Kia Motors adds a second SUV to its U.S. lineup

DETROIT, Feb 7 Reuters reports that Korean automaker Kia Motors Corp. said on Thursday said it will sell a second sport utility vehicle in the United States, the Sorento compact SUV, to arrive at dealerships this summer.

Kia said the five-passenger Sorento is larger and more powerful than Kia's Sportage SUV, with more cargo space than two of its big competitors -- Ford Motor Co.'s Ford Escape and DaimlerChrysler AG's Jeep Liberty.

The Sorento will be able to tow up to 3,500 pounds, and its ladder-frame body construction makes it off-road capable, Kia said. ``This is a tough and true sport utility vehicle that can handle the roughest terrain,'' said Peter Butterfield, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Kia's U.S. sales unit.

Kia expects to sell about 50,000 of the SUVs annually. The Sorento will be available in two- or four-wheel drive, powered by a 3.5-liter, V6 engine.

The Korean automaker, known for its competitive prices, reported record U.S. sales of 223,721 vehicles last year. The Sorento is the latest sport utility offered by Asian automakers at they continue to gain U.S. market share.