MUSCAT -- Kia Motors has been named 'Global Automotive Manufacturer of the Year 2007' by the UK's Institute of Transport Management (ITM) in its recent report.
The award recognises considerable progress Kia Motors has made in promoting sustainable development within the industry. Amongst both product and next generation initiatives, the report recognises the advanced technological solutions Kia has implemented to minimise energy and water consumption, emissions and waste at its manufacturing plants.
It anticipates a year of continued expansion for the Kia brand in which its first European production facility and its second Chinese production facility will become fully operational, increasing sales from overseas production to almost half a million units per year by 2008.
Byung-Kwang Jang, president of Kia Motors (UK) in response to the recognition of Kia by the ITM, said, "From the outset, we at Kia have been making cars with the driver in mind. The consumer has responded by placing Kia Motors in the enviable position as one of the fastest growing car companies in the world. This award is recognition of our company's ongoing commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation."
In addition, the media and PR director for the ITM said, "It is gratifying to know that Kia has become a household name within the industry. This award will further enhance their reputation as one of the industry's fastest growing manufacturers, and ensure that Kia Motors will continue to expand on a global scale throughout 2007."
According to Yong-Hwan Kim, executive vice-president and COO of Kia Motors, "This is clear evidence that we are making great strides in improving the quality and styling of our products to make them more attractive to consumers. Going forward, we plan to fully utilise our R&D centres in the US and Germany to produce even more quality vehicles tailored towards different regional tastes."
Kia Motors Corporation was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Kia's aim is to become one of the world's premier automotive brands in the years to come. With 16 manufacturing plants and assembly operations in 12 countries, Kia produces more than 1.1 million vehicles a year that are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 155 countries.
Kia's extensive line-up now includes models to suit every need -- and that includes a host of feature-packed sedans, versatile SUVs and MPVs. Picanto, the colourful compact car exudes youthfulness, while economy is the forte of Kia Cerato. Optima is the choice of mature audiences while large families enjoy the spaciousness of Carens/Carnival MPVs. The thirst of the adventurous is satisfied by Kia Sportage & Sorento. And for those who mean business, there's the K2700 truck range. At the top end, there is the matchless Opirus. A sedan that personifies luxury and top class features, with extremely high levels of affordability.
In Oman, Reliable International Automotive brings Kia vehicles to you. It combines Kia's excellent product with unmatched after sales support. It has 18 sales outlets, widespread service network and 28 easily accessible parts centres. All Kia vehicles come with a 6-year unlimited Ahed Kia mileage protection.
© Times of Oman 2006
