Kia releases sketch of all-new 'Soul' concept car

-            Crossover utility concept will debut at 2006 NAIAS 

(SEOUL) December 16, 2005 -- Kia Motors Corporation today released a
preview sketch of the all-new ¡°Soul¡± concept car, which will make its
world premiere at the upcoming North American International Auto Show
(NAIAS) in Detroit. The Kia Soul concept is a crossover utility vehicle
with a sporty, bold look that builds on design cues from the Kia Mesa
concept vehicle introduced at the 2005 NAIAS.

A wrap-around windshield, muscular wheel flares, stylish front headlamps
and a sloped roofline convey an athletic attitude for the Soul, which is
geared toward an active lifestyle. Though small on the outside, it is big
inside with practical interior room and a reconfigurable cargo space. The
rear lift gate includes a unique ¡°drawer¡± for wet or muddy items such as
a wetsuit or hiking shoes.

More details will be announced at Kia¡¯s NAIAS press conference on January
9 at Cobo Hall at 3:45 p.m. EDT.

 

Kia Motors Corporation (
<http://autoway.kia.co.kr/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.kiamotors.com
/> www.kiamotors.com) - one of the fastest growing automakers in the world -
- was founded in 1944 and is Korea¡¯s oldest manufacturer of motor
vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to become
one of the world¡¯s premier automotive brands. Kia¡¯s 16 manufacturing and
assembly operations in 12 countries produce more than 1.1 million vehicles
a year that are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and
dealers covering 155 countries. Kia today has over 32,000 employees and
annual revenues of $14 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian
Tennis Open and an official worldwide sponsor of the Davis Cup. Kia Motors
Corporation¡¯s brand slogan -- ¡°The Power to Surprise¡± -- represents the
company¡¯s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through
continuous automotive innovation.