Kia Motors Corp.'s compact Morning, called the Picanto abroad, was named the most economical car by a major drivers' club in Germany.
Korea's No. 2 automaker Kia said yesterday its European-style compact claimed first place in the annual economy test by the Allegmeiner Deutscher Automobile Club where 5,400 models are rated.
ADAC, Germany's biggest auto drivers' club with 15 million members, evaluates a car's economy by computing the maintenance costs - purchase price, fuel, repairs, taxes and insurance - after the car has been driven 15,000 kilometers.
Kia's Picanto topped the list with 30 euro cents per kilometer maintenance cost. It was followed by two Japanese models, Daihatsu's Cuore and Suzuki's Alto.
"The Picanto, with its European design, roomy interior and high-quality features and performance, was strategically designed to target the European market," said Jean-Charles Lievens, senior executive vice president of Kia's European arm.
"Along with its style and economy, the Picanto's popularity is expected to lift Kia's 'exciting & enabling' brand image in Europe."
About 38 percent of Germany's drivers belong to the Allegmeiner Deutscher Automobile Club which also provides auto information to European consumers via a journal titled ADAC Motorwelt.
Since its launch in Europe last year, the Picanto was named the best compact vehicle, outdoing the Volkswagen Polo and Citroen C2 by local auto magazines.
Nearly 102,000 units of the Korean car have been sold in Europe, including 59,000 sold last year. Kia Motors hopes to sell 86,000 Picantos in Europe this year, up 47 percent from 2004.
(sophie@heraldm.com)
By Kim So-hyun
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