19/04/2012 Low emission car sales soar

UK drivers are choosing fuel efficient cars with low carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and the environment is benefitting, an official report has confirmed. more

08/08/2008 UK Kia sales put rest of Europe in the shade

The UK is still the leading market for Kia motors in Europe, the latest figures have revealed.

With 2,316 vehicle sales racked up in July, the UK was able to hold on to its place as the leading sales market ahead of the likes of Germany, Italy and France.

In all, 20,550 cars were sold in the UK over the last 12 months, which is over 3,000 more than in either Germany or Iberia, almost 8,000 more than in Italy and close to 10,000 more than in France.

"The Kia brand has outperformed the market in the UK this year and has been especially strong since credit-crunch worries hit new car sales," commented Paul Philpott, managing director of Kia Motors UK.

"We have a fantastic range of well-built and quality vehicles – backed in the case of cee’d by the industry-leading seven year warranty – and whilst some brands are watching their sales freefall our dealer network has been busy convincing real people that Kia represents excellent value for their hard-earned and under-threat income."

However, Mr Philpott went on to say that the company would not be resting on his laurels – with new products set to be rolled out over the next 12 months.

The cee’d family and the Rio proved popular for Kia in the UK – while demand for the Picanto outstripped supply.

04/07/2008 Kia offers summer chill

Kia has launched two special editions – the Picanto Chill and Rio Chill – with summer features. Naturally, one of the extra features is air-conditioning.

The Picanto Chill also includes options such as remote central locking, iPod docking and an increased variety of external paint ranges.

The Rio Chill, in petrol and diesel versions, also includes central locking as standard as well as 14-inch alloy wheels, spoiler and front electric windows.

Kia plans to launch two other editions before the summer has ended. The SR-7 cee’d will add extra external paint finishes, additional options to the audio system and alloy wheels. It will also come in two petrol engine options.

The Kia pro_cee’d ZR-7 will feature black bezel headlamps and 16-inch alloys, air conditioning and a metal interior finish. It will contain a 1.4 litre engine. As an entry level to the pro_cee’d range it will retail at around £12,000.

25/05/2007 Face-lifted Picanto to debut in Spain

An updated version of the Kia Picanto will have its world debut at the Barcelona Motor Show on June 7th.

The South Korean manufacturer said that, while the new Picanto will only be millimetres bigger than its predecessor, it will be "miles better in every way".

Among the stylistic revisions of the new model is a rounder nose, deeper rear bumper and new panels on the bonnet and front wings.

The ’rounded’ theme is maintained in the light clusters and newly-designed grille, which will be gradually introduced in other areas of the Kia line-up.

Five new colours have been made available for the Picanto’s interior, as well as new audio equipment and power steering that will offer a "high quality driving experience".

Jean-Charles Lievens, European vice-president of Kia, said: "Picanto has been a great success for Kia, achieving more than 250,000 sales across Europe in a segment where we previously had no presence.

"Now we have refreshed our small car, upgrading its equipment and introducing a range of customer benefits, we aim to maintain its appeal and expand sales to 90,000 units annually over the next few years."

02/03/2007 Kia offers loyalty reward for Picanto drivers

Kia Picanto owners can benefit from a £500 loyalty discount on a new purchase if they part exchange their current car for a newer model this month, the manufacturer has announced.

The Picanto has been a popular model since its launch in May 2004, with Kia crediting its "cute face and sprightly engine" as the main reasons behind drivers’ affection for the car.

Now the automaker claims that it is "giving something back" to loyal owners by offering this discount.

Paul Philpott, managing director of Kia Motors UK, said: "Picanto meets the needs of a new and younger customer base for Kia and has helped us to make great strides in the past three years.

"This offer allows any Picanto owner to replace their current model and to fall in love with their car all over again."

Mr Philpott also underlined Kia’s ambition to become a leading automaker by 2010 and expressed the company’s hope that offers such as this as well as new model launches this year will help it achieve that goal.

The Picanto offers a choice of one- or 1.1-litre engines and two transmissions, enabling a combined economy of up to 55mpg, and comes as standard with ABS, CD audio and power steering.