Kia introduce Naimo concept in Seoul

Kia has released their third electric vehicle in 12 months at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show.

Taking its name from the Korean word for ‘square shape’ (Ne-mo), the Naimo is a crossover utility vehicle for the B-segment which combines traditional Korean heritage with a simplistic design and technological innovations.

Kia’s international design team in Seoul complemented the basic exterior with a wrap-around windscreen, asymmetric sunroof and front and rear dot-style LED headlamps. The concept also features no B-pillars, rear-hinged rear doors for easy access to the cabin, and a three-way split opening boot-lid. The exterior design is also kept tidy through the use of high-intensity air jets at the base of the windscreen which replace traditional windscreen wipers and act as ‘air wipers'. Cameras installed in the A-pillar also replace standard door mirrors.

On the Naimo’s interior, Korean oak is used to line the whole of the floor as well as the door panels, while Korean "Han-ji" paper is used for the head lining. Juxtaposed with these traditional elements are modern innovations such as a transparent organic LED instrument panel and full connectivity.

The Naimo is powered by a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor which outputs 80 kW and 280 Nm of torque which allow it to achieve a top speed of 150 km/h. This motor draws its power from a 27 kWh battery using Lithium Ion Polymer technology which offers a range of 200 km from a single charge. The battery can be recharged using a quick charge function that allows it to restore 80 percent of power in 25 minutes. A normal full charge will take five and a half hours to complete.    

Kia Motors' Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, said "Naimo is a perfect balance of innovation, high-tech and Korean tradition.  It was heavily inspired by the purity and grace of traditional Korean arts and crafts, but combines this with cutting edge technologies to deliver a truly premium experience.”

The Naimo is the latest car to join Kia’s growing fleet of hybrid, electric and fuel-cell vehicles being tested as blueprints for future production models which have low or zero emissions.