Kia enters Quarter Four with tempting offers, entry to a draw for a trip to the Australian Open, deposit allowances and more.

• £1,000 off when you take a test drive plus a chance to go to the Australian Open
• Improved finance deals for the Picanto and Sportage
• £500 towards Kia accessories for Caravan Club members

As Kia ascends into the fourth quarter of the year, the Korean car brand continues to offer private customers a huge £1,000 off the purchase of a new car when they choose to take a test drive of selected models of the Kia range between 1 October and 31 December 2016.

Customers who test drive any Kia model before the end of November will also be entered into a draw to win an all-expenses-paid trip Down Under to see the men’s semi-finals of the Australian Open, which Kia Motors has proudly sponsored since 2002. 

This offer is available on all models, nationwide across Kia’s 188 dealerships. Quarter four also sees a range of finance offers, with an attractive 4.9 per cent APR across the whole range. 

The best-selling all-new Sportage now sees all grades benefiting from the £500 PCP deposit allowance. Kia’s city car, the Picanto, also has enhanced finance offers, with the ‘SE’ and ‘Sport’ grades now enjoying £700 PCP deposit allowance.

The Kia Sorento comes with the £1,000 test drive saving and a £1,000 PCP deposit contribution. In addition, Caravan Club members buying a Sorento privately through the Kia dealer network continue to benefit from the offer of £500 towards Kia accessories. All grades have all-wheel drive, hill-start assist, trailer stability assist, reversing sensors and can haul between 2,000 and 2,500kg depending on the version, meaning this SUV is a perfect companion for caravanning adventures.

Kia looks to the future with fully autonomous lanes on roads and all this should happen over the next 25 years.

• In 25 years’ time autonomous cars will have their own dedicated motorway lanes
• Approximately eight million ‘connected’ cars will be on UK roads by 2020
• Kia Motors releases a future gazing report, celebrating its 25^th anniversary in the UK

To celebrate its 25^th anniversary in the UK, Kia Motors (UK) Ltd. has commissioned a first-of-its-kind report looking at the predicted motoring industry over the next 25 years. The report, which covers brand new technologies, the role of connectivity in cars of the future and wider infrastructure and regulation, gives a fascinating insight into how the UK will drive in 25 years’ time.

Fully autonomous cars will account for half of all car sales in 25 years, with increasing degrees of autonomy ranging from cruise control to partial self-drive automation adding to traditional vehicles and over eight million connected cars on UK roads able to communicate with each other and the surrounding infrastructure.

Whilst autonomous cars rise in popularity, there will be a huge overhaul of the infrastructure designed to accommodate a mixture of autonomous cars, connected cars and traditional vehicles. In 25 years autonomous cars will have their own lanes on motorways and will, under certain conditions, be able to ‘communicate’ with the road to identify obstacles, travel delays and even potholes.

The report, which was commissioned in conjunction with Dr. Frank Shaw of the Centre for Future Studies, reveals some of the benefits of autonomous vehicles. With level four autonomy (cars that are completely self-driving with no need for human input at all) parking fines will be almost eliminated as cars will be able to drop off their passengers before finding a suitable space, whilst insurance premiums for road traffic accidents are likely to be almost obsolete with cars able to avoid collisions through communication with each other. With cars able to transport themselves between locations there is also likely to be an increase in car sharing – bringing down the costs and emissions associated with owning a car. The driving test process will be drastically overhauled – drivers will still need a license for partially autonomous cars, but fully self-driving vehicles will allow those who are unable to drive for reasons such as disability a freedom previously denied to them as no human intervention will be required.

Dr. Frank Shaw, who has been described by Time Magazine as one of the 10 most influential thinkers in the world, commented: “The future of the car industry is an exciting one, as there will be a transformation from an industry built by mechanics to one that is largely driven by software developers. There is considerable speculation in 2016 about autonomous driving, the full impacts of which will not become manifest until the 2040s. I am confident however that over the next twenty five years, the industry and technology companies will deliver a safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly driving experience for everyone.”

“Technology in the motoring industry is moving at an incredibly fast pace, and this report is a fascinating look at how the world around our cars will need to adapt in order to keep up,” says Paul Philpott, Kia Motors UK President and CEO. “When Kia first started distributing cars in the UK 25 years ago the world was a very different place, as we have grown from a small importer with just one model to operating in 188 dealerships across the UK, we’re looking forward to the next 25 years and what the future will bring!”

Kia Motor's is pleased to open the UK's and Europe's biggest one make dealership in Brentford, West London.

• GWR Kia located next to the M4 and A4
• Four floors and 41,000sq.ft. on less than an acre
• Dealership to be operated by Norton Way

Kia Motors (UK) Limited has opened its biggest dealership in both the UK and Europe alongside the elevated M4 in the West London district of Brentford.

The flagship showroom operates on four levels including a 15-bay workshop one level below ground and the massive glass frontage faces directly on to the A4 at ground level where the new-range is displayed. 

The top floor alongside the elevated section of the M4 will be a brand-showcase and will feature a massive LCD display screen that will enhance the often painfully slow commute of tens of thousands of commuters who will pass the showroom daily.

The new dealership will be operated by Norton Way – a part of the Marubeni Group – headed by David Grainger along with a staff of 30 sales, service, technical and administrative staff.

Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia Motors (UK) Limited commented: ”With more than 27 million vehicles passing this spot every year our new flagship dealership will be seen by more potential customers than any other Kia facility in Europe! It is a fantastic facility and we are delighted that our partnership with David Grainger and Norton Way is now up and running!

“As Kia continues to break sales records – we expect to reach at least 89,000 sales this year – this new showroom embodies everything about the future direction of our brand and reflects the journey Kia has made in the UK in this, our 25^th anniversary of arriving on these shores,” he added.

The new building is not only spectacular to look at it, it encompasses as many zero and low carbon technologies as possible to minimise its impact on its surroundings – it will deliver a reduction in CO₂ of more than 30 per cent of that required by current building regulations.

UK SALES AUGUST - Kia motors ahead with its best ever August sales month, with nearly 4,000 cars sold.

• Kia delivers 3,849 cars in August – best ever figure for the month
• Year to date sales top 57,600 – up almost 15 per cent
• Kia ranked 7^th in August chart and Sportage 8^th in model Top Ten

Kia Motors (UK) Limited enjoyed its best-ever August sales month with 3,849 new cars delivered to customers – a massive 81 per cent up on the same month in 2015.

That took Kia to a year-to-date sales performance of 57,609 – again a best-ever figure by this point in the year and an increase of 14.7 per cent over the same period last year.

Even more remarkable, Kia entered both the Top Ten makes and the Top Ten models, with the all-new Sportage recording 8^th place after 1,540 models were delivered to the ever-growing band of customers for Kia’s hit mid-size SUV. In a market up by 3.3 per cent Kia’s overall sales saw the company join the Top Ten in 7^th place for the first time in its history.

Kia’s success was fuelled by demand in the retail market – retail customer numbers were 60 per cent up over August 2015 at a time when many private buyers are waiting for the September new registration number. Demand was also up amongst business and fleet buyers – with Sportage customers in the business world not wanting to wait to get their hands on the runaway success.

So far this year over 20,000 all-new Sportage models have been delivered to customers with total Sportage sales of almost 25,000.

Paul Philpott, President and Chief Executive of Kia Motors (UK) Limited said: “Whilst August is generally a quiet month our dealer partners have been recording remarkable levels of demand and interestingly so many customers have not wanted to wait for the new registration plate! Ever since we launched our all-new Sportage there has been a waiting list and it is clear that our customers are desperate to get their hands on the car – even if it is just a few weeks before the new registration month.

“And our dealers are telling us there is no let-up in demand, with Sportage still topping the list and high levels of interest for our new Niro crossover and the new Optima Sportswagon and plug-in-hybrid saloon,” he added.

25 years ago a new brand hit the UK shores, and now, all those years later, Kia is one of the UK's biggest.

From white wall tyres and £1 deposits to an industry leading seven year warranty and numerous design awards, Kia Motors (UK) Ltd is celebrating 25 years in the UK. The brand first started trading here in 1991, selling just under 1,800 cars in the UK in that year – a figure that it now sells on average every two weeks across its 188 strong dealer network.

Starting with just one model on sale in 1991 - the Kia Pride - the Kia range now covers nine segments with 12 cars on offer and with three engine types available in the UK – petrol, diesel and electric - this is soon to be expanded with the all-new petrol hybrid Niro going on sale in August.

With UK sales totalling 763,500 from 1991 to today, 44 per cent of the total has been in the last five years, highlighting the dramatic growth that the brand has seen in recent years. Consumers have been attracted to the brand for its styling, quality and reliability as well as that industry-topping seven year warranty.

Commenting on Kia’s 25^th UK anniversary, Paul Philpott, President and CEO, Kia Motors (UK) Ltd, said: “Kia has been on quite a journey in recent years. Within Kia’s time in the UK we have grown from a relatively small importer to challenging the best and most established brands in the industry.”

“We have a fantastic, ever growing, range of cars and in 2016 and 2017 we will launch fourteen new and face-lifted cars. Kia are certainly not resting on its laurels for the next 25 years as we expand our sales and dealer network in the UK.”

The Picanto - Pride’s replacement – was the first car in the A-segment to offer a five-door model, launching a successful and quirky animated advert asking consumers to ‘Think about it’, something that consumers have taken to heart – the Picanto is the biggest selling Kia in the UK since its introduction in 2004 with over 156,000 sold to date.

The Sportage - now in its fourth generation has sold close to 140,000 and is Kia’s second best-selling model with 16,000 of those being sold since the new model launch in February.

Although it has been in the UK for just 25 years Kia is still a company of firsts – from the five-door Picanto, through to dancing hamsters advertising for the Soul as well as being the first manufacturer to utilise the independent review company Reevoo so that customer can give unedited, uncensored feedback about its models and its dealerships – with over 20,000 reviews, 97 per cent of customers would chose Kia again.

Kia Motors Corporation is considerably older than its UK subsidiary being established in 1944. With its origins of manufacturing bicycles in South Korea, Kia has grown to be part of the 5^th largest automotive group in the world and is present in over 170 countries.

UK SALES MARCH - Kia continues to grow with higher than average percentage increases.

• 16,207 Kia’s delivered to customers in March
• 10,000 sold-orders for Sportage in first two months on sale
• Total sales of 24,162 in first quarter

Kia set a new one-month sales record in March with 16,207 cars delivered to customers across the UK including 7,388 Sportage, 2,475 Picanto and 1,809 cee’d.

The outstanding performance saw 9,111 vehicles delivered to retail customers and 7,096 to fleet and business, the total represented an increase of 7.92 per cent over the same month last year.

Remarkably the new Kia Sportage sales total of 7,388 represented 46 per cent of Kia’s total sales in only its second month in the market and the new car’s success is emphasised by an order book in the first two months in the market of 10,000 – a record for any new Kia model in the UK.

Kia’s Top Five cars in March were led by Sportage, Picanto, cee’d, Rio – 1,769 and Venga – 1,142 completing the list. The same cars fill Kia’s best five chart for the first quarter.

Kia’s first quarter sales total of 24,162 was 8.5 per cent up on the same period in 2015 and represented a market share of 3.13 per cent. Retail sales amounted to 13,489 and fleet and business sales totalled 10,673 – a split of 55.8 per cent and 44.2 per cent respectively.

Paul Philpott, President and Chief Executive commented: “The UK new car market has started strongly this year with March being one of the best-ever single month results.

“Sportage has been a phenomenal success for us since its launch with existing and new customers lining up to place their orders for this stylish and high-quality successor to our already best-selling car. It’s distinctive new look has struck a note with car-buyers and we already have a waiting list for some models – especially the high-specification versions and the new GT Line model.

“Our 188 dealers around the country have done a tremendous job in delivering a record month for the brand and it gives me every confidence that we can meet and potentially exceed our 2016 target of 84,000 sales as well as reaching our goal of becoming a 100,000 unit brand before the end of the decade,” he added.

Kia announces the Second quarter offers, with significant savings, contributions & 0%APR, it's time to get a Kia

• Competitive 4.9 per cent finance deal, with no deposit required across entire Kia range
• Exclusive deals on all-new Optima, cee’d and SR7 range
• Excellent deposit contributions and customer savings now available

Kia Motors UK Ltd is continuing to offer a strong range of customer offers across the entire line-up, available from 188 dealers across the network.

Customers can save up to £1,400 on selected models and enjoy 4.9 per cent interest across the entire Kia range, with no minimum deposit required and a generous selection of deposit contributions on most models. Zero per cent is also available on ‘SR7’ derivatives’ two-year Personal Contract Purchase agreements. Offers are available on Kia’s new models: the all-new Optima, all-new Sportage and the newly introduced ‘Soul Urban.’

The whole Kia range is available with 4.9 per cent finance, with no customer deposit required, and attractive customer savings on selected models. Kia’s superminis in particular continue to offer amazing value. The Picanto ‘1’ can still be purchased at an unbeatable price, thanks to a £450 customer saving and a £1,000 deposit contribution when purchased on PCP. The Rio offers a customer saving of £1,000 across the board and a deposit contribution of £600 available with 4.9 per cent PCP.

Offers are also available on mid-sized vehicles like the new cee’d, which includes customer savings of up to £900 in addition to a £1,500 deposit contribution on every new cee’d financed on a 4.9 per cent PCP agreement.

Kia’s popular ‘SR7’ range of vehicles, which includes the Picanto, Rio, Venga, cee’d and Carens, is available with zero per cent PCP and zero per cent deposit on PCP, lowering the entry to ownership level significantly. The zero per cent PCP offer on Picanto also includes £500 deposit contribution, whilst Rio’s offer comes with a £250 deposit contribution.

Kia’s new models also lure customers with strong offers. The all-new Optima is available with £1,500 deposit contribution on 4.9 per cent PCP whilst the all-new Sportage boasts 4.9 per cent finance, with £500 deposit contribution on PCP agreements.

The funky new ‘Soul Urban’ will make its debut to the line-up from 1 April. This model includes the ‘Urban’ SUV styling pack seen on higher grade models, but for a more accessible price starting from just £15,500. The ‘Urban’ comes with attractive offers too in the guise of a zero-per-cent APR on two-year PCP contracts as well as a Care-3 that covers the vehicle’s first three services for only £99.   

Kia’s popular Care-3 servicing plan will continue to be on offer for customers. This highly competitive service package deal means your first three services, normally due over the course of three years, costs only £99 for all ‘SR7’ grade customers – similar rates are available for other model specifications.