Al Majid Motors Co. introduces the all-new KIA Carnival minivan

Despite an all-new platform which has a 15-percent improvement in passenger room over the previous Carnival, a completely new 3.8-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 aluminum block engine mated to a five-speed Sportmatic™ transmission, 4-wheel independent suspension, flip-fold and removable type second row seats, a new simple-to-operate standard 60/40 split-folding-into-the floor third row seat to create a larger flat cargo area, the new Carnival is significantly lighter than the previous model and is designed to bolster Carnival's established position as a safety and value leader in the highly competitive minivan market and to be more rewarding to drive than its predecessor and its competitors.

Serving as Kia's flagship safety vehicle, the original Carnival received the company's first Five Star crash rating for the driver, front and rear seat passengers in both frontal and side impact crash test from the U.S. NHTSA. This next-generation Carnival will continue Kia's commitment to offering high levels of standard safety equipment, including airbags, power-assisted four-wheel-disc braking system, four-channel, four-sensor, anti-lock brake system (ABS) and active front seat headrests.

"Embracing an image of comfortably luxurious and luxuriously convenient with a high quality safety and versatility, the Carnival has been a hit with consumers of all demographics since the very first day it went on sale in UAE,"

said Mr. Samir Tayeh, General Manager of Al Majid Motors Co. at the launching ceremony.

"The influential motoring writers' jury from the Middle East Motoring Media recently voting the Kia Carnival 'MPV of the Year 2005-2006' category winner of the prestigious 'Car of the Year 2005-2006' award is solidifying its position as a world-class mainstream MPV most suitable for the needs of the population of the region which is a splendid achievement for the growing Kia brand in UAE and we are honored to receive this recognition from the Middle East Motoring Media," he added.

The original Carnival went on-sale in summer 1998 and quickly gained recognition in UAE for its tremendous value and generous list of standard comfort, convenience and safety features. In addition, the Carnival has received quite an impressive list of accolades which includes the Middle East MPV of the year 2005-2006, the Strategic Vision Total Value Index winner - 2002 & 2004, Sport Truck Connection Television's "Best Van" - 2002 & 2003 and the AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award - 2002

Available in LX and EX trim levels, the all-new Carnival maintains Kia's tradition of high-value by offering a generous list standard features and amenities. The Carnival LX comes with tri-zone air conditioning, sliding doors with power windows, power mirrors and door locks, and AM/FM/CD player while the EX adds a chrome grille, fog lights, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated power mirrors, AM/FM/Cassette/MP3/CD stereo system, cruise control, power sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power rear quarter glass, roof rack, a backup warning system, keyless entry with an alarm system, wood trim, trip computer with compass, dual powder sliding door and power tailgate.

Longer, safer and more spacious for the ultimate driving experience, the KIA Carnival is a unique combination of Exterior Excellence, Advanced Machinery, Interior Sophistication, Comfortable seating from head to toe, More stability for better control and comfort, utility, Safety, Performance, and Amenities in its segment, and a great example of the 'exciting' and 'enabling' characteristics Kia's next generation products are bringing to the brand.