Naza Kia expects 2012 sales to double

Naza Kia Malaysia expects its annual sales to double to 24,000 units
next year against a background of minimal growth in the country's car
sales, its chief operating officer, Datuk Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar said.

He
said the introduction of the All-New Optima K5, with a monthly target
of 300 units, would drive Naza Kia's sales in the highly-competitive
D-segment (large family car) of the market.

"With this vehicle,
we will be able to take the Kia brand to new heights in 2012," he told
reporters after the launch of the Optima K5 and its flagship, Kia Red
Cube - Petaling Jaya outlet, in Kuala Lumpur today.

Hafiz said
total industry volume this year was expected to remain at last year's
level despite the recent Thai floods as well as earthquake and tsunami
in Japan which hurt vehicle and parts production.

He said sales
volume of the new cars registered in Malaysia was forecast to remain
flat next year in view of the coming general elections and European
economic uncertainty that could affect the world.

"Maintaining sales at the current level is good enough for next year," he said.

Hafiz
said the Kia Red Cube was the first of its kind in Malaysia and the
second such 3S (sales, service and spare parts) outlet in Asean.

"In
2012, we will open another Kia Red Cube either in northern or southern.
"At the same time, 27 of our existing outlets are currently being
upgraded to incorporate Kia's new space identity," he said.

Naza
Group of Companies, joint group executive chairman, SM Nasarudin SM
Nasimuddin, said the Optima K5 was named 'Best of the Best' at the 2011
Red Hot Design Award.

The car has a fuel consumption on a
combined cycle of 7.6 litres per 100km, he said. It comes in a show
white, bright silver and platinum graphite, he said, adding that
customers could begin to book the car in January next year with a price
tag of RM143,888. -- BERNAMA