Kia hopes to build on scrappage figures

Korean car manufacturer Kia hopes to maintain its record sales figures in 2009 and that the results would give the car maker added credibility to be taken more seriously in fleet consideration.

Speakign at the end of 2009 at the launch of the new Kia Venga supermini-MPV, Managing director for Kia UK Michael Cole said that the company had mixed emotions about leaving 2009, as it was a record yea for them and may hit 50,000 cars sold, which would not be a UK record, but a European record.

He said that the company had left scrappage behind, but also lifted their brand in the UK market.

Cole also pointed out that the product was now more European in styling and quality and it is the direction that the company is heading.  He also said the company was also looking to replace four cars with entirely new products.

The company plans to maintain its present 28 per cent fleet mix during this year, including a low percentage of daily rental vehicles.

Andrew Sellars, UK fleet and remarketing director for Kia said the daily rental mix is about 3000 cars a year, which out of 50,000 is 6 per cent, and its something that the company has got a hold of over the last few years.  50 per cent of the daily rental cars are on buy-back.