The process to appoint a new marketing director at Kia Motors UK is well under way, according to managing director Michael Cole.

The company is still considering a number of high quality applicants, both internal and external, Cole said, which is a further signal of how strongly the South Korean brand is now regarded in the UK's motor industry.

The marketing director role is a vital one in supporting Kia's growth in the UK. It has ambitions of ultimately becoming a 5% market share player.

Previous marketing director Simon Hetherington moved to a newly created role of dealer development director in July.

In that role Hetherington is tasked with helping the retail network improve profitability and raise their levels of customer satisfaction and retention.