Kia UK boss Paul Philpott has targeted sales growth of more than 50 per cent by the end of the decade — putting the Korean manufacturer in the top five sellers in the UK market with more than 100,000 sales a year.
Speaking off the back of a record first quarter in 2013, during which Kia sold more than 19,000 cars, 12 per cent up year-on-year, Philpott predicted further gains despite expectations of a relatively static market.
"I expect the UK market to stay between two and 2.2 million units a year, but within that Kia has great potential for growth," said Philpott. "We are a relatively young brand, with low but rising awareness of the quality of our products.
The new Kia Ceed, Kia Picanto and Kia Sportage are currently the firm's best sellers in the UK, with customers increasingly speccing higher grade models, raising Philpott's hopes of greater profitability.
"We've already reacted by introducing a higher kit level for the Sportage, and we are looking at doing the same for the new Carens," said Philpott. "The days of people buying the entry-level Kia are changing."
Following the launch of the latest Kia Carens later this year, the firm's aggressive six-year renewal of its entire range will be complete. Philpott conceded this meant the time is now right for Kia to launch new, more niche sellers that help raise the brand profile.
"Aside from facelifts, the next few years will have space for other product launches. The Provo concept at the Geneva motor show was one example of where we will go - it was extremely well received and everyone expects growth in the small SUV segment."
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Achievable
They do seem to be on a roll and their sister company Hyundai is good too .
Have an i30 as a hire car at the mo and its suprisingly good . Comfortable refined and well specced . Yes I did walk past a Focus and an Astra and chose the Hyundai in preference to both of em . Have driven both before and wanted to try something different .
The only cautionary note I would have is watch the pricing . Its edging up too fast .
The best car bar none
Bought my Optima last year after test driving Insignia, Mondeo, Superb, Passat and Avensis. The Optima beat them hands down on price, equipment, ride and overall running costs. First time I have ever bought a KIA and to be honest, this is one ot the best cars I have ever bought. Ok its no BMW or Merc but its stylish, well equiped and well built and quite rare. I have 2 friends who have bought one after seeing and driving mine.
How about building Kia in UK?
Kia have built a reputation and increasing their sale by 50 percent in 7 years doesn't seem too ambitious for the talented Koreans.
However I do remember reading that the Kia have run out of capacity. They'll need a few more factories to meet their new targets.
Nissan, Toyota and Honda are doing exceptionally well in the UK. Is it amiss to expect Kia to install a factory here in Britain?