August 25th 2003
Kia release information that they were about to debut a new supermini at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The move would see the Korean manufacturer entering the small car market in Europe for the very first time.
The 5 door car would be available as a four and five-seat version, with low emissions coming from a 1.0 litre engine producing only 120 g/km. A 1.1 version would also only generate 130 g/km in the five-speed manual version and 153 g/km in the four-speed automatic version.With a choice of 14" or 15" alloy wheels and many other attractive and useful features, Kia were aiming to create a brand image that was young, sporty and freindly.
COO Yong-hwan Kim of Kia Motors said: "Our new A-class car offers a blend of contemporary styling and a full range of features. It is tailor-made for the active lifestyle favoured by the younger generation,"
"The Kia range currently covers around 35% of European segmentation. By 2005 this will increase to around 85% as we develop vehicles to more closely match European tastes," says Mr Kim.
Donghee Auto Company will build the new A-segment Kia on consignment at a new factory in Suhsan, a few kilometres from Kia's Hwasung plant. Initial production will be 150,000 units per year, of which 88,000 will be export models. The sales potential for Europe on a 12-month basis is around 60,000 units.
The 5 door car would be available as a four and five-seat version, with low emissions coming from a 1.0 litre engine producing only 120 g/km. A 1.1 version would also only generate 130 g/km in the five-speed manual version and 153 g/km in the four-speed automatic version.With a choice of 14" or 15" alloy wheels and many other attractive and useful features, Kia were aiming to create a brand image that was young, sporty and freindly.
COO Yong-hwan Kim of Kia Motors said: "Our new A-class car offers a blend of contemporary styling and a full range of features. It is tailor-made for the active lifestyle favoured by the younger generation,"
"The Kia range currently covers around 35% of European segmentation. By 2005 this will increase to around 85% as we develop vehicles to more closely match European tastes," says Mr Kim.
Donghee Auto Company will build the new A-segment Kia on consignment at a new factory in Suhsan, a few kilometres from Kia's Hwasung plant. Initial production will be 150,000 units per year, of which 88,000 will be export models. The sales potential for Europe on a 12-month basis is around 60,000 units.
