KIA REVEALS ´MULTI-S´ CROSSOVER CONCEPT

• Seven-seater Multi-S concept vehicle debuts at Frankfurt Motor Show
• Next generation CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) for active lifestyle families
• Dual panel glass roof ´allows outside to come inside´ for calm ambience

Kia Motors Europe Headquarters, Eschborn, Germany - 7 September 2005

Kia Motors Corporation revealed its latest concept vehicle, the dramatic looking seven-seater Multi-S, at the Frankfurt Motor Show today (Tuesday). Conceived by Kia as a next generation CUV (Cross-over Utility Vehicle) the Multi-S is designed to cater for the needs of modern customers by blending the interlocking trends of Crossover vehicles, MPVs and SUVs.

The ´S´ in Multi-S stands for "Sporty, Spacious and Smart" and the 4545 mm long concept car is in-tended to appeal to individual buyers seeking a car with ´character´ and to families with children and an active lifestyle. Multi-S will have ´best-in-class´ occupant protection systems, plus ESP (electronic stability program), MDPS (motor driven power steering), TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system), AFS (adaptive front light system), full-length curtain airbags and ´active´ head restraints.

Multi-S´s seven occupants are seated within a stylish body that has refined detailing, subtle curves which disguise its bulk, a unique and dynamic frontal appearance and a simple, uncluttered rear. Large diameter, 19-inch alloy wheels with low-profile 245/45 R19 tyres give the vehicle a strong ´on-road´ presence. Built on a 2700 mm wheelbase, Multi-S measures 1850 mm wide and 1650 mm high, to provide spacious accommodation.

Inside Multi-S, the design brief was to create maximum versatility and a living space with a composed and calming ambience. Features include a dual-panel glass roof to "allow the outside space to come inside," a high-tech instrument panel and centre fascia, super-size centre console, luggage box and overhead compartment for maximum storage, full second and third row air-conditioning, a premium surround-sound audio system and rear-rows entertainment system with USB port.

"Our latest concept vehicle, the Multi-S, shows how Kia is continuously striving to explore new areas and cater for the changing present and future needs of consumers. Design and engineering work on concept programs has helped us create a succession of new production models which are attractively styled, comfortably appointed, technically sophisticated and thoroughly modern," enthused Mr Yong-Hwan Kim, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of Kia Motors Corporation.

Although the display vehicle at Frankfurt is powered by a 2.7-litre V6 gasoline engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with Sport Mode, the Multi-S engine bay is also designed to accept a 2-litre turbo diesel engine and a choice of transmissions.

Kia´s Multi-S is intended to trigger public debate and generate feedback from consumers about their future motoring needs. At present, there are no plans to put Multi-S into production.

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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 28 markets in Europe. The European sales target is 300,000 units per year by 2005, thanks to new products and new diesel engines.

About Kia Motors Corporation
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kiamotors.com) - one of the fastest growing automaker in the world - was founded in 1944 and is Korea´s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world´s premier automotive brands.

Kia´s 16 manufacturing and assembly operations in 13 countries produce more than 1.1 million vehicles a year that are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 155 countries. Kia today has 32,000 employees and annual revenues of US$14 billion.

Kia is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open and an official worldwide sponsor of the Davis Cup. Kia Motors Corporation´s brand slogan - ´The Power to Surprise´ - represents the company´s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.

Press Contact

Dr Iris Kirschbaum
Tel 0049 6196 5092 132 Email i.kirschbaum@kia-europe.com
Kia Motors Europe GmbH
Hauptstrasse 185, 65760 Eschborn, Germany.
Tel +49 (6196) 509 2132 / Fax +49 (6196) 509 2100