Kia reveals all-new challenger to C-segment class leaders

• Photographs of new ED (code name) revealed at British Motor Show
• Five-door hatchback model to challenge for C-segment class honours
• New model will make its world premiere at Paris Motor Show in September
• Choice of four engines for new model range on sale from December

Kia Motors Europe Headquarters, Eschborn, Germany - 15.30 hrs (UK time) 18 July 2006

Kia Motors Corporation issued the first official photographs of its all-new family car - code named ´ED´ - at the British International Motor Show in London today (Tuesday). Created especially for European consumers, the new model will be Kia´s strongest-ever contender for C-segment honours when it goes on sale across Europe in December 2006 - a genuine chal-lenger to the established class leaders.

The 4.2-metre long ED has an unusually long wheelbase (2,650 mm) and will offer class-leading interior space, plus highly competitive levels of equipment and state-of-the-art active and passive safety. From launch, a range of four engines will be available, including 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0-litre CVVT gasoline engines and an all-new 1.6-litre VGT diesel engine.

"Our new C-segment model is code named ´ED´ because it is a European Design created with European consumers in mind," explains Jean-Charles Lievens, Senior Vice President Kia Motors Europe. "Our ED production model´s styling highlights that this car is a truly European design, tailored precisely to the C-Segment which is uniquely important in Europe. ED is truly a car designed in Europe, manufactured in Europe, to be marketed exclusively in Europe, to fulfil 100% of European customers´ needs."

With its ´tough not rough´ appearance, combining strongly solid forms with sensitively flo-wing lines, jewel-like detailing and a broad stance, ED points towards the future elements of Kia´s evolving design language - like the cee´d concept car shown by Kia at the Geneva Show earlier this year and at the British Show today.

Kia´s latest C-segment model, the ED will be produced at Kia´s first-ever European manu-facturing facility at Zilina in Slovakia. It will be marketed exclusively in Europe and the fi-ve-door launch models will be joined by a range of station wagons and sporty three-door hatchback models from September and December 2007, respectively.

The all-new Kia five-door family hatchback will make its world premiere at the Mondial de L´Automobile in Paris, France, on 28 September 2006, when its name will be revealed.

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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 29 markets in Europe.

About Kia Motors Corporation
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kiamotors.com) 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 12 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 von 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