Kia UK’s MD Paul Philpott has told just-auto that the brand is “ready for a sports car” but that such a vehicle “has to work globally”.
Pressed for a launch date, Philpott stated it would be “before the end of the decade” but could not be persuaded to divulge any other details. More immediately, KME, the regional division which oversees European operations from its Frankfurt base, will reveal the Optima sedan for EU and EFTA markets at the IAA in September. The Frankfurt show will also be the venue for the global debut of the new Sportage.
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Philpott sees a need for Kia to continue shifting its image, and a sports model should help with that. “We have the potential change [the brand’s image], and the sporty part we’re already beginning to do. We can also become more differentiated from Hyundai”.
Part one of a two-instalment interview with Paul Philpott can be viewed here. Click here for part two.
