Kia is banking on a new 110g/km of CO2 version of its Cee’d lower-medium hatchback, as well as extended servicing intervals, to build its fleet sales in the UK.

The new Cee’d, the first to wear the firm’s new EcoDynamics sub-branding, features stop/start technology and low rolling resistance tyres which bring emissions down to 110g/km – qualifying it for the full first year writing-down allowances.

Kia has also extended service intervals on its diesel-engined Cee’d models from 12,000 to 20,000 miles or 12 months. The changes coincide with an internal and external facelift of Kia’s biggest selling model in fleet.

Andrew Sellars, head of fleet and remarketing at Kia, said: “EcoDynamics is the biggest message we have ever had for the fleet market. And it’s not just a big statement – it’s a confident statement.

“We are changing fleets’ perceptions of the brand, but we still need to get out there and bang the drum.”

He added: “Moving to 20,000-mile intervals for diesels brings down SMR costs so much – it means four services over 80,000 miles rather than six on a 12,000-mile interval.

“This is a statement of the confidence and belief we have in the product.”

Kia has recently been chosen as the sole supplier to the Shetland Islands’ NHS Trust, and is teaming up with The Procurement Partnership Ltd (TPPL) to offer its range of vehicles to the group. TPPL offers members access to various framework agreements for cars and vans, supplying councils and housing associations through a restricted choice list.

Sellars added: “The Shetland Islands deal may only be 30 cars, but it is 30 cars we would not normally have got near.

“Our hardest job is making people aware of what we have got to offer – hopefully this will open the eyes of other NHS trusts.”

Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty package is also helping the brand attract new fleet business.

Sellars added: “We are now getting into four and five-year replacement cycles, and in the fourth year there are extra SMR (service, maintenance and repair) costs. The feedback we have been receiving over the past six months shows that as a result of this we are being put on to a number of choice lists.”

What is EcoDynamics?

Kia’s EcoDynamics is a cover-all terms for a raft of energy saving initiatives which result in higher fuel economy and lower emissions.

It debuts on the revised Cee’d range and will be applied to the lowest emission versions of future ranges, such as the Venga small MPV which goes on sale next year.

Future plans include hybrid, electric and fuel cell powertrains.