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Timeline

Every year Kia goes from strength to strength in innovative design and popularity in the New Zealand car market.

Sorento Mineral Blue2

2020

>All new fourth generation Sorento large SUV arrives
>All new Stonic small SUV arrives
>All new Carnival people mover arrives
>Revised Stinger is launched
>The dealer network expands further with the addition of four new dealerships and three parts & service locations

2019
- > Niro EV (100% Pure Electric) launched with up to 455km range.
- > Seltos small SUV released -
- > Kia retail sales surpass 7,000 vehicles for the first time ever
- > Celebrating 10 years supporting the Halberg Foundation
- > Celebrating 4 years supporting the mighty Hurricanes Super Rugby franchise
2018
- > The showcase Kia Stinger GT Saloon launches in NZ to massive acclaim
- > Kia's first Hybrid and Plug-in vehicles launched.
- > Rio GT-Line introduced with 3 cylinder turbo engine & DCT transmission
- > Kia surpasses 6,500 sales for the first time
2017
- > The stunning 4th generation Rio launched in New Zealand.
- > Kia tops quality study for the second year
- > New flagship Kia dealership opens in Newmarket, Auckland
- > Kia NZ surpasses 6,000 sales for the first time
2016
- > New Optima launched in New Zealand.
- > Kia backs the Hurricanes Super Rugby team.
- > 2016 Kia Sportage launched
- > New dealership in Thames opens.
2015
- > Sponsors the FIFA U-20 World Cup held in New Zealand.
- > Launches the third generation Sorento.
- > Places second among 33 automotive brands, and highest among mass-market nameplates, in the 2015 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study.
- > Launches the all new Carnival
2014
- > Kia launches the exciting new 150kw hot hatch the pro_cee’d GT.
- > Kia designer Peter Schreyer presented with the 2014 Grand Prix du Design.
- > Kia launches the second generation Soul.
- > Kia sponsors The Paul Henry Show.
2013
- > Kia launches the Cerato Koup - the first turbo Kia to be sold in New Zealand.
- > Kia Cerato named the NZ Herald, Driven small car of the year.
2012
- > Kia sponsor the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic netball team.
- > Kia Picanto becomes the first sub-$19,000 car to score 5 stars in ANCAP safety tests.
2011
- > Optima wins Design Award at the gala Australian International Design Awards function.
- > Kia Supports International Winter Games NZ.
2010
- > Kia unveils Cerato masterminded by award-winning designer Peter Schreyer.
- > Kia launches Sportage in Queenstown.
2009
- > Kia sponsors singles and doubles titles at ASB Tennis Classic.
- > Kia Sorento R awarded the AMI Autocar 2009 SUV of the Year.
2008
- > Kia sponsors Devonport Food & Wine Festival.
- > Kia moves to the Kia Dome at the National Fieldays.
2007
- > Kia dealer network totals 20 outlets nationwide.
- > Kia surpasses 2000 new vehicle sales.
2006
- > Kia Magentis wins Autocar Medium Car of the Year.
- > Kia makes its first appearance at the National Fieldays.
2005
- > Kia becomes New Zealand’s fastest growing car brand.
- > Kia dealer network totals 16 outlets nationwide.