KIA REVIVES ´SPORTAGE´ NAME FOR NEW SUV

• New model brings space, elegance and refinement to small SUVs
• On sale from October with choice of diesel and gasoline engines
• Automatic transmission option for both gasoline and diesel models

Kia Motors Europe Headquarters, Eschborn, Germany - 18 June 2004

Kia Motors Corporation has revealed that its all-new compact SUV, which will make it´s world debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, will be called the ´SPORTAGE´ - reviving the name of Kia´s earlier 4x4 model which sold strongly all around the world during the 1990s.

Following a comprehensive review of name connotations, public opinion polls, and effectiveness as a global brand, Kia ultimately decided to keep SPORTAGE as the name for its latest SUV.

Longer, wider and higher than the average small SUV, the new five-seater SPORTAGE will offer customers much of the technical sophistication and stylish looks of the popular Sorento, but in a smaller package. The 4350 mm long SPORTAGE will be available with a single unitary body-type (5-door hatchback), but with a choice of three engines (2-litre and 2.7-litre-V6 gasoline, 2-litre diesel), two-wheel or four-wheel-drive powertrains, five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions (with auto or manual selection) and two trim/equipment levels.

"The soon-to-be-released new Sportage is completely different to its predecessor in nearly every respect," comments Yong-Hwan Kim, Senior Executive Vice-President and COO of Kia Motors. "However, since an entirely new name sometimes runs the risk of failing to capture customers´ attention, we have decided to continue to use the Sportage name, considering the brand power it has accumulated over the years in many markets across the world."

The generous dimensions of the new SPORTAGE have been used to boost both passenger and luggage space, and to greatly improve the ride and handling, and
the ´on´ and ´off´ road performance. The rear seat backrests fold to create a
more…

spacious, square-sided, flat-floored cargo area and the top-hinged tailgate features a flip-up window (like the Sorento) for loading versatility.

"The Sportage name has all the right vibes for Kia´s ´young, friendly and sporty´ brand aspirations, so we are delighted to revive it for our newcomer," commented Jean-Charles Lievens, Vice President of Kia Motors Europe. "The new Sportage is a ´next generation´ vehicle - spacious, elegant and adaptable. It will offer Kia consumers three modern vehicles in one - with Passenger car refinement, ride and handling, SUV exterior, ease of access and four-wheel grip, plus Wagon-like versatility, people space and cargo space."

The explosive popularity of the original SPORTAGE, first introduced in 1993, enabled it to become Kia´s best-seller globally. Almost 560,000 examples were sold world-wide - 95,000 in Korea and 464,000 in export markets.

Soon after launch, the SPORTAGE grabbed the attention of the world´s automakers with its advanced, compact design and its ´off´ and ´on´ road capabilities. The SPORTAGE went on to demonstrate its performance and durability time and again, contesting and completing the 11,500 kilometre, gruelling trans-Sahara desert Paris-Dakar Rally three times.

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Editors´ Notes:

Kia Motors Europe
Kia Motors Europe is the European sales, marketing, and service arm of Kia Motors Corporation. With its headquarters in Eschborn, Germany, it covers 19 markets in Europe. The European sales target is 300,000 units per year by 2005, thanks to new European products and new diesel engines.

About Kia Motors Corporation
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kiamotors.com), which celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2004, is among the world´s fastest growing automobile companies. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to be a ´Top 5´ global automaker by 2010. Kia´s 15 manufacturing and assembly operations in 12 countries make more than one

million vehicles each year. These vehicles are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 190 countries.

Founded in 1944, Kia Motors Corporation is Korea´s oldest manufacturer of automobiles. Kia today has 30,000 employees and annual revenues of US$ 12 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open and the international sponsor of the Davis Cup.

Press Contact:

Kia Motors Europe GmbH
Henri-Pierre Galletti
Head of Communications
Hauptstrasse 185, 65760 Eschborn, Germany
Tel.: +49 (6196) 509 2132 / Fax.: +49 (6196) 509 2100
E-mail: hpgalletti@kia-europe.com