KIA RIO Hybrid

Kia staff at Yongin and Namyang are the driving force behind R&D which is investigating low emission vehicles, lightweight vehicles and both materials-saving and energy-saving vehicles and component production processes.

Elements of the low-emissions technology programme include ultra-high heat resistant catalysts, dual-pipe exhaust systems to maximise low-temperature catalyst activity at engine start-up, an air-purifying radiator which removes ozone from the air and a range of diesel exhaust filtering systems. By 2010, Kia aims to have a diesel catalyst system that will absorb 90% of NOx emissions.

Kia’s lightweight vehicle programme is studying the broad use of substitute materials – replacing regular steel with high-strength steel, aluminium or magnesium – and the simplification of design so that future cars will have fewer and less complex components. Highly recyclable, aluminium has great appeal and Kia has developed a new welding process which provides 150% of the conventional steel spot-welding strength.

Although aluminium, magnesium and plastics will all have a role to play in future vehicles, for some time to come high-volume cars will rely on steel for their chassis structure. High-strength steel is at least 25% stronger than regular steel and also gives a 10% weight saving. In 2006, every Kia car incorporates some high-strength steel and Kia intends to raise that content to more than 70% of chassis parts over the next five years.