Future Kia models to be tested at new Nürburgring test facility

• New €6,6 million European Test Centre opens at iconic Nürburgring
• Purpose-built site to conduct more accelerated durability tests
• Facility will support Kia's increased focus on dynamic performance of its models

FRANKFURT, Sept. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Kia will undertake testing of future models destined for Europe at a brand new test centre at the Nürburgring in Germany.  The facility is the result of a €6,62 million investment by Hyundai Motor Group, the parent company of the Kia and Hyundai brands.  The completion of the purpose-built vehicle testing facility boosts the group's R&D operations in Europe and represents the latest in a number of investments in its regional infrastructure.

The new test centre provides Kia with a full-time presence at the iconic Nürburgring circuit, allowing it to further evaluate and develop the durability and driving dynamics of its vehicles more effectively and more often.

Construction of the striking 3,622 m² test centre began in June 2012 and was completed in less than 15 months.  The modern glass and steel building houses workshops, office spaces and hospitality areas over four floors.  The Nürburgring facility is an extension of the group's European R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, where Kia's European engineering facilities are based.

The Nürburgring - also known as the 'Green Hell' - is widely recognised as one of the most challenging tracks in the world, with 73 corners - 33 left and 40 right - spread over 20.8 kilometres.  With a difference in height of almost 300 metres between highest and lowest points, it features uphill and downhill gradients of 17 and 11 per cent respectively.  As a result, the circuit is ideal for conducting the most demanding vehicle tests, including the 'accelerated endurance test' where vehicles can be driven 480 laps within the space of only a few weeks.  This 10,000 kilometres test procedure simulates the equivalent of over 150,000 kms under ordinary driving conditions, providing valuable data and test-driver feedback to development engineers.  The new test centre allows engineers to evaluate the data on the spot and in real time, and to make modifications while test cycles are underway.

Michael Cole, COO of Kia Motors Europe, commented: "The Nürburgring is renowned as one of the most formidable challenges for any car.  Having a dedicated, permanent facility at the track will enable Kia engineers to maximise the effectiveness of the development testing undertaken there.

"As the dynamic performance of Kia models becomes an even greater focus for us - spearheaded by the new Kia pro_cee'd GT and cee'd GT models launched recently - getting the best results from the best facilities such as this is more crucial than ever."

About Kia Canada Inc.:
Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca - www.facebook.com/kiacanada) a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) which was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality, class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte, Optima and Sorento through a network of 181 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 159 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada, with an all-new state-of-the-art facility to open in Montreal shortly. Kia's brand slogan "The Power to Surprise" represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting & inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.

SOURCE: KIA Canada Inc.

Jack Sulymka
National PR and Corporate Partnerships Manager 
Kia Canada Inc.
T: 905.755.6266
C: 905.301.6207
E: [email protected]

Daniel Ponzini
Public Relations and Events Coordinator
Kia Canada Inc.
T: 905.755.6415
C: 647.462.8986
E: [email protected]