Kia Europe COO Receives Automotive News Europe 'Eurostar' Award

WEYBRIDGE, UNITED KINGDOM – Sept 12, 2011: Kia Motors Europe Chief Operating Officer, Paul Philpott, has been awarded a coveted ANE Eurostar award by leading motor industry publication, Automotive News Europe.

Philpott, 45, was named by the publication as the motor industry’s top Sales and Marketing Executive. He is credited with having improved Kia's new car sales following a series of bold decisions, including the launch of Kia’s industry-leading seven-year warranty on all cars sold in Europe. Automotive News Europe’s editorial team highlighted that this strategy has successfully generated significant attention for Kia, helping to improve brand awareness and sales.

Philpott commented: “I am honoured to receive this award from ANE and delighted that Kia has been recognised in the Eurostar awards. We are steadily building our business in Europe and have grown sales by 30 per cent over the last three years, but we are also in the middle of transforming our product range, so we expect to see sales growth accelerate further in the years to come. This award is a reflection of the tremendous effort and focus demonstrated by the entire Kia team across Europe.”

Automotive News Europe Editor-in-Chief Harald Hamprecht added: “The ANE Eurostar honours outstanding auto executives for their ability to make long-range decisions and then having the courage to see them through.”

The Eurostar awards, now in their 14th year, are bestowed upon the top automotive executives in each area of the car manufacturing business, from sales and purchasing to R&D and design. Paul Philpott will be presented with his award by Automotive News Europe during a special ceremony on 12th September 2011, on the eve of the Frankfurt motor show.