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Taking the name given to its concept-car predecessor, the Kia cee'd is set to hit showrooms at the end of the year and is Kia's first all-European designed and engineered car. It will be built at Kia's newly-built factory in Slovakia purely for the European market.
"Our new C-segment model marks a major turning point in Kia's history and is named cee'd for several reasons," explained Jean-Charles Lievens, Senior Vice President Kia Motors Europe.
"cee'd is a short, dynamic and innovative name. It's unconventional, a name which breaks the automotive rules. A surprising name for a car destined to surprise our rivals and delight our customers. I'm sure the name will get people talking about Kia and also be easy to remember.
"The 'CE' symbolises that this model is made in the European Community and the 'ED' indicates this car is a European Design created especially with European consumers in mind. 'cee'd' represents the 'seed' for abundant growth in Kia sales that the new model will undoubtedly ensure.
"Finally, we wanted to introduce a fresh name in line with Kia's brand attributes ? quality, trustworthy and dynamic," added Lievens.
When it goes on sale in December 2006, the five-door hatchback cee'd will be Kia's strongest-yet contender for C-segment honours rivalling cars such as the VW Golf and Honda Civic.
