Kia to Challenge Toyota with New Hybrids

Kia Automotive Group will release its first hybrid vehicles this month, and has set its sights on taking a great leap in the global hybrid market, which is currently dominated by Toyota. The Japanese automaker has sold over three million units worldwide since it debuted the world's first mass-produced hybrid in 1997.

Kia will roll out the K5 gasoline-electric hybrid this month, targeting global sales of 11,500 units this year including 5,500 in the domestic market. It plans to expand worldwide sales to 20,000 next year.

Kia claims its models will outperform their Japanese rivals. The K5 hybrid boasts fuel efficiency of 21.7km/l, some 6.6 percent higher than the Toyota Camry's 19.7km/h. The latter is equipped with a 100kw electric motor that puts out 150 horsepower, while the K5 hybrid can produce the same performance with a smaller 30kw motor, making the vehicle lighter and more fuel efficient.