Kia Provo Car Not For The UK Market

Car manufacturer Kia will not sell a model called the 'Provo' in the UK.

The South Korean firm unveiled a model with the same title as the slang name used for to the Provisional IRA during the Northern Ireland Troubles.

DUP MP Gregory Campbell welcomed "Kia's swift action".

"Obviously a large multi-national company may not be aware of all the connotations surrounding a particular name," he said.

"However, in such circumstances it is important that they act quickly when they are made aware that the name is actually linked to a terrorist campaign.

"The motion which I had tabled in the House of Commons was aimed at making Kia aware of the particular sensitivities and to request a change.

"In this case Kia have acted quickly and issued a clear statement that they will not launch a car in the United Kingdom with this name and will not utilise this name in any other way."

Stephen Kitson, corporate communications director at Kia Motors UK, told the BBC the implications of the Provo's name were unintended: "This car is a showcase, it's a little bit of frivolity, it's for a motor show in Switzerland designed by an Italian at a design studio in Frankfurt. The name of the car is chosen for its debut by the designer.

"It's a play on the Italian word and it was also linked to the desire to provoke emotions, to provoke aspirations, to make the car exciting and fun.

"We're sorry if anybody takes offence at it, but this car is not about Northern Ireland.

"It won't have the slogan No Surrender on the boot, we're not going to do a Free Derry special edition or anything of that nature.

"It's to show what Kia's designers are thinking, to gauge opinions and get feedback on the car, not the name."

(GK)