Estonia, Latvia, Legislation, Transport

The Competition Council has established that Kia Auto had been running disproportionate requirements automobile buyers had to observe regarding warranty repairs to their cars, visits to independent repair shops, and having parts made by other manufacturers installed in their automobiles. As a result, the Competition Council has decided to fine Kia Auto and its parent company, joint-stock Tallinna Kaubamaja, EUR 134,514.

Kia Auto has been told to halt its illegal practices and inform Kia owners about their rights.

Kia Auto is the only importer of Kia automobiles in Latvia. Kia Auto chooses and confirms authorized dealerships to sell Kia automobiles and offer warranty service.

The Competition Council's decision does not concern dealerships selling and repairing Kia automobiles in Latvia.

According to Kia Auto website, the company commenced operations in May 1994 when it began to import Kia automobiles in Estonia. Kia Auto has also been the importer of Kia automobiles in Lithuania since 1999 and in Latvia since 2002.

There are approximately twenty Kia dealerships in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

According to Forum Auto, one of the four Kia dealerships in Latvia, a total of 327 new Kia automobiles were sold in Latvia during the first seven months this year, which is 55.7% more than in the same period last year. The market share of Kia automobiles has increased to 4.83% this past July from 3.53% last year. "cee'd" and "Sportage" are the most popular new Kia automobiles in Latvia this year.