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Kolao moves up a gear with launch of new sedans
Kolao Developing Co, a key player in the Lao vehicle market, has unveiled new Korean cars at its 2011 Motor Show as part of its plans to gain a larger niche of the booming vehicle market.
An event to launch the all new Kia Picanto and Hyundai Accent was held on Saturday at the National Culture Hall in Vientiane, putting the new models on public display.
Company managing director Mr Baik said Kolao was confident the two new models would win the hearts of Lao motorists and hoped the new additions to the market would boost sales of the Hyundai and Kia brands.
Kolao is targeting sales of 1,000 of each of the two new Korean cars annually, he said.
The Lao vehicle market has grown rapidly over the past five years thanks to economic growth and a growing middle class. Vehicle imports saw an 80 percent increase over the first six months of this current fiscal year.
New Korean cars, in particular sedans, are gaining in popularity among city dwellers, with an increasingly affluent middle class now able to afford what was previously regarded as a luxury.
According to a press release from Kolao, the all new Hyundai Accent is a new arrival in Laos and comes equipped with a 108 horsepower engine. Fuel consumption is about 15km per litre under combined highway and urban driving conditions. The car also won a five star safety rating from the New Car Assessment Programme.
In addition to these strong points, the Accent has a range of safety and convenience features including rear disc brakes, engine start button, ECM rear camera view for easy parking, full auto light control, auto airconditioning, rear warning system and power steering.
The all new Picanto, the new model from Hyundai's sister company Kia, has grown slightly and the character of the car has been transformed from feminine to chunky. Its stability and strength is emphasised by its muscular wheel arches and wide set alloy wheels.
The new 3.6 metre long Picanto surprises with its generous practicality. While being a small car, the all new Picanto's sophisticated interior offers buyers numerous big car features, as the inside space is bigger than that of any other car in this segment.
vientiane times
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