KIA is intending to grab a slice of the company car market this year with the appointment of a new fleet manager.

Phil Molkenthin will help the firm meet its target of 18,000 sales this year, up from nearly 12,500 during 2002. Important products include the new Carens and the Magentis 2.0-litre.

Contract hire companies will be key targets in a campaign to encourage fleets to sample the growing range, which will be extended further with the arrival of a V6 engine for the Sorento SUV in April.

At the Geneva show, Kia reiterated its ambition to be a top-five global manufacturer by 2010, with ambitious plans for expansion in China, while sales in Europe should be 300,000 by 2005.

Kia also unveiled the KD-1 Slice concept car, designed as a cross-over vehicle combining the comfort of a road-going car with the ability of an off-roader.