Seattle Post Intelligencer (Enlarge photo)

30/05/2008 08:52. With gasoline prices setting records almost daily, the auto market is ripe for manufacturers such as Kia.

Heavy on fuel-efficient cars and crossover utility vehicles, and light on trucks (actually, the company has none), this South Korean automaker now owned by Hyundai is well-positioned to take advantage of the changing consumer habits.

In record numbers, people are giving up their larger, less-fuel-efficient vehicles such as pickups and traditional SUVs and turning to vehicles that make sense with gasoline around $4 a gallon.

It hasn't been easy for Kia, but the company has come a long way since introduction of its first vehicles in the U.S. market in 1995.

The first two vehicles from Kia were the compact Sportage sport utility vehicle and the subcompact Sephia sedan. Both sold... // Seattle Post Intelligencer