The Forte, equipped with a gasoline or diesel engine, will compete with the Avante by Hyundai Motor Co. (KSE:005380), the SM3 by Renault Samsung Motors Co. and the Lacetti by GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co. The new Kia model generates 124 horsepower, and the company plans to add a 2-liter engine later. The price for the Forte ranges from 11.9 million won (US$11,300) to 19.6 million won, depending on accessories and engine types, it said. The automaker, an affiliate of Hyundai Motor Co. (KSE:, said it aims to sell 50,000 units domestically and 170,000 units overseas next year. For this year, Kia Motors targets the sale of 30,000 units. Annual sales for the model will rise to 250,000 annually from 2010, it said. Kia Motors revamped its lineup to boost sales by redesigning its minicar Morning, mid-sized sedan Lotze and new Mohave sport-utility vehicle. It also plans to add a small crossover vehicle, known as Soul, later this year. Kia Motors last month raised its domestic sales target to 364,000 units this year from 327,000, fueled by strong sales of its Morning mini-car. |