---

Kia Announces Future Model Plans for America

1 December 1997

Kia Announces Future Model Plans for America

    IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 1 -- Kia Motors America today revealed
an ambitious schedule for new model introductions that will see Kia grow from
three to seven model lines in the next four years.
    Already selling the Sephia compact sedan and Sportage sport-utility
vehicle, Kia will introduce the 1998 Sportage 2-Door Convertible in the
spring.  The affordable sport-utility will be built on a modified Sportage
platform and will feature an easily collapsible top that covers the rear
portion of the vehicle.
    For model year 2000, Kia will begin to import a minivan and both a four-
door and five-door (hatchback) subcompact car.  The minivan will be powered by
a 2.5-liter V6 engine that Kia is developing in conjunction with Britain's
Rover Group.  As yet un-named for the U.S. market, the minivan will be called
the Carnival in some markets Kia serves worldwide.  Codenamed the B-car, the
subcompact will be powered by a 1.5-liter dual overhead camshaft engine.
    Finally, in model year 2001, Kia will introduce a mid-sized sedan, larger
than its current compact Sephia sedan.  It, too, will be powered by the
2.5-liter V-6 designed in conjunction with Rover.
    "We are excited about our vehicle plans, and we believe that these new
models will complement our existing line-up," said Greg Warner, executive vice
president and chief operating officer.  "Our objective -- regardless of
segment -- is to provide a high-quality vehicle at a price-leadership
position."
    Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and distribution arm of
Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea.

SOURCE  Kia Motors America

Photo A photo will be available tomorrow, Dec. 2, and can be accessed through
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/pub/pd/pdz?f=PRN/prnphotos&grid=2 or NewsCom,
305-448-8411