Kia 2002 Annual Report Download - page 11

A breakthrough training system has contributed
to the development of new Kia models
��� Fifteen Tech Leader Groups, consisting of specialized engineers, are in operation.
��� Technology personnel are being trained in Design For Six Sigma.
��� Kia products have received the highest safety scores in their class in domestic and overseas crash tests.
A long-time innovator in the Korean market, Kia is constantly
developing new technologies to improve global quality.
Research & Development
2002 KIA MO TO RS AN N UAL REPORT
1819
2000 2001 2002
407.3 408.4
521.9
600
500
400
300
200
100
R&D Investment
(Korean won in billions)
New Models
2001
Carnival II (Sedona)
2003
Opirus and 3 ot hers
2000
Opt ima (Magent is)
Spectra (Sephia II)
Spectra Wing (Shuma II)
2002
Sorent o
Carens II (New Carens)
Opt ima Regal
(New Optima, M agent is)
Rio SF (New Rio)
2002 saw Kia’s R&D Division rise to new challenges. Company engineers developed the Sorento, a high-value mid-sized SUV
introduced in M arch, as w ell as three model facelifts - the New Carens, the New Optima/ Magentis and the New Rio. Kia engi-
neers also completed 30 variations to the standard lineup. They are now working on the new Opirus and a replacement model
of Spectra for 2003.
The Spectra and Visto recorded best scores in their segments in crash tests conducted in Korea. The tw o Kia concept cars (MPV
and SUV models) exhibited at the Seoul M otor Show in November attracted extensive critical acclaim. Overseas markets also
saw high customer satisfaction levels for the Sorento and Carnival.
A total of 15 Tech Leader Groups, each consisting of specialized engineers, have been formed to continue improving R&D
expertise and to expeditiously develop secure proprietary technologies. Kia and Hyundai share parts and new model platforms
and parts are being developed into modules to improve overall quality.
Joint task forces have been formed w ithin the R&D Division to design new models. The Pilot Research Building at the
Namyang R&D Center is jointly used by Kia and Hyundai to ensure w orld-class quality from the beginning stages. General and
Senior M anagers are also being trained to qualify for Black Belt in the Design For Six Sigma program to help eliminate design
errors and create robust designs.
Improvement targets set for 2002 w ere surpassed by 100% , due in part to the implementation of a new production cost man-
agement process that begins at the design stage.
Kia’s reputation as a technology leader in the Korean domestic market continues to grow. In 2002 Kia engineers w ere aw ard-
ed w ith two KT M arks, one Chang Young-sil Aw ard and one Korea Automobile Engineering Association Aw ard for excellence in
technology.
The 2003 R&D schedule covers 29 models, including 3 new vehicles, 1 facelift, and 25 variations. M easures w ill also be taken
to address tighter domestic restrictions on emissions and new qualification requirements for engineers.