2006 Geneva Motor Show Coverage by TCC Team (2/19/2006) 

Kia Carnival

2006 Kia Carnival  |  

Korean automakers are pushing hard to go mainstream in the already crowded European market - in Kia's case, for good reason. The automaker saw its global sales soar 22 percent last year, and 28 percent in Europe, which has become its largest overseas market. After a nearly $1.5 billion investment, Kia will launch production at its new plant in Slovakia at the end of the year, which will boost its capacity by 300,000 vehicles. The automaker will also add to its model lineup, starting with the new Carnival MPV - or minivan, in American terms. Measuring barely 15 feet nose-to-tail, it will nonetheless offer room for seven passengers. With Carnival's SUV-influenced styling, and an assortment of safety features, including front, side, and curtain airbags, Kia hopes to quickly capture as much as ten percent of the European minivan segment. The Carnival comes to the U.S. this fall as a short-wheelbase Sedona. Along with the Carnival, Kia pulled the wraps off its updated Sorento SUV, adding a new 2.5-liter diesel to the powertrain options.

Kia Ce'ed

2006 Kia Ce'ed concept  |  

Meanwhile, the Ce'ed Concept vehicle offers a hint of what's soon to come from the Korean carmaker. The C-segment challenger is a thinly disguised version of the hatchback that will roll off the new Slovakian assembly line later this year. The automaker believes it will connect with European consumers by offering sporty luxury features at a typically Korean price point.