Kia 'yet to recognise full potential in Australia'

February 2012

The Australian market has not yet embraced the full potential of new Kia cars, the brand's incoming president and chief executive officer believes.

Chongwoo Kim indicated that Kia could soon become the fastest-growing brand in the country, with a double-figure expansion target set for every year under his leadership.

Latest figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show that new car sales have remained strong in the opening weeks of 2012, with 76,783 passenger cars sold throughout January.

Mr Kim thinks Kia has the potential to take a greater share of the market, as the signs are currently looking good for the brand's future performance.

"It is only one month but it is the first month and without a good start it would be difficult to obtain the targets we are determined to reach," the future chief executive officer commented.

Statistics from the FCAI indicate that the new car market is presently being buoyed by private purchases of SUVs, which were 27.7 per cent higher than in January last year.

Sales in Queensland were up 18.3 per cent compared to the same period of 2011, continuing the strong growth seen over recent months.

Check out the full range of Kia cars currently on display at Macarthur Kia dealership in Sydney.