Gasgoo.com (Shanghai May 21) - With the employment of renowned automobile designer Peter Schreyer as its chief design officer, Korean manufacturer Kia has begun revolutionizing its product line. To that end, its Chinese joint venture Dongfeng Yueda Kia has registered the Schreyer-designed K7 with the national Trademark Office, the Internet News Agency reported today. The news implies that the K7, which is currently only available as an import, may be manufactured in the country before long.

Alongside the K5 midsize and Sportage SUV, the K7 fullsize (pictured) is one of Dongfeng Yueda Kia's first forays outside of the small car segment. As sales for the K5 have not been as high as hoped, expectations for the K7 are high. It is not unusual for a company to offer two sedans in the same segment, with Shanghai GM's Buick and Roewe own brand employing the same strategy.

Mr. Schreyer's design work ensures that the K7's exterior does not resemble a traditional Korean car. The aggressive front grille design, large headlights and straight lines all allow the K7 to stand apart from its Korean counterparts. The spacious and clean interior, however, inherits its design trends from Kia's previous models.

Source:gasgoo.com