Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/513060
43 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 17 MAY 2015 Motoring Kia Motors Europe achieved the highest first quarter sales in the company's history, with year-to- date growth of 7.4%, according to the latest data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Asso- ciation (ACEA). During the first three months of 2015, Kia posted sales of 96,092, the highest quarterly figure ever recorded by the Korean brand in Europe. Compared to the same period in 2014, this represents growth of 7.4%. Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe, com- mented: "The first three months of the year have seen Kia's strongest ever quarterly sales, and we're de- lighted that the company is main- taining a pattern of strong, sus- tainable growth. Our high quality, high value products continue to appeal to an increasing numbers of car buyers." Cole added, "We are focused on delivering an industry-best level of service at every customer touch- point – and our record results show that this approach is work- ing. Simply put, we want custom- ers to enjoy the car buying journey with Kia." Though the Kia Sportage is now entering its fourth full year of pro- duction, the car enjoyed its best ever monthly sales in March, with 12,596 vehicles sold across Europe – over 400 per day. The Sportage found 27,796 European buyers throughout Q1 this year, repre- senting sales growth of 18% for the brand's important best-selling model. The current version of the Sportage was updated in 2014 with a range of visual and dynamic en- hancements. Kia's first quarter growth has also been driven by rising sales of the all-new Kia Soul, which only recently went on-sale across Eu- rope, as well as the recently up- graded Venga. The cee'd remains the brand's second best-selling model in Eu- rope behind the Sportage, and continues to appeal to customers thanks to its classy design, high quality interior, efficient range of engines and practical nature. All models in Kia's European line-up con- tinue to be sold with the brand's unique 7-year warranty. 56% of the cars delivered by Kia to customers in Europe were also made in Europe at the brand's modern production facility in Žilina, Slo- vakia. 54,200 cars produced in Žilina have been sold across Europe this year, consisting of the Kia Sportage, cee'd model family and Venga. Having started production in 2006, Kia's European manufactur- ing facility recently produced its two millionth car – a high-pow- ered Deluxe White' Kia pro_cee'd GT, destined for a buyer in Bel- gium. The UK retained its place as Kia Motors' number one market in Europe, with 22,265 cars sold in the first quarter of 2015 and its highest ever sales month in March (15,017 units). Kia also celebrated a record-breaking month in Spain, with the 4,961 units sold in March a best-ever result – contributing to a national total of 11,513 units for the first quarter. Germany was Kia's second best-performing mar- ket from January to March, with 12,451 units sold. Ford has been developing car seats that can detect if the driver is hav- ing a heart attack - just one aspect of a rapidly developing industry in which internet-connected cars boast a host of new functions. A people carrier has already been launched that can read and react to speed limit signs. So what else should you expect from the cars of the future? Fingerprint keys Those who are always losing their keys will love biometric ac- cess to their cars. Biometrics is the technology that enables devices to identify you by scanning physical features such as your fingerprints or eyeballs. Already used at passport barriers and on smartphones, there's little doubt it will appear on cars soon, which means unlocking your mo- tor will be a simple matter of hold- ing a finger against a pad on your car door. The car could be started the same way, or combined with a retinal scan for extra security. Talking cars You may find the idea of your car chatting to nearby vehicles unset- tling, but vehicle-to-vehicle com- munication is almost here. The system will enable cars trav- elling down the same stretch of road to update each other on their location and speed, and to use that information to keep drivers safe. An alarm might sound if a driver several hundred yards ahead slams on their brakes, and your car and its neighbours could automatically slow down to avoid a pile-up. Windscreen displays Although some cars already feature basic head-up displays, in which information such as your speed is projected onto the windscreen, this technology will become more sophisticated. Di- rections from your satnav can be beamed onto the windscreen, so you do not need to take your eyes from the road. Improvements in glass manufacture will also make such images a lot clearer. In-car adverts With an increasing number of cars connected to the internet through satnav systems or wi-fi, it will soon be possible for our dashboards to bombard us with adverts, based on our social media profiles and our location. One can just imagine being nagged electronically to pull up as we drive past a fast-food chain. It's enough to make you want to buy a bike . . . Kia enjoys record quarterly European sales Four automotive technologies we might see soon Starting from €9,695 For more information contact: Michael Debono Limited 0GLQD5RDGĽHEEXã 7HO VDOHV#WR\RWDFRPPW ZZZWR\RWDFRPPW Toyota Gozo Showroom 0ãDUU5RDG ;HZNLMD;:.*R]R 7HO JJV#WR\RWDFRPPW Toyota Malta 5 year WARRANTY DEBONO F I N A N C E ONLY 5.5% VARIABLE RATE OVER 6 YEARS