Kia Europe looks to expand hybrid, EV options

Kia's European sales have risen nearly 30 percent since Michael Cole took over as the brand's chief operating officer in late 2012. Last year the automaker increased its sales in the region by 13 percent to 435,316 vehicles, led by strong demand for its Sportage compact SUV. Kia's hot streak will get a further boost from the new Stonic small SUV. Despite all those positives, Cole is wary of falling sales of diesels in Europe, where he says the "demonization" of the powertrain has affected consumer confidence. Cole explained how Kia is adjusting to the diesel decline in an interview with Automotive News Europe Correspondent Andrea Malan.