The need for companies to save money in the current economic climate has played a pivotal role in Kia’s significant growth in the fleet sector.

So far this year the manufacturer has seen more than 200% growth in the corporate sector, and inquiries have quadrupled since it launched its seven-year warranty across the range.

“This year has been very, very good,” said Andrew Sellars, head of fleet and remarketing, Kia Motors (UK).

“The majority of volume has come from Ceed, particularly the 110g/km of CO2 Ecodynamics, while the Ceed SW is proving very popular with people who need a specific car for their job because of its large boot area.”

Sellars added: “Kia vehicles are a win-win option. Firstly, the BIK is so competitive for drivers and, secondly, business wins as lower wholelife costs are so strong; RVs are strong, P11D prices lower and we also have good green credentials.

“We expect continued growth – we are selling cars to companies that wouldn’t previously have bought a Kia but are now buying them in their hundreds.”

He said Kia’s seven-year warranty had appealed to fleets who want to keep their vehicles for longer than the traditional three-year replacement cycle – also the length of the vast majority of other carmakers’ warranties.