Kia to export 10,000 Niro plug-in hybrids

Kia Motors is aiming to export up to 10,000 plug-in hybrid electri vehicle (PHEV) versions of its Niro small SUV this year, industry sources said Friday.

Kia is scheduled to unveil the Niro PHEV in Korea in April and debut the model in the United States and Europe during the second half of this year.

According to the sources, Kia has set a temporary export target of around 9,000 Niro PHEVs for this year, while expecting overseas shipments to rise to 20,000 vehicles next year.

“The eco-friendly Niro PHEV is highly competitive in terms of design, performance and fuel economy,” a Kia official said. "The model is expected to draw much attention from overseas motorists."

Notably, Kia is said to be pinning high hopes on the U.S., the second-largest car market in the world, after its Niro ad for this year’s Super Bowl received rave reviews.

Kia has yet to disclose the powertrain and other specifications of the Niro PHEV.

The planned launch of the Niro PHEV comes after Kia registered strong sales of the Niro hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that hit the market in April last year.