In 2010 Kia recorded its best ever year in the UK with 56,114 vehicles sold - a feat matched at an international level as Kia sold in excess of 2 million vehicles worldwide for the first time.

Commenting on Kia's 20th UK anniversary, Michael Cole, Managing Director, Kia Motors (UK) Limited, said: "Kia has been on quite a phenomenal journey in recent years. In less than two decades we've certainly lived up to our 'Power to Surprise' slogan by growing from a relatively small importer to challenging the best and most established brands in the industry".

"We think we have a fantastic range of cars and, judging by our growth over the last few years, it seems our customers think so too! 2011 is set to be our busiest year yet and I'm confident it'll be one where we challenge perceptions more than ever as we launch three superb new products in the UK - new Picanto, new Rio and, later in the year, new Kia Optima", added Cole.

Kia Motors Corporation is considerably older than its UK subsidiary having recently celebrated its own 67th anniversary on the 25th May 2011. From its origins of manufacturing bicycles in the 1950s Kia has now grown to be part of the 4th largest automotive group in the world and is present in over 170 countries.