Kia Car UK's ambition of taking 1% of the UK new car market by 2004 is based on thinning the current range and introducing new models.

At the press launch of the new Sedona MPV, managing director Mark Quinn agreed Kia's range of seven models was too large. Slow sellers included the Shuma and Mentor and new Kias would include sporty models to differentiate it from Hyundai, now owner of the marque.

“We should have an A-sector model by 2003 to at last replace the Pride which accounted for 40% of UK sales,” he said.

“We need a replacement for the Sportage and Kia is planning a larger 4x4 as well,” he said. Mr Quinn said Kia and its dealer network would have to play their part in making more people aware of the brand. (October 25, 2001)