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Next generation Kia Optima to showcase confident new design direction

• World premiere to be held at 2010 New York Motor Show

The next generation Kia Optima (also known as ‘Magentis’ in some markets) is set to make its world premiere next month at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.

“The next generation Optima possesses the power to surprise,” says Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer.  “It’s a car that people will simply not expect from Kia – and that’s exactly what we set out to achieve.”

The all-new Optima exudes an athletic confidence from every angle and shutline – its raked roofline, the high and pronounced shoulder line of its sculpted flanks and its extended wheelbase, are complemented by boldly flared wheelarches and a shallow glasshouse that create a saloon with a muscular and self-assured stance.

The striking visage of the new Optima features a new interpretation of Kia’s bold ‘tiger’ family face that’s edged by piercing projector headlamps.

Longer, wider and lower than before, the Kia’s coupe-like profile is enhanced by the sweeping chrome arc that flows from the A- to C-pillar, a distinctive design mo-tif that visually lowers the car further still and enhances its cab-backwards proporti-ons.

Spacious, and with class-leading levels of safety and luxury equipment, the new Optima’s intelligently configured and driver-oriented cabin underlines this newfound poise and presence.

“The latest Optima embodies Kia's confident new design direction," says Schreyer.  "It's a global car with individual appeal."

The Kia Motors press conference for the New York International Auto Show will take place on Thursday 1 April, 2010 from 10.10-to-10.35 at the Kia Stand on Level 1 of the ‘Jacob Javits Center’ located between 34-39 Streets on 11th Avenue in New York City.



Editors’ Notes

Kia Motors Europe
Kia Motors Europe is the European sales, marketing, and service arm of Kia Motors Corporation.  With its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, it covers 25 markets in Europe.

About Kia Motors Corporation
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) – a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart – 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. 
    Over 1.5 million vehicles a year are produced at 13 manufacturing and assembly
operations in eight countries.  These vehicles are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 172 countries.
    Kia today has more than 42,000 employees and annual revenues of almost US$14.6 billion.  It is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA World 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

Ilona Tzudnowski
PR Manager Europe
Tel.:  +49 69 850 928 357    
E-mail:  i.tzudnowski@kia-europe.com

Kia Motors Europe GmbH
Theodor-Heuss-Allee 11
60486 Frankfurt, Germany