Kia e-Niro’s waiting! Hollywood star joins forces with manufacturer to plug all-new electric crossover
Zero-emission model showcased at Paris Motor Show is being promoted by double Oscar winner Robert De Niro
Kia showcased its new, all-electric e-Niro crossover at the Paris Motor Show today.
And the South Korean manufacturer is launching a new pan-European advertising campaign for the car – ingeniously fronted by the similarly-named film legend Robert De Niro.
As an ambassador for the vehicle, the double Oscar winner will highlight its ability to eliminate barriers to electric vehicle ownership with TV, print and digital advertisements.
Claiming a zero-emissions range of 301 miles, the e-Niro aims to combine crossover capabilities with rock-bottom running costs.
Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Europe, said: “A combination of cool crossover design and advanced powertrains led to more than 33,000 Niro sales across Europe in 2017, and more than 30,000 year-to-date in 2018, making it one of our best-selling models.
“The e-Niro is a clear demonstration of the progress Kia has made in delivering comfortable, practical and fun-to-drive vehicles that lead the way in zero-emissions driving.”
The all-electric e-Niro joins the Niro Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models in the range, bolstering the car’s powertrain options. However, the all-electric version benefits from a series of styling tweaks to help differentiate it from the other Niro offerings.
These include an integrated charging point housed within the car’s ‘Tiger Nose’ front grille, along with redesigned air intakes and blue trim highlights. That front grille is blanked off to aid aerodynamic efficiency, too.
Artur Martins, Vice President for Marketing and Product Planning at Kia Motors Europe, said: “The communication plan for the e-Niro will be as special as the car itself. The advertisements will draw on Robert De Niro’s unique ability to entertain, as he educates drivers about the e-Niro – a car that removes many of the obstacles to electric vehicle ownership in a way that few others have.”
Available in ten colours, the Niro also features a bright blue interior trim, mirroring the blue highlights applied to the outside of the car. A new mood lighting system has also been included, and can be changed to one of six colours.
The new Kia e-Niro will go on sale towards the end of the year, and will also feature Kia’s seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty as standard. Full UK pricing is due to be announced closer to the car’s release date.
