KIA CELEBRATES 20 YEARS IN THE UK
Last weekend saw Bells Kia celebrating Kia’s 20th UK anniversary. It has been 20 years since the manufacturer’s first car went on sale in the UK – less than a fortnight after the all new Picanto, went on sale at the dealership.
Bells Kia has only been a Kia retailer since October 2010 but had been witnessing the brand going from strength to strength. Clive Bell, Operations Director, says: “Out of all the car manufacturers on the roads today, Kia has been the most exciting to watch. As each year goes by, Kia is making its cars more attractive to consumers; build quality, kerb appeal, environmental credentials, value for money – all of these factors are important to our customers and as a result, they’re walking through our doors and becoming more and more impressed with Kia.”
Northamptonshire motorists are especially embracing the new Kia’s, their favourite being the Cee’d range. Kia’s 20th year in the UK is a busy one for new models and has already seen the launch of new Picanto onto Bells Kia forecourt. Later this year, Northampton will see the launch of new Rio and the brand new Kia Optima.
Kia’s progress
Back in 1991 the Kia Pride was the only Kia model on sale in the UK and the small hatchback went on to find 1,786 British homes in its debut year. Since then the firm has changed beyond all recognition and grown at an extraordinary rate to become a major global brand. In 2010 Kia recorded its best ever year in the UK with 56,114 vehicles sold – a feat matched at an international level as Kia sold in excess of 2 million vehicles worldwide for the first time.
Early models such as the Pride and first generations of the Sportage crossover and Sedona MPV were renowned for offering great value for money and brought many customers to the brand. Recent models such as the European designed and manufactured cee’d, along with Kia’s industry-leading seven year warranty, have built the South Korean firm a reputation for quality and reliability.
The appointment of Peter Schreyer as Chief Design Officer in 2006 coincided with a shift in direction for the brand to put exciting design at the heart of all its new products and to appeal first and foremost on an emotional level. The popularity of stunning new models such as the Soul urban crossover, Venga mini-MPV, Sportage and all-new Picanto is testament to these efforts.
Kia Motors Corporation is considerably older than its UK subsidiary having recently celebrated its own 67th anniversary on the 25th May 2011. From its origins of manufacturing bicycles in the 1950s Kia has now grown to be part of the 4th largest automotive group in the world and is present in over 170 countries.
To arrange a test drive, call Bells Kia on 01604 621363 or visit the showroom at Bells Kia, Bedford Road, Northampton, NN1 5NT. www.bellsmotorgroup.co.uk