Kia Motors America Announces Record November Sales

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced best-ever November sales of 37,007 units, a 39.1-percent increase over the same period last year and the company's 15th straight monthly sales record.  Kia is one of the fastest growing car brands in the U.S., having eclipsed 400,000 vehicles sold for the first time in company history in October, and year-to-date sales are up 35.7-percent.  Following the recent start of Optima production at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), the brand's U.S.-built(1) products – Sorento and Optima – were the top performers for the second consecutive month with 9,669 and 9,533 vehicles sold, respectively.

"Kia's growth has far outpaced the industry all year and the brand's design-led transformation has raised awareness for the brand and attracted new customers to our showrooms to experience our diverse lineup that offers world-class style, performance, technology and safety features," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG.  "Kia has introduced more new vehicles over the past three years than any other auto manufacturer and the latest addition is the all-new Rio 5-door, which is 85-percent recyclable at the end of its lifespan and delivers up to 40 miles per gallon(2)."

Design-Led Transformation and Product Line

Kia Motors has undergone a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share.  Kia is poised to continue its momentum and brand growth through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology.  Kia's commitment to the U.S. market is represented by its U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – which is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and recently added the critically acclaimed Optima midsize sedan(3) to its production line.  Kia's model year 2012 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 745 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA."  In 2010, KMA recorded its best-ever U.S. sales and 16th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

(1)  Assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.  Optima Hybrid is not built at KMMG.

(2)  EPA fuel economy estimates are 30 mpg/city and 40 mpg/hwy with 1.6L GDI engine.

(3)  Optima Hybrid is not built at KMMG.

SOURCE Kia Motors America