Kia defends new 'Provo' car

Published Monday, 04 March 2013

Korean car-maker Kia has been forced to defend the naming of its new super-mini, after unveiling the 'Provo' concept car just in time for the International Geneva Motor Show.

The Kia Provo concept car. (© Kia)

Billed as a "road-legal racer" and a "radical super-mini coupe which aims to set the streets alight", it seems Kia were unaware of the connotations of their name choice.

Members of the Provisional IRA, who engaged in bombing campaigns during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, are often referred to as 'Provos'.

According to the Daily Mail, Kia has said it was certainly unintentional.

The name was apparently chosen at the company's European headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany.

"There was absolutely no intention to cause offence. The name comes from 'provoke' - as in provoking a reaction," a spokesman explained.

No specific production schedule has been put in place, so it could be some time before the Provo hits the roads. It will remain to be seen whether the name could be changed for the UK market.

Comments

44 Comments

kevin brennan in usa wrote (77 days ago):

I hear a Japanese car company are teeming up with an Norn Iron company to launch the 'Whataboutye'jeep.

motorist in Belfast wrote (77 days ago):

Have none of the Catholics in Northern Ireland objected yet to Gregory Campbell having the same name as a pope? Get Real folks!

Chris in Banbridge wrote (77 days ago):

Has Gregory Campbell nothing better to do or Unionist politions for that matter. This car is only a show car to test the water and was never even meant to be put into production never mind being sold anywher in the UK or Ireland. Wise up Gregory and do something positive for the country instead of your whinging.

Terry in wrote (77 days ago):

I hope this wee cars got a good alarm. I wouldn,t want it to go away you know.

Doug in BELFAST wrote (77 days ago):

I wonder if James McClean picked one up would Gregory's head actually explode?

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