Kia Focused on Europe, Kia Chief to Tell Paris Media

Kia Motors Corp. President Chung Eui-sun, is expected to tell reporters in a press briefing at the Paris auto show Thursday that Kia is planning a strong focus on developing its European presence, Ward’s learns.

Sometime within the next three years, the Korean auto maker will hold a world premier for all of its new models in Europe, Chung will say, adding Kia vehicles produced at its new Zilina, Slovakia, plant will equal or exceed any competing products in the European market.

Chung planned to spend two days visiting the Zilina plant before flying to Paris to deliver a brief speech to reporters tomorrow, when Kia unveils its lineup of new cars.

Chung’s presence in Europe marks the first time he has ventured overseas since South Korean prosecutors excused him of fraud and corporate breach of trust investigations four months ago.

Kia will show 5-door Cee'd in Paris.

According to sources in Seoul, presidents of all five South Korean auto makers will attend the Paris show.

Chung is expected to talk about the Zilina plant, which is ramping up serial production of the all-new 5-door Cee’d. The C-segment car was designed in Europe at the Kia European Design Center.

Other Kia cars to be unveiled at the show include a Cee’d 3-door sports hatchback concept called the Pro_Cee’d that could make it into production as well, and new versions of the Opirus, Picanto and Pride.