Kia scoops three design awards

Kia has won three design awards in this year's Automotive Brand Contest, continuing its strong showing in last year's competition.

The second-generation cee'd, launched in June, topped the exterior category table as well as receiving an honorary special mention for exceptional innovation in the interior category.

The car's exterior features a chrome-framed glasshouse and muscular lines on the bonnet, while inside an ergonomic, driver-oriented control panel impressed the judges enough to receive the special mention.

The Kia GT, unveiled at last year's Frankfurt motor show, was selected as the concept award winner and indicates the automaker's new design direction under the leadership of Peter Schreyer.

In last year's Automotive Brand Contest, Kia received the Best of the Best award in the brand design category, while the Sportage, Optima and Rio models also triumphed in the exterior category.

The presentation ceremony will be held at the Paris motor show on Automotive Designers' Night on the 27 September.

The Automotive Brand Contest was first held in 2011 and is open to car manufacturers, automotive parts suppliers and companies delivering design and brand communications services to the automotive industry. There are 16 awards categories which cover vehicle design, parts and accessories, technology, digital, branding and events activities.

By Rufus Thompson