KIA has announced details of a state-of-the-art design centre facility to be created at its new E57 million European headquarters being built in Frankfurt.

The company said the centre would be independent from sister-company Hyundai Motor which marks a significant change in strategy, as other existing design centres based around the world are jointly operated.

A spokesman said: ‘With its separate facility, Kia Motors will be able to further strengthen its goal of designing high quality vehicles, with European-orientated style and performance, that are especially in tune with the needs and desires of the booming number of Kia customers throughout Europe.’

Kia plans to open its new headquarters in March 2007.