Kia Motors UK plans to retain its focus on retail customers while seeking growth in the fleet and leasing sector.

Managing director Michael Cole said products such as the recently launched Sportage compact SUV and forthcoming Optima D-segment saloon are bringing more user-chooser company car drivers to the South Korean brand.

Another product expected to boost appeal with fleets is the new Rio B-segment car, which will be available with a highly efficient 1.1-litre diesel engine promising 88mpg and 85g/km CO2 emissions.

The challenge for Kia's dealer network will be to entice company car users into their workshops for servicing.

Currently fleet business accounts for 30% of KMUK's new car volume. Cole expects the new products to lift this to 40%, still lower than the industry's average but a level which KMUK sees as acceptable.

See AM magazine on March 25 for a full report on Kia's plans.