KIA Motors Corporation has completed the takeover of sales, marketing and distribution of its cars in the UK from the MCL Group, a move which has led to the surprise departure of Mark Quinn, managing director of Kia Cars (UK).

A new company has been formed, Kia Motors (UK), replacing Kia Cars (UK), owned by MCL Limited, distributor of the brand since 1991.

Quinn said: 'Kia has come on in leaps and bounds and now, with direct input from the manufacturer, is poised for even greater success. However, it feels like the right time to move onto new challenges. Kia Motors Corporation has been very persuasive in its attempts to get me to stay on as MD, but I am convinced this is the right thing for me and for Kia to continue forward.'

The new chief executive officer of Kia Motors (UK) is CK Lee.