The Cee’d was immediately handed to a Slovakian children’s charity called the Red Nose Clowndoctors, the Cee’d is the 600,000th version of the Zillina factory’s first car. The factory is also currently producing the Sportage and the Venga.

The plant has recorded a 10% year on year increase in car production and also a increase of 12% in engine production during 2011, its produced 252,000 cars and 359,00 engines. The factory also plans to increase production of cars to 285,000 cars this year.

Eek-Hee Lee, President and CEO of Kia Motors Slovakia commented “Kia Motors Slovakia has achieved an important milestone in its history with the production of the millionth car. We decided to donate it to an organisation which will bring pleasure to children during their stay in hospitals”.

The plant produced 101,000 units of the Sportage which represented  40% of overall production. 103,000 Cee’d models were produced, which was 41% of the total production and 11,000 Kia Venga models were also produced from the site. The reminder of 2011 production of 36,000 units were Hyundai’s IX35, manufactured up to June 2011.

The site launched a third shift this year and have increased the number of employees to 3,900. The company are currently preparing themselves for the second generation of the Cee’d model during the second quarter.

The new three door Rio comes in the same ultra- efficient engines, with the same  trim levels and the same external dimensions as the five door, which went on sale September last year. The new 3 door comes with a £600 saving compaired to the equivalent 5 door and has a coupe like profile to add to its already appealing qualities.

You can choose from four engines, two petrol and two diesels that are carried from the 5 door version. The highly acclaimed 1.1 CRDi engine delivers a performance of 74 bhp and 170 Nm of torque available from a mere 1,500 rpm and all versions deilver co2 emissions of 99g/km or below and fuel economy of a least 74.3mpg.

The Stop & Go EcoDynamics technologie is a standard feature on all new Rio diesels, including the 1.4-litre models. Economy and emission figures are 70.6mpg combined and just 105g/km of Co2.

The are also two petrol engines in the new Rio, include the 1.25-litre Kappa engine which made its debut in the Picanto, this engine develops 83bhp and 121Nm of torque.  You can also choose Kia’s 1.4 Gamma engine this develops 107bhp and 137Nm of torque, buyers also have a choice of an automatic gearbox as an option to the standard manual.

All of the petrol manual versions of the new Rio comfortably exceed 50mpg, with CO2 emissions below the EU’s 2012 corporate average targat of 130g/km, even the automatic 1.4-litre version is capable of 44.1 mpg in mixed driving.

The Trims are offered in the same four easy to understood trim grades as the 5 door version, badged ’1′, ’1 Air’, ’2′ and ’3′. The entry model ’1′, standard features include Bluetooth, RDS Radio and CD Player, 12 volt power socket with MP3 compatibility, boot light, tachometer and trip computer, 15 inch steel wheels, headlamp levelling, speed variable front wipers, body coloured bumpers, door handles, door mirrors and daytime running lights. The ’1 Air’ includes the same features but also has air conditioning.

With the ’2′ grade trim, you can also include 16 inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, chrome radiator surround,  premium black cloth upholstery, a cooling glovebox, electrically adjustable heated and folding door mirrors with side repeaters, leather on the steering wheel and gearshift and a centre console armrest.

The top grade ’3′ adds heated front seats, six speakers instead of 4, automatic protection-type headlights, cruise control, rain sensing wipers, automatic air-conditioning with auto de-fog, LED daytime running and rear combination lamps and 17 inch alloys with low-profile tyres.

Of course all Kia Rios come with seven years or 100,000 miles warranty on parts and labour this excludes wear and tear items and is subject to certain conditions.

The Kia Rio 3 door starts at £9995 for  a 1.25 ’1′ version, and the top version 1.4 CRDI ’3′ EcoDynamics starts at £14,295.

The Kia Ray EV is a close relative of Kia’s 1.0 liter gasoline powered Ray CUV, which went on sale in Korea last month. It is a global first for an EV manufacturer to share a production line with conventional combustion-engine cars.

The Ray EV is powered by a 50kW electric motor and a high capacity 16.4 kWh lithium ion polymer battery pack that is engineered for a 10-year life cycle and is packaged under the rear seat and cabin floor.

The Ray EV weighs 187 kg more than the gasoline model, however, responsive performance is ensured with the electric motor’s generous torque. The EV’s acceleration is quicker than the gasoline models (o – 100 kph in 15.9 seconds), while top speed is 130 kph (81 mph). Recharging times are six hours using a 220v household supply and just 25 minutes in fast-charge mode.

The automatic transmission Ray EV, offer the driver a choice of two models while in ‘D’ drive. ‘B’ (or ‘brake’) mode can be selected when driving downhill on highways and on mountain roads to maximise braking power. ‘E’ (or ‘eco’) mode optimises the delivery of the motor’s torque to achieve minimum battery consumption and maximum driving range.

The exterior of the EV is very similar to the gasoline cousin, with just four distinguishing points. 14 inch alloy wheels which improves aerodynamic performance by minimising drag, fast recharge inlet in the same location as the fuel intake on regular models, radiator grille which covers the slow recharge inlet for a 220v supply, decals on each front door showing ‘Zero Emissions EV’ wordmark.

The interior of the Ray EV is equipped with the first-ever EV-specific navigation system that features a seven-inch screen and provides crucial information for EV drivers such as the nearest locations of the slow/fast recharging stations. The EV also features a unique instrument cluster, displaying electric motor operation, battery status and distance to recharge.

The Kia Ray EV achieves 93% efficiency, which is the best in its segment. The lithium ion polymer battery’s cell is optimised and highly integrated, which has enabled its weight to be reduced by 13% and its energy density to be increased by 15% compare to competitors’ systems.

During 2012, Kia is planning to manufacture 2,500 units of the Ray EV, which will be provided to government departments and public offices as part of Kia’s long-term real-world research and development program to provide environmentally friendly transport to Kia customers around the world during the next decade.

Editor Alan Kidd said: ‘The Sorento was our reigning champion in the full-size SUV class, and it impressed us every bit as much this year as last. Its style, poise, kit and practically all score heavily in its favour.

‘Make no mistake, this award wasn’t about just being cheap. The Sorento beat a long list of premium opponents because it’s very good at everything that matters. Its bargain price and unbeatable seven year warranty merely seal the deal.’

The full-size 4×4 Sorento immediately impressed the Total 4×4 team when it was first launched in the UK in February 2010. It is available in two and four wheel drive versions, with the full-time four wheel drive model which impressed the Total 4×4 judges to take Best SUV crown again !

Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motor (UK) Ltd., said “From the day of its launch we knew that the latest Sorento continued the car’s impressive record of delivering excellent go-anywhere ability coupled with on-road sophistication at a great value price. Sorento has been a long-time favourite in the Kia range and its popularity amongst a wide variety of customers – from those who want on-road towing security or all-weather ability to the more adventurous owner who needs a head away from the main roads.

“I am delighted that Total 4×4 again awarded Sorento its Best SUV accolade – especially in the face of so much impressive competition in what remains a hard-fought sector of the market,” he added.

The top 10 videos were uploaded to YouTube in 2011 and achieved the biggest number of views from people in the UK. Ranking in order of popularity, they are:

1. T-Mobile – The T-Mobile Royal Wedding
2. Google Chrome – Google Chrome: Jamal Edwards
3. ASOS – The ASOS Urban Tour in London – preview
4. VW – The Force: Volkswagen Commercial
5. Listerine – Listerine Mouth vs. Life
6. KIA – THE NEW KIA PICANTO
7. John Lewis – John Lewis Christmas Advert 2011
8. Twinings – Get you back to you
9. Flora – Flora Cuisine Vernon & Gladys introduce new healthy way to cook
10. Nokia – Nokia N8 Pink – Freedom

John Bache, Database & Digital Marketing Manager at Kia Motors UK Ltd., says of the success “Within 48 hours of video uploaded every minute to YouTube the Kia Picanto advert has achieved great cut through, we are now approaching 4million video views of our uploaded videos for the year confirming to us, this is a great medium that consumers are willing to embrace.”

Commenting on the whole results Dara Nasr, Industry Head of Display for YouTube UK said, “2011 has been a bumper year for online video advertising. Advertisers are increasingly taking advantage of the social nature of online video by creating ads that are likely to be shared, liked and commented on.”

The Kia Picanto advert can be seen on the Kia YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/kiamotorsuk

In the awards, Schreyer has been selected one of the Men of the Year, and the Picanto has picked up Bargain of the Year.

Since the Picanto’s launch in June, it has received a sufficient amount of awards, BBC Top Gear Magazine said of the car: ” Finally, here’s a Korean supermini that you might choose over, say, a Fiat 500. You want a bargain? The car we have here is a touch over 10 grand, but you can have one for under eight. That’s two grand less that the cheapest Cinquecento, and – for our money – the better car.

” This is the Picanto, our Bargain Car of the Year, a fluorescent metaphor for South Korea’s journey from the havoc of wartime to economic enormity. A prime example of how this place is spooking big businesses, not just with cheap substitutes, but with properly desirable stuff, from smartphones to tellies to cars, ” it added.

The man behind the team that created the Picanto’s strong identity, is Peter Schreyer, who was selected for his clear design leadership at Kia.

The commendation said: ” Good design is basically about creating products people want to buy. Peter Schreyer has presided over that process at Kia with impressive fortitude and skill. ”

Schreyer commented: ” I am hugely honoured by BBC Top Gear’s generosity both to me and, more importantly, to our Picanto. I have said before that it is incredibly rare for a designer to be given a clean sheet of paper when joining a company – but i think with this award, the bravery of that decision has clearly paid off!

“Top Gear is famous around the world as probably the most independently minded magazine staffed with car enthusiasts who are not afraid to say what they think – so this award truly excites every one of us within Kia, ” he added.

Kia’s plant in Zilina, Slovakia was certified in 2008 as an ‘environmentally-friendly’ facility, earning an ISO 14001 International Certificate of Environmental Management. The plant employs cutting-edge technology to ensure that production and waste-management have minimal impact on the environment.

It’s not only the plants that are receiving awards the all new Picanto, Rio, Optima and Sportage have all been awarded environmental certificates from TUV Nord. The low tailpipe emissions from all four cars and the advanced processes used in their production, have resulted in the models being certified according to the ISO 14040 Life Cycle Assessment.

Digital assessments during the design phase help to minimise the number of changes necessary down the line, reduce costs and resource consumption and calculate how a car will dismantle at the end of its life. One benefit of this process is the development of more efficient dismantling equipment.

Also back in 2008, Kia launched a socially responsible management initiative designed to put the environment at the forefront of all its operations. Among other things, the company set out to:

• Develop economical vehicles, including those that run on alternative fuels
• Curb energy consumption and emissions at factories
• Reduce pollution and waste during the production cycle
• Improve recycling technologies
• Introduce a green marketing system, including sales and service outlets
• Be open and honest about the eco-friendliness of Kia cars

Kia has received both internal and external recognition for its efforts. Using an internal environmental performance indicator, which measures CO2 emissions and the amount of resources used against sales revenue, Kia made a 40.1% improvement between 2004 and 2010.

Since 2005 Kia has been using a self-developed chemicals management system to minimise the use of toxic substances, and in 2010 it began to analysethe composition and weight of all materials used in the construction of a car to aid recycling. All newly-developed Kias now meet recyclability and reusability standards in Korea, Europe and China.

All Kia factories are clean and efficient. The amount of waste, greenhouse gases and environmental pollutants they produce is monitored so that improvements can be made, and the heat they create is recycled.

Waste taken to landfill sites in 2010 was less than 1% of the total generated, and the giant Sohari and Hwasung plants in Korea have sent absolutely no waste to landfill for the past two years. In 2010, nearly 94% of the waste created at the three main Korean plants was recycled.

Kia has also reduced the amount of water used in the building of each car by 27% in the past seven years, and has achieved a steady decline in the greenhouse gases resulting from production since 2005, and company standards on environmental and atmospheric pollutants are higher than those demanded by the Korean government.

Kia’s decision to build cars in the markets where they will be sold, whenever possible, reduces the energy required for distribution. Kia is also replacing old transporters with new ones that can carry 20% more, and re-routing cargo through ports closer to production facilities.

According to the Department for Transport, children are more likely to die in a road collision than from any other accidental cause, making road safety during the busy school run more important than ever. So why not join in this week and walk with Kia and be safer and healthier.

Kia Motors UK are again promoting road safety with its Walking Bus Scheme. The scheme highlights a safer and healthier method of getting to school as opposed to the more common ‘lift’ in the family car. Kia has over 15,000 children now walking to school as part of the scheme.

A Brake spokesperson said, “We are delighted that Kia Motors is supporting Road Safety Week with its Walking Bus scheme.

“Having the support of organisations such as Kia Motors and their supporting dealerships, is crucial in securing the success of the week, and cascading key road safety messages across the UK.”

Mr Yea succeeds Mr Sun-Young Kim as President.  Mr Kim, has made a major contribution over the last five years to Kia’s rapid business growth in Europe, is returning to Korea to take up a new position at the corporation’s headquarters.

Mr Yea will now bring a wealth of diverse executive experience to Kia’s European operations having worked in the automotive industry for almost 30 years.

His early years were spent at Hyundai Motors Corporation and later Hyundai Motors America. He then joined Kia Motors Corporation in 1999 and has subsequently held a number of senior executive positions, with a special focus on the development of Marketing Strategy and Brand Management.

In October 2010, Mr Yea was appointed President of Kia in the Middle East and Africa region, based in Dubai, and has overseen significant growth in these markets over the past year.

The 53-year old Mr Yea is married and has two children.

Since its launch in 1953, the iF product design award has been conferred annually and is among the world’s most important prizes for excellence in design.  The award has its origins in the “Die gute Industrieform” (Good Industrial Design) product shows initiated by Hanover Messe and is now one of the world’s largest design competitions.

For 2012, a total of 2,923 products were registered in 16 different categories.  The Kia Picanto was honoured in the ‘Transportation Design’ category, which includes cars, ships, trains and aircraft.The Picanto boasts bold and dynamic styling, high-quality interior fittings and a host of class-leading features.

It is specifically aimed at the steadily increasing number of discerning consumers wishing to ‘downsize’ to a smaller car. The new Picanto is the first to be offered in three-door form where it is expected to account for 45 per cent of total Picanto sales in the UK.

The award is Kia’s fourth iF product design award in three years, following prizes for the Venga B-segment MPV, Sportage compact SUV and Optima mid-size saloon. Additionally, the brand has won the red dot design award four times in recent years too!

In most markets, Picanto is available with two highly-efficient petrol engines that, in combination with the optional automatic stop-start ISG system, reduces CO₂ emissions to as little as 95 g/km.  Kia’s unique seven-year/100,000 mile warranty comes as standard.