Kia 2014 Annual Report Download - page 16

The all-new Sorento SUV was introduced in August 2014 to target
the U.S., Chinese and European markets. Kia Motors invested
KRW 450.0 billion to develop this premium midsize SUV, whose
marketability and quality outshines competitor models. As a result,
23,328 units of Sorento were sold in its rst four months following
introduction, becoming one of the bestselling domestic SUVs.
The Sorento, a “different-level SUV”, is stronger and quieter
thanks to ultra high-strength steel plates now forming 53% of
the body, while enhanced joint stiffness has resulted in minimized
vibration and noise transfer and improved driving dynamics. Safety
and convenience have also been signicantly upgraded with the
application of advanced features such as the Wide Panoramic
Sunroof, Forward Collision Warning System, High Beam Assist, and
Integrated Driving Mode Control System.
Following its debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, the all-new
Sorento’s popularity has been growing thanks to appearances at
the Los Angeles Auto Show and the Guangzhou International Auto
Parts & Accessories Exhibition. Kia plans to sell 269,000 units in
2015, with 60,000 units for the domestic market and 209,000 units
for overseas markets.
The K4, rst introduced at Auto China 2014, is a sedan targeted at
the Chinese market that sits between the K3 and K5. It began full-
edged sales after its introduction at the Chengdu Motor Show in
August, followed by a new car presentation.
In order to meet the growing trend toward lightweight vehicles in
the Chinese market, the K4’s engine was downsized by installing a
1.6ℓ turbo GDI engine. Its interior space was expanded thanks to
a 2,770 mm wheelbase, while a stately ambience was achieved by
enlarging the size of its side window. Loaded with a wide range of
convenience functions such as a Button Start System, Supervision
Cluster, and Rearview Camera, the K4 sold over 20,000 units in its
rst ve months following introduction. Kia Motors plans to sell
more than 80,000 units annually by targeting consumers in their
30s to 40s.
Launched in June 2014, Kia’s advertising campaign for the Carnival
under the slogan “A world that my daddy taught me about”
focused on family travel in line with the growing popularity of
leisure activities in Korea such as camping. Enhanced safety
functions also added to its family-friendliness.
The Carnival is equipped with cutting-edge safety and convenience
technologies and systems, including Forward Collision Warning
System, Lane Departure Warning System, High Beam Assist, Smart
All-new Carnival (Sedona):
A runaway hit in Korea and the U.S.
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All-new Sorento:
Targeting overseas markets
K4:
Targeting China
Tailgate, Around-View Monitoring System, six airbags and power
sliding doors. On-road performance and ride comfort is maximized
thanks to its in-line 4 cylinder 2.2ℓ turbo diesel engine, which
powers the car smoothly with maximum output of 202 hp and
maximum torque of 45 kg/m.
The all-new Carnival, which began exports to the U.S. in October
2014, received the top score of “Good” in all crashworthiness
criteria in the small overlap crash test by the Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety (IIHS). It also won a “Top Safety Pick+” designation,
which is the agency’s highest award. 2,376 units were sold in
October 2014 when it was rst launched, followed by 3,538 units in
November, recording an 8.8% share of the US minivan market.
2014 New Models
The all-new Carnival (Grand Carnival/Sedona) and all-new Sorento
models greatly contributed to the sales performance of Kia Motors in
2014. The Carnival enjoyed great popularity in the U.S. minivan market,
while the Sorento was ranked among the best-selling domestic SUVs.
The K4, created to target the Chinese market, enjoyed sales of more
than 20,000 units in the four months since its launch.
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Annual Report 2014Our Performance