Senior Multimedia Reporter
peter.christopher@guardian.co.tt
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and executive director of Southern Sales & Service Company Imtiaz Ahamad is hoping to keep Kia as the number one brand in new car sales in the country, despite a massive increase in competition in the local market.
On Thursday, Kia unveiled the 2027 Kia Seltos at Queen’s Hall in Port-of-Spain.
However, in his speech at the event, Ahamad acknowledged the competition in the market had changed.
He said, “Last year, we reached a milestone. That means a great deal to us. The Kia brand became the number one new vehicle brand in Trinidad and Tobago, and we have continued that position and momentum this year, despite the increased competition and the arrival of many new brands in Trinidad and Tobago. For me, that achievement is not simply about being number one. It represents a journey, because I remember when we were selling only a few vehicles. I remember when we had to convince people to consider KIA. Today, people walk into our showrooms and ask for the KIA models.”
In an interview with the Guardian, Ahamad confirmed that Kia had topped new car sales last year and had been on course to repeat that achievement in 2026.
He said, “Kia is one of the most loved brands in T&T. With all the new brands that come into Trinidad, Kia still was the number one selling brand in 2025, and in 2026 we continue to be the leading brand up to August this year. So, with our wide range of electric vehicles, hybrid, and ICE (internal combustion engines) vehicles, we continue to lead the way.”
Several established local dealers with iconic brands have acknowledged a shift in the local market following the arrival of several Chinese brands and importers of vehicle models from markets not typically connected to T&T.
The local car retail market has faced additional scrutiny in recent years given foreign exchange concerns but the KIA team said they are managing those challenges in stride.
