The head of Marketing and Product Planning for Kia Motors Europe has revealed that the division is to launch the Optima Hybrid in all LHD European markets with the exception of Italy.
Speaking exclusively to just-auto earlier on 13 July, KME’s Benny Oeyen stated that the car, which has been selling well in the US, Canada and South Korea for over two years, will finally reach European dealerships in October.
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Noting the ongoing trading conditions in some of the major markets, Oeyen noted that, “The Optima is not sold in Italy because of economic conditions, so [there will be] no Hybrid either”.
Kia is bucking the overall trend in Europe, having seen its sales for H1 up 25% in a market down 8%. Commented Oeyen, “we are seeing our strongest uptick ever in the region”.
“We are not the cheapest; we are not Dacia, but we offer a good value proposition and research shows that our seven-year warranty helps to convince many customers. It makes sense – if you are going to spend maybe 25,000 euro on a car when the economic climate is not the best, you want some reassurance,” he added when asked to explain Kia’s success in such a tough overall market.
Author: Glenn Brooks
