"This is the third generation of the highly popular model," said Abdul Latif Al-Jabr, the company chairman. "We are confident that when current Sportage owners and new customers visit Al-Jabr showrooms to view the all-new Sportage they will be impressed by the commanding presence of the newcomer."
The new vehicle uses more high-tensile steel, yet it is about 90 kg lighter than its predecessor, which should make for a more solid ride and greater fuel economy. Many of the design elements, including the "tiger" grille, were introduced on the 2007 Kia Kee concept vehicle that was well-received at auto shows around the globe.
"With the new Sportage, Kia has created a five-seater compact SUV with maximized customer appeal that is fully in tune with today's consumer expectations and demands," Al-Jabr said. "KIA vehicles in particular have become well established in Saudi Arabia, and we believe that there is enormous potential for growth as we shall be introducing new models that fit into various categories to suit all sectors of the Kingdom's auto market."
"With a new bodyshell, new engines and fresh, bold styling that introduces a new kind of dynamic aesthetics, the latest Kia Sportage is longer, wider and lower than the previous model," said Michael Sohn, Kia's Middle East deputy manager. "The all-new design successfully retains the key SUV features - the commanding driving position, heightened sense of security and powerful road presence - which made the second generation Kia Sportage so popular."
Also present at the spectacular launch ceremony were Maher Al-Jabr, Abdul Salam Al-Jabr, Abdullah Al-Jabr, Salman Maher Al-Jabr, Abdullah Fahad Al-Jabr, Mohammed Al-Jabr, Rudy Girgis and Mir Ajmal.
Al-Jabr Group traces its origins to 1952 when the sons of Hamad Mohammad Al-Jabr began their journey into the world of commerce with the establishment of a small company trading in foodstuffs. In 1956 a branch was opened in Alkhobar, which was their first international activity.
Kia Motors was founded in 1944 and is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-KIA Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world's premier automotive brands. More than 1.4 million vehicles a year are produced in 14 manufacturing and assembly operations in eight countries that are sold and serviced through a distributor-dealer network covering 165 countries.