Kia sees over 30 percent customers renewing connected car subscription

Kia India has reported that over 30 percent of owners renew its paid connected-car subscription. This translates to over 1 lakh users re-subscribing to Kia Connect at least once a year after their current subscription plan expires. Meanwhile, those purchasing a new Kia car in India with Kia Connect are offered the carmaker’s connected-car feature suite complimentary for three years.

1. Kia Connect offers over 100 features
2. Available in 3 tiers with 1-, 2- or 3-year plans
3. Was launched in 2019 as ‘UVO’

Kia Connect: What is bringing customers back for a renewal?

Everyday features fuelling renewal of Kia’s connected-car platform in India

Known as UVO since its debut in 2019, the Kia Connect suite presently includes over 100 features spread across five main categories – Navigation, Remote Control, Convenience, Vehicle Management, and Safety & Security. Of these, the features that are bringing customers back for a renewal, according to Kia India, are remote vehicle access, real-time diagnostics, plus an enhanced safety suite and predictive alerts – all of which can be accessed via smartphone or smartwatch.

Enhancing the overall convenience are over-the-air (OTA) software updates, plus multi-lingual voice commands via Alexa for controlling in-car features like the navigation system, HVAC, seat ventilation and sunroof operation, among others. While there has been some scepticism levelled against the actual usability of connected-car features in everyday scenarios, Kia’s example reveals that there are enough buyers who actually utilise at least some of the tech that is on offer.

Kia Connect prices

Another factor most likely contributing to repeat subscription renewals is the cost of Kia Connect. Once the three-year complimentary period ends, customers can choose from three tiers of paid subscriptions, and the pricing appears to be fairly reasonable. Check the table below for the exact price breakdown.

Kia models with connected-car features

Kia has a total of 8 models on sale in India, of which all but the Carens get the Korean brand’s connected-car suite. For more details on the models that get the Kia Connect suite, check out the table below.