KIA MOTORS PREPARES FOR CANADIAN LAUNCH
By Adnews Staff
Following the successful launch of Kia Motors America five years ago, Kia Motors of Canada Inc. is getting ready to drive into Canada. The vehicle manufacturing company will be based in Mississauga, Ontario when it enters the Canadian market this fall. At the time of the launch, two 2000 model year vehicles will be offered: the Sephia compact sedan starting at $12,995, and the Sportage sport-utility vehicle starting at $20,995. Dealers will initially open in Ontario and Quebec with openings in other provinces following at a later date. Although marketing plans are not complete, John Morris of Griffin Bacal Volny, Kia's agency-of-record, told Adnews yesterday that extensive television and print advertising will be used to support the introduction to the Canadian market. Kia Motors of Canada Inc. is owned by Kia Motor Corp. of Seoul, Korea. It is an autonomous division of Hyndai Corporation.