Kia Motors is looking to strengthen its brand across Europe in the coming years.
Michael Cole has been promoted from his role as managing director at Kia Motors UK to take up the position of Chief Operating Officer at Kia Motors Europe and has signalled his intent to push the carmaker forward.
Mr Cole – who has worked for Kia in the UK since August 2009 – will be based in Frankfurt, Germany for his new job and is looking to repeat his UK sales success across Europe.
Indeed, the industry figure led the wholly-owned subsidiary to record sales during his time there, with transactions for 2012 so far reaching 57,736 vehicles – and this figure is expected to pass 65,000 units before the end of the year.
The statistics suggest plenty of people in the UK have been keen to snap up the best Kia deals, with their counterparts across Europe likely to follow suit following Mr Cole's appointment.
His responsibilities will include taking charge of all of Kia's pan-European operations, such as marketing, sales and aftersales.
In addition, the expert will be expected to successfully manage relations with the firm's manufacturing plant, which is located in Zilina, Slovakia.
Mr Cole said he is excited to be taking on the challenge of working to strengthen the Kia brand throughout Europe, noting he enjoyed a great three years with the company's UK team.
He stated: "With a European production facility in Zilina, Slovakia, a European design office and European-focused research and development facilities I believe Kia has a great future amongst value-demanding European consumers who also want the very highest quality and distinctive design and appeal."
Paul Philpott, who was Mr Cole's predecessor in the role and has returned to the manufacturer's UK operations, noted the European market continues to be a very challenging place, but explained his successor will be able to make use of a strong team and organisation in Frankfurt.
"Michael is the ideal person to take on the responsibility of growing Kia's brand appeal and commercial strength," he added.
Posted by Peter Murray
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