees, though we believe some current employees may also be involved."
Kia's response
Kia India has been asked for their comment on this engine theft case. However, at the moment, the company has not issued any statement on the matter. Most likely, the company is cooperating with the police authorities to find out the culprits. It is also being assumed that the company is also carrying out internal audits to find out the people involved in the theft of these engines.
Kia sales March 2025
In other Kia news, the company has reported a growth of 19.3 percent on a year-on-year basis for its March 2025 sales. The company has reported that last month, it dispatched a total of 25,525 units in March 2025. In the same month last year, the company sold a total of 21,400 units. Overall, the company has sold 2.55 lakh units in FY24-25, a growth of 4 percent YoY compared to 2.45 lakh units sold in FY23-24.
Commenting on the sales announcement, Hardeep Singh Brar, Senior Vice-President and Head of Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said:
Our strong sales growth is a testament to the trust our customers have in Kia’s products and our commitment to delivering world-class mobility solutions. The overwhelming response to the Kia Syros within just two months of its launch reaffirms our understanding of evolving consumer preferences and our ability to cater to them effectively. As we continue to expand our presence and strengthen our portfolio, we remain focused on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. With this momentum, we are confident of further solidifying Kia’s position as one of India’s most loved auto brands.