Kia Motors to demonstrate exciting EcoDynamics

FRANKFURT, GERMANY – October 8, 2009: Following the global launch of Kia Motors' EcoDynamics sub-brand at the Frankfurt motor show recently, Kia Motors Australia announces two further exciting developments occurring during the month of October.

Kia Motors will be mounting a two-car entry in the Eco Challenge category of the 2009 Global Green Challenge, to be run from Darwin to Adelaide from 24-31 October. Kia will enter two Kia Forte (Cerato) LPI Hybrid vehicles, the same as those released for sale in Korea during August and shown on Kia's Frankfurt motor show stand last month. The hybrid vehicle uses LPG fuel which can be bought for less than half the cost of petrol or diesel.

The Forte LPI Hybrid is the newest addition to Kia's widely acclaimed Forte family called Cerato in Australia which includes the petrol-powered 4-door sedan and just launched sporty Koup.

Boasting powerful driving performance and a superior fuel efficiency rating of 17.8 km/l, the Forte LPI Hybrid answers consumer demand for environmentally friendly vehicles that are exciting and fun to drive. Additionally, with CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km, the Forte LPI Hybrid qualifies for billing as a Super Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV).

The new car utilises a 1.6-liter Gamma LPI engine with an independently developed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and hybrid system, comprising an electric motor, inverter, converter and 180V lithium-ion polymer battery.

Also hitting the headlines in October is the next generation Kia Sorento which will feature the new, high-tech R-series diesel engine which delivers 145kW of power and an outstanding 436Nm of maximum torque from just 2.2 litres.

This high efficiency diesel engine will be teamed with new 6-speed automatic and manual transmissions. The in-house designed 6-speed auto is compact and maintenance-free, offering a new level of smoothness and control.

More news will follow on both of these developments in coming weeks. 2009 has been an exciting year for Kia Motors and the launch of the all-new XM Sorento and participation in the 2009 Global Green Challenge will be further examples of a brand on the rise.