The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kia

  • Kia wins three iF Design Awards

    Kia has won three prestigious  iF Design Awards for the outstanding design of its latest vehicles. The Niro hybrid crossover, Optima Sportswagon and all-new Rio supermini have all received prizes for product design.

    Kia has received at least one iF Design Award for the eighth consecutive year. The latest hat-trick of prizes brings the manufacturer’s total number of iF award-winning models to 12.

    Kia Motors Corporation President and Chief Designer, Peter Schreyer, said: “These latest iF Awards are recognition for our excellent global design team. All three models, on which the Kia design centres in Korea, Germany and the United States cooperated closely, are highly important for our brand. With the Niro and the Optima Sportswagon, Kia has pushed into new market sectors, and has carved out a distinctive position in both segments with innovative, attractive design. With the new generation of the Rio we have given one of our global best-sellers a significantly changed, more mature character.”

    The Kia Niro marries the practical advantages and aesthetic appeal of a compact crossover with a sleek appearance, differentiating it from more conservatively designed hybrid models, and giving the car a unique presence as the world’s first hybrid crossover.

    The Optima Sportswagon, Kia’s first-ever D-segment vehicle, offers a striking exterior design and high quality interior, with the added practicality and appeal of a body style.

    Kia’s third prize-winner – the all-new Rio – goes on sale this quarter in Europe, and offers buyers a bold new design and a modern, efficiently-packaged cabin with the latest infotainment and safety technologies. The longer bonnet and more vertical C-pillar give the new car a more purposeful and aggressive stance, with a driver-orientated dashboard which provides an innovative and ergonomic design.

  • Kia releases first images of all-new Picanto

    Kia releases first images of all-new Picanto

    Kia Motors last Thursday released images of the all-new Picanto, the third-generation of one of Kia’s global best-selling cars.

    Created by Kia’s design centres in Namyang, Korea and Frankfurt, Germany, the new Picanto brings youthful and energetic character to the A-segment.

    The new model – revealed in Kia’s sports-inspired ‘GT-Line’ specification – conveys a more assertive stance through bolder body lines and subtly sculpted surfaces.

    A 15 mm-longer wheelbase (2,385 mm to 2,400 mm) also pushes the wheels further out into each corner for a more confident appearance.

    The Picanto’s colour palette is more vibrant than ever, with a choice of 11 bright paint options designed to make the car stand out.

    Inside, Picanto’s suite of high-tech comfort, convenience and safety features is underscored by a modern and refined new cabin design. At the heart of the cabin is a new ‘floating’ touchscreen infotainment system, making the latest in-car technology available to occupants. The Picanto offers greater potential for customer personalisation, with buyers able to choose from a range of colours for trim and upholstery.

    Buyers of the all-new Picanto will enjoy smarter packaging efficiency than ever before, with more cabin and cargo space than rivals in the segment. In spite of its extended wheelbase, the Picanto retains its characteristically compact dimensions. With a shorter front overhang and longer rear overhang, the all-new model is the same length (3,595 mm) as the car it replaces.

    Kia will reveal the all-new Picanto in public for the first time at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show in March, and will go on sale at the end of the third quarter of 2017.

  • Kia now world 69th most valuable brand

    Kia now world 69th most valuable brand

    The global value of the Kia Motors brand has grown by 12 per cent over the last year, according to Interbrand’s exclusive list of the 100 ‘Best Global Brands’. According to the 2016 study, released last week, Kia has risen five spots to become the 69th most-valuable brand in the world.

    The Korean manufacturer’s estimated brand value grew from $5.7 billion in 2015 to $6.3 billion this year. This represents a seven-fold (603 per cent) increase since 2006, the year in which the brand declared design-driven management as a key strategy behind the company’s future growth.

    Kia Motors Senior Vice President of the Corporate Marketing Division Charles Suh said: “Despite economic uncertainty and stagnation in the automotive market across a number of regions, this welcome rise in Kia’s brand value is a clear reflection of extensive company-wide efforts to ensure consistent and continuous growth in our brand power. This result provides us with further motivation to continue our mission to become the most desirable automotive brand in the eyes of consumers.”

    Interbrand Global Director of Brand Valuation Mike Rocha, said: “Kia’s impressive growth in brand value in recent years can be seen as a direct result of consumers’ strengthening attachment to the highly desirable designs and features of Kia’s product line-up. Kia’s brand performance in the European market in particular has been driven by a strong Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) line-up, as well as engaging experiential customer communications programs, on- and off-line.”

  • Kia to premiere new Rio in Paris

    Kia to premiere new Rio in Paris

    The all-new, fourth-generation Kia Rio will make its world premiere on September 29 in Paris, at the 2016 Mondial de l’Automobile.

    The Rio’s progressive new exterior and interior design was led by Kia’s design centres in Germany and California, in close collaboration with the company’s main design centre in Namyang, Korea.

    Straight lines and smooth surfacing give the car a distinctive new character, while a longer front overhang and bonnet, longer wheelbase, and upright C-pillar give the car an even more confident and balanced appearance than its predecessor.

    The all-new Rio will offer buyers class-leading practicality and safety technology, the latest connectivity features, and more assured and engaging ride and handling characteristics.

    The Kia Rio is the Korean manufacturer’s global best-selling model, with more than 473,000 sold around the world last year.

    The next generation will enter production towards the end of 2016 for Europe, with production timings for other regions to be announced closer to launch.

  • Kia cuts environmental impact of car manufacturing

    Kia cuts environmental impact of car manufacturing

    Kia Motors Corporation has made significant progress in reducing the environmental impact of its production facilities, according to the company’s annual ‘MOVE’ sustainability report.

    The Korean car manufacturer’s ongoing efforts to introduce more environmentally sustainable production methods have, over the past one year, resulted in lower greenhouse gas emissions levels, less waste and reduced water use across its domestic production sites. These have been achieved with a strong focus on recycling, employee sustainability initiatives, reducing unit waste and cleaner, more modern production methods.

    Kia’s domestic plants, located in Sohari, Gwangju and Hwasung, Korea, accounted for 56.5 per cent of all Kia global production in 2015 – 1.72 million units. While the company’s year-on-year global sales grew by 0.3 per cent in 2015, to 3.05 million units, the ongoing focus on sustainability across the brand’s manufacturing facilities has minimised the environmental impact of this growth.

    Kia’s focus on improving production methods has resulted in a 12.4 per cent per-unit reduction in the volume of raw materials required since 2014 and a 21.5 per cent reduction since 2003. This includes a 22.1 per cent drop in the amount of steel needed to produce each individual car, as well as an 11.7 per cent drop in the consumption of paint throughout the same period since 2003.

    As a result of this push for greater efficiency, Kia has recorded a 1.2 per cent reduction in per-unit waste output since 2014 – and a 30 per cent decrease since 2003. In 2015, the three domestic production sites generated a total of 233,442 tons of waste, down 0.2 per cent from the previous year despite the growth in production. Meanwhile, recycling rates have risen, with the company finding alternative uses for 93.7 per cent (219,000 tons) of all waste materials. For instance, unused zinc-coated steel is sent to steelmakers in Korea, while uncoated steel can be recycled for use at the foundry in Kia’s Gwangju facility. Kia has also introduced programs to recycle and re-use paint and thinners, while other waste is being used to make cement for construction, as well as other materials.

    Waste materials that can’t be reused or recycled are incinerated or buried, with landfill waste totalling near 1 per cent of all factory waste. The Sohari manufacturing facility, with a production capacity of 340,000 cars per year, has generated 0 per cent landfill waste since 2008.

  • Kia Motors posts 3.4 per cent rise in global sales

    Kia Motors posts 3.4 per cent rise in global sales

    Kia Motors Corporation has  announced its May 2016 global sales figures (export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants) for passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles, recording a total of 261,269 units sold. This figure represents a 3.4 per cent year-on-year increase compared to the same month of 2015.

    In May, Kia posted year-on-year sales increases in the domestic Korean market (19.0 per cent growth with 47,614 units sold), Europe (8.5 per cent growth with 53,298 units sold), China (0.7 per cent growth with 51,002 units sold) and North America (0.2 per cent growth with 70,032 units sold).

    Cumulatively through the first five months of 2016, Kia’s global sales totalled 1,201,936 units for a year-on-year increase of 0.5 per cent. Korea (224,244 units sold), Europe (251,129 units sold) and North America (294,533 units sold) have seen a 13.5 per cent, 7.4 per cent and 3.0 per cent rise in sales, respectively.

    Kia’s bestselling model in overseas markets during May 2016 was the Sportage compact CUV with 48,798 units sold. The B-segment Rio (known as ‘K2’ in China) was the second best seller with 36,445 units sold, while the C-segment Cerato (Known as ‘Forte’ or ‘K3’ in some markets), Soul urban crossover and Sorento midsized CUV followed with 31,372, 18,613 and 17,609 units sold, respectively.

  • Kia to introduce Android auto, Apple CarPlay

    Kia to introduce Android auto, Apple CarPlay

    Kia Motors is to introduce Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality across its entire European model range over the next 18 months, making the Korean manufacturer’s customers some of the most connected drivers on the road.

    The all-new Kia Niro hybrid crossover, Optima Plug-in Hybrid and Sportswagon will be available with the latest smartphone-compatible operating systems when they are launched in Europe later this year. Every new model in Kia’s product line-up will feature these technologies in future, as the brand seeks to offer the latest connectivity technology to buyers at all price points.

    Kia Motors Chief Operating Officer Europe Michael Cole, said: “In-car connectivity is increasingly important to our buyers, who are young-at-heart and often seek the latest technologies on offer. It makes a great deal of sense to offer full Android and Apple compatibility so our customers can use a wide range of smartphone functions in a safe and seamless way. Kia is integrating these technologies to let drivers maintain their concentration on the road ahead.”

    The new Niro hybrid crossover will be the first Kia model to feature Android Auto (designed to work with Android phones running 5.0 Lollipop or higher).

    Once the phone is connected to the car via USB, both the Android and Apple systems feature voice control and allows the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road ahead. Android Auto will be available on the Niro from the start of European sales in Q3 2016.

    Android Auto connects to the user’s Android device and lets them access smartphone apps and functions through the in-car infotainment system, such as voice-guided Google

    Maps navigation, hands-free calls and texts and voice recognition. Android Auto also lets users stream music from Google Play Music.

    The system also supports other audio apps,such as music streaming or audiobooks that the user may have downloaded to their iPhone.

    The system has been designed to minimise distractions, and allow the driver to maintain their focus on the road ahead at all times. The new operating systems are built into a large 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system at the centre of the dashboard.

  • Kia appoints XYZ International as Uyo dealer

    In a bid to continuously bring its brand closer to customers, Kia Motors Nigeria has strengthened its dealership network with the appointment of XYZ International Projects Limited, a corporate body located in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

    Following its appointment, XYZ International Projects Limited will offer Kia vehicles through her facility located along Nwaniba Road, Nsukara Offot, Uyo. The franchise has a 3S facility to provide better services for the increasing number of Kia customers in Uyo and its nearby cities.

    Sanjay Tatpati, Vice President, Kia Motors Nigeria said: “The appointment of XYZ International with long-standing dedication to strong customer service is aimed at expanding our network in the light of our increasing sales volume and our commitment to providing the best customer satisfaction. Given XYZ’s success and track record, we are confident that our customers will be offered top-notch services that exceed their expectations”.

    “We are very pleased to join the Kia family and we will contribute our valuable experience in the auto industry to deliver best in class retail experience to the teeming customers. We committed to keeping pace with the growth of this prestigious brand by offering the highest standard of customer service aimed at exceeding the customers’ expectations.” said Ufok Etim, Administrative Officer, XYZ International Projects Limited.

    With over a decade of offering advanced automotive technology and accentuated after sales services, Kia remains the fastest growing automobile brand in Nigeria. The strategic partnership is aimed at bringing Kia’s facility to its teeming customers in the region. The appointment comes on the heels of the expansion drive of Kia’s dealership network and further reaffirms its commitment to providing quality and comprehensive services to its customers. The new 3S centre boasts full-fledged facilities that consist of sales, service, spare parts; providing ease and utmost convenience to Kia’s discerning clientele.

  • Kia Motors donates Rio to Lagos govt

    Kia Motors donates Rio to Lagos govt

    Kia Motors Nigeria has donated Rio to Lagos State government as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility.

    The donation, according to Jacky Hathiramani, Kia Motors Nigeria Managing Director, is to impact on the operating communities.

    “We foster a framework for collaboration with the government and recognise local initiatives for expanding the involvement in social contribution initiatives for the state. We are proud to partner with the Lagos State government for the actualisation of the state’s mega city project by advancing the frontiers of the industrialisation of the state with our assembly plant in the state,” Hathiramani said.

    Permanent Secretary, Office of the Chief of Staff, Abiodun Bamgboye, who received the car on behalf of government, said government will always provide an enabling environment for the success of the local businesses.

  • Kia showcases bulletproof Quoris

    With a different beat and an enhanced armoured technology against ammunitions attacks, Kia Motors Nigeria has created a niche in the super-luxury market with the introduction of the shatterproof, grenade resistant, opaque anti-blast armour, and protective coated reinforced bulletproof Quoris for high-net-worth individuals and government officials.

    The bulletproof Kia Quoris currently selling at N39.6m has enjoyed an impressive outing and gained momentum amongst top chief executive officers and government officials. It’s armour-plating is rated as one of the best bulletproof cars in the country with a sniper resistant roof fitted with special steel and shatterproof glass.

    “The armoured luxury sedan handily gets a turbo-charged 3.8-litre V6 and boasts enough protective capability to defend against rifle fire from military weapons, hand grenades, explosive charges, amongst others. High-tech fibres and enhanced materials are used to implement the armouring process with top notch installation techniques to provide greater protection and exhilarating experience for our well-heeled, security-conscious customers,” Sandeep Malhotra, Chief Commercial Officer, Kia Motors Nigeria said.

    Kia Quoris armoured luxury sedan provides an exceptional level of protection from the impact of collisions for all occupants and is outfitted with high-performance run-flat-tire inserts.  The springs, shock absorbers, role and torsion bars and brake system are replaced with updated parts.  The ratings of the components are measured to provide the optimum balance in handling so as not to affect the overhaul driving dynamics of the reinforced luxury sedan from the standard model.

    The bulletproof Kia Quoris charts a new course of fortified sedan with pre-fabricated opaque armour components and elegant style.