Peter Schreyer

The Kia SP concept has been officially revealed at the 2018 Auto Expo in New Delhi, offering a look at a small SUV model aimed primarily at the Indian market. According to the Korean manufacturer, the SP concept "provides a glimpse of what's in store for motoring enthusiasts once Kia kicks off retail sales in India" during the second half of 2019.

Kia has a younger and more flexible brand image than Hyundai and therefore doesn’t need a separate performance division, according to the chief vehicle tester and high-performance head of both companies, Albert Biermann. Ruling out a Hyundai N-style sub-brand for Kia, 30-year BMW veteran Biermann said the ambitious Korean marque “can stretch much more than the Hyundai brand”, seemingly differentiating the latter as a more conservative unit.

The head of design for Kia and Hyundai says that the big changes to the look of each brand's cars from one generation to the next are a necessity for both, and that continuing a slow evolutionary design path like some other automotive manufacturers would be dangerous.

The world's most publicised car designer, Peter Schreyer, says he won't forget Kia as he takes up his additional role as chief design officer for Hyundai. Schreyer, who currently holds the title of Kia president and chief design officer as well as president of design for Hyundai, has been largely credited with turning the Kia brand around since being appointed to the job in 2006.

We've all been wondering when the Koreans would move in to the convertible and sports car segment, it now seems that it may be sooner than later. The good news comes as KIA's main designer Peter Schreyer says he is keen to make it happen. Speaking to Autonews.com, the former Audi designer said convertibles and sports car would help lift the brand's profile, he did however concede that "it's not yet the time to make any promises".