KIA Named Company of the Last 30 Years at Auto Express New Car Awards 2018

• Kia named as ‘Company of the Last 30 Years’
• Recognition for the All-New Stinger, Picanto and Sorento

Kia Motors (UK) Ltd. has been awarded ‘Company of the Last 30 Years’ at the annual Auto Express New Car Awards. This is a special accolade, part of a group of awards celebrating not only the best in the industry, but also Auto Express’ 30th anniversary.

Since arriving in the UK in 1991, with one model in the line-up, Kia has evolved to become one of the biggest-selling automotive brands in the UK, offering a line-up of 21 models available across its 192-strong dealer network. With the recent launch of the ground-breaking all-new Stinger, the fastest-accelerating model in Kia’s history as well as an upcoming update to the UK and global best-seller, the Sportage, perceptions of the Kia brand has been altered to many.

Collecting the award, Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd, said: “It is an honour to be presented with this award - it is a real testament to how far the brand has come since arriving in the UK. We are very proud of our product line-up and are looking forward to the brand’s continued growth and even more exciting things to come in the future.” 

Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief at Auto Express, commented: “In less than 30 years, Kia’s product range has grown from the cheap and cheerful Pride supermini, sold through an importer, to encompass fabulous SUVs, and a sports saloon that has rattled the premium establishment. Owners love their Kias: two featured in the top ten models in this year’s Driver Power survey, and the Niro was rated best small SUV to own.”

Kia was also recognised in three additional categories, with Picanto being commended in the City Car of the Year category. Making it onto the shortlist nominations was the Sorento for Large SUV of the Year and the all-new Stinger, Kia’s first gran turismo, for Compact Executive Car of the Year.