Kia makes moves on Japan

TOKYO: Kia Motors Corp has kicked off sales in Japan with the launch of the 1.8-liter two-seater Vigato sports car.

The company follows Ssangyong Motor Co as the second South Korean carmaker to launch in Japan, a market that has traditionally been largely closed to imports, particularly those from long-time adversary South Korea.

Kia hopes to have a network of 120 dealerships by the end of next year, and targets sales of 300 cars a year.

Kia is capable of producing 1,200 Vigatos annually.

The South Korean manufacturer has already concluded dealership contracts with about 20 local companies, and begun marketing in 20 showrooms in Tokyo and Osaka.

It hopes to have 80 dealers handling the Vigato by the end of the year.

Kia Motors produces and sells 1.2 million vehicles a year, the 15th largest carmaker in the world and the second largest in South Korea.