KIA is to supply a business and corporate demonstration fleet to each of its 155 dealerships in a £5 million move.

The demo fleet includes five cars: a Picanto, Cerato, Carens, Sedona and Sorento.

The decision was made to meet the demand from the corporate sector expected during 2006 as the firm tries to increase the number of its vehicles in business fleets.

Kia’s sales in the fleet market have grown substantially over the past year, increasing its market share from 0.75% to 1.2%. It hopes to gain a 2% share by the end of the year.

Phil Molkenthin, national corporate sales manager for Kia Motors (UK) Ltd, said: ‘This investment illustrates Kia’s commitment to support our dealer network as we expand into business and corporate sales.

‘As a growing company with ambitious plans for the future, we have recognised that we need to be more involved in the fleet sector.’

The company’s latest generation of cars includes the Rio and Cerato, launched last year, and the Magentis, which will be launched in the spring. Also on the horizon are two new MPVs – the seven-seat Sedona and the five-seat Carens.

The investment is the result of a partnership between Kia and Siemens Financial Services’ motor contracts division.