NEW SPORTAGE OWNERS TO VISIT DEALER WORKSHOPS

Kia Motors Europe Headquarters, Eschborn, Germany - 29 March 2005

KIA Motors is requesting owners of specific new Kia Sportage models to take their cars to their nearest authorised dealer workshop.

The safety initiative is a response to a number of ESP problems reported on new Sportage models produced between Feb 11, 2004 to Feb 28, 2005. The precautionary work will upgrade the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the ESP on all affected cars. This is a preventative measure that will ensure that the ESP is not activated when not needed.

The upgrade of the ECU will be provided by Kia at no cost to the customers. Customers will be informed in due course by their authorised dealers.

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 330,000 units per year by 2005, thanks to new products and new diesel engines.

About Kia Motors Corporation
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kiamotors.com) - 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 190 countries. Kia today has 30,000 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 v. Kirschbaum
Tel 0049 6196 5092 132 Email i.kirschbaum@kia-europe.com
Kia Motors Europe GmbH
Hauptstrasse 185, 65760 Eschborn, Germany.
Tel 0049 6196 5092 132 / Fax 0049 6196 5092 100

KME / 29.03.2005