Kia gears up for company car sales drive

Kia Motors (UK) Limited has invested more than £5 million in a new programme to provide each of its 155 dealerships with a demonstration fleet to meet the demand from the business and corporate sectors in 2006.

The investment, managed by Siemens Financial Services, underlines Kia’s desire to increase the number of its vehicles within UK corporate fleets. Kia’s sales in the fleet market have grown substantially over the past year increasing market share from 0.75% to 1.2% with the aim to gain a 2% share by the end of the year.

Phil Molkenthin, National Corporate Sales Manager, Kia Motors (UK) Limited commented: “This investment illustrates Kia’s commitment to support our dealer network as we expand into business and corporate sales. As a growing company with ambitious plans for the future, we have recognised that we need to be more involved in the fleet sector.

“In 2005 we showcased the first of our new generation of products with Rio and Cerato and will continue this trend with the all-new Magentis in spring, which will be available in both petrol and diesel versions. We are also launching two totally redesigned MPV’s, the large 7-seater Sedona and the mid-sized 5-seater Carens, to provide a highly competitive offering in a traditionally MPV dominated marketplace.”

The monetary backing for this programme is being provided by Siemens Financial Services motor contracts division (Siemens), a leading provider of asset finance to UK businesses. Kia has had a three year relationship with Siemens, formerly Broadcastle, and the fleet programme marks the latest project in this partnership.