With diesels continuing to gain consumer acceptance and sales momentum in the U.S., Kia is considering throwing its hat into the ring by launching oil-burning models of its own.
While expanding into the diesel niche could give Kia a new avenue for growth, variations in the emissions regulations of different markets mean such a move, if given the green light, would likely happen three or four years in the future.
“The problem right now is that there are different emissions standards in Europe and the US, which means we would be faced with different after-treatments, and that makes it very expensive,” Orth Hedrick, vice-president of product planning for Kia Motors America, told Just Auto.
“But with EU6 in 2017-18 there would be the same standards in both Europe and the US, and that gives us a better chance.”
Hedrick didn’t reveal what Kia models might benefit from a diesel option. Given the relative success German luxury brands have enjoyed with diesels in the U.S., the upmarket K900 would seem to be a candidate, but Kia lacks a suitable mill for the sedan. At the other end of the spectrum, the Soul could also be a good fit, especially as it already offers a diesel in markets outside the U.S.
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