Kia has announced it will develop “a greatly increased range” of environmental friendly vehicles.

The South Korean firm has designed a five-year ‘green car roadmap’ which includes a target to become the lowest emissions of its kind in the car market by 2020.

The car manufacturer aims to increase its green car models to 11 during the same period.

They include hydrogen fuel cell cars, hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs).

Kia also aims to improve its cars’ average fuel efficiency by 25% and replace 70% of current engine range sets with more efficient units.

Hyundai Motor Group, Kia’s parent company, is investing $10.2 billion (£6.7bn) to help the subsidiary achieve its green goals.

The car manufacturer expects to create thousands of jobs with its new programme.

Ki-Sang Lee, Senior Vice President, Eco Friendly Vehicle R&D Center, Kia Motors Corporation, said: “Global market demand is shifting to electric vehicles with oil prices predicted to rise in the future. The electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle market will grow rapidly in the coming years and this investment will enable Kia to meet the growing demand with a range of advanced new products and technologies.”