At the 2011 Seoul Motor Show Kia has unveiled the Naimo Concept, a crossover utility vehicle (CUV) with a pure electric powertrain and a design with simple lines and elements inspired by Korean arts and crafts.
“Basically, the Naimo’s body volume is simple and modest. It was not easy to execute subtle changes in the body volume, as it could look too boring or too heavy depending on how the changes are made. It was necessary to obtain both balance and unity,” explained exterior designer Byung-Chul Kim.
Early rough sketches: The objective was to create a futuristic feel, concise dimensions and bold details. These renderings were inspired by shapes of soft rice cakes, boxy erasers and cute animals.
This was also stressed in creating the interior. “In the beginning, we were worried that it was too simple. We tried to work on fine details within the bigger frame and make sure that the design was never boring,” said interior designer Hae-Sung Shin.
“We strived to create a very unique and contemporary car with extra value and a strong personality. We hoped to provide a fresh impression of Korea and the Kia brand for worldwide consumers with a car that combines futuristic elements with traditional Korean beauty,” said Dae-Sik Shin, leader of the Naimo project.
Kia has pulled the sheet on its Naimo concept car at the Seoul Motor Show. The Naimo (pronounced ‘Neh-mo’, meaning ‘square shape’) is Kia’s vision of an all-electric B-segment car.
Stretching 3.9 meters in length, the Naimo adopts some of the boxy styling used on the larger Soul. The Naimo’s exterior design is highlighted by a wrap-around windshield, asymmetrical sunroof and front and rear dot-style LED lights. Rear hinged doors and a three-way split hatch allow for maximum cabin access. 
The Naimo also features some trick technologies for styling purposes, such as side cameras in lieu of door mirrors and a high-intensity air jet that takes the place of conventional windshield wipers.
The Naimo’s interior was “designed to evoke a strong sense of tranquility”, featuring Korean oak for door panels and the entire floor and Korean “Han-ji” paper for the head lining. 
“Naimo is a perfect balance of innovation, high-tech and Korean tradition. It was heavily inspired by the purity and grace of traditional Korean arts and crafts, but combines this with cutting edge technologies to deliver a truly premium experience,” said Kia Motors’ Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.
Power for the Naimo is provided by a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor generating about 110 horsepower. The Naimo has a top speed of 93mph.
The Naimo’s floor and trunk-mounted Lithium Ion Polymer batteries can be recharged to 80 percent of capacity in just 25 minutes, while a full charge requires five and a half hours. Once charged, the Naimo can travel 124 miles.
