KIA is to embark on a major sales drive - including a fleet sales push - designed to boost volumes and profitability in the face of continuing speculation over the future of Mazda in the UK. The Kia initiative will see the introduction of a mainstream upper medium model and massive investment in the dealer network in a bid to double its market share by the turn of the century.

Incoming managing director of Kia Cars UK, Mark Quinn, has warned the 120-strong dealer network that it must be prepared to invest time and money in business or look elsewhere for a franchise.

Pride, Mentor and Sportage sales only add up to around 5,000 units a year, but Kia believes a Mondeo contender set to hit the showrooms next year, along with an MPV and possibly a mini-MPV will double that number by the year 2000.