Kia expects its new Niro hybrid crossove to help give the brand a big sales boost in Europe while attracting new customers to the brand.
Kia is targeting a 9 percent sales increase to 420,000 units in the region this year and is on track to reach a European annual volume of 500,000 by 2018, said Michael Cole, Kia Europe's chief operating officer.
Last year the brand's sales in the EU and EFTA markets increased by 8.8 percent to 385,000, according in data from industry association ACEA.
Kia expects the Niro, the brand's first hybrid-only model, will attract environmentally conscious customers. It will also help the brand to benefit from booming sales of SUV-styled crossovers.
The Niro will be positioned between the Soul and the Sportage models, Cole said.
The Niro will go on sale in Europe in the summer. Kia has not disclosed pricing but German press reports said it is likely to start at 20,000 Euros in Germany.
The crossover, which shares its dedicated hybrid platform with the Hyundai Ioniq, is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine and an electric motor. A plug-in hybrid powertrain is due to be added later in its life-cycle.
Kia Europe targets 9% sales growth, helped by Niro hybrid
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