Kia Motors, the South Korean automotive company, has appointed SapientNitro as its lead agency for digital platforms across Europe.

It is understood that the pitch process involved two rival agencies but names were not disclosed.

SapientNitro will focus on evolving Kia’s internet portal across Europe, taking responsibility for everything from concept development, user experience and design to implementation and support.

In addition, the agency will oversee the portals in each of Kia Motors’ 20 markets in Europe as well as expanding other Kia brand touchpoints with consumers, such as mobile and digital point-of-sale initiatives.

According to a statement, the focus will be on “encouraging Kia’s design-conscious target audience to engage with the brand more actively and in even more innovative ways.”

Christiane Frisch, digital marketing manager, Kia Motors Europe, said: “SapientNitro impressed us with their superb creativity and their technology expertise. Other major benefits are the agency’s global presence and its strengths on the execution side.”

The first results of SapientNitro’s work are expected at the end of 2014 with the launch of new product pages for Kia’s Rio, Sorento and Venga auto models.