Kia to launch raft of green-friendly cars

The car company says it is aiming to become one of the world’s top four manufacturers of low emission vehicles by 2012 - the date it has slated for the introduction of fuel cell electric vehicles on the Korean market.

Kia is planning to launch petrol and diesel hybrid vehicles following the introduction of its emission-reducing models within the next two years. It is also developing plug-in hybrid cars.

Sun Yung Kim, Kia Motors Europe president, says: “The Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group is determined to bring affordable and usable green technology to the European consumer.”

The push is part the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group’s overall investment of £4.53bn into green technology.

It follows news last week that Nissan would produce new eco-friendly models to be produced in its Wearside factory.

Toyota and Honda have also recently announced that they would build new hybrid models.

Toyota is planning to produce a new Auris hybrid in the UK from the middle of next year, while Honda has said that it plans to produce the first hybrid sports car.

Meanwhile, Kia Motors UK last month appointed Toyota GB sales director, Michael Cole, to the role of managing director.

He replaced Paul Philpott who was promoted to the position of chief operating officer at Kia Motors Europe.