THE survival of Kia as a major car manufacturer is beyond doubt, claims Kia Cars UK managing director Mark Quinn, amid industry speculation of financial troubles. As the South Korean firm unveiled its new Sephia II range at Frankfurt, Quinn insisted: 'The fate of the company will be finally decided at the end of the month.'

He added: 'We have no doubt that Kia will emerge from its corporate troubles fitter and stronger. We are also convinced that the brand is set for a bright future. Our sales are up 16 per cent year on year and we will reach a total of 5,500 registrations for 1997. We have completed building our new management team and we're buoyed up for growth.'

Quinn said Gary Elliott, former marketing manager at Hyundai, had joined the company as head of marketing to work alongside Huw Davies, Kia's new head of sales.

The Sephia, to be badged as Mentor in Britain, features significant restyling and a revised interior. Power units of 1.5 and 1.8 litres have been upgraded and a 1.9-litre diesel is due to be offered in the next few months.