Kia Motors America Announces Record October Sales

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced best-ever October sales of 37,690 units, a 21-percent increase over the same period last year and the company's 14th straight monthly sales record.  One of the fastest growing car brands in the U.S., KMA's year-to-date sales are up 35 percent, and the brand has eclipsed the 400,000 vehicle sales mark for the first time in company history.  The U.S.-built(1) Sorento was once again the brand's best-selling vehicle with 10,178 units sold in October, while demand for the critically acclaimed Optima midsize sedan, which recently was added to the production line at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), remained strong with 8,616 units sold.

"Kia has experienced unprecedented growth in the past 36 months and undergone a complete design-led transformation that has changed the game for us as a brand," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG.  "In just three years we have brought nine new vehicles to market, something no other manufacturer can say.  The recently launched Rio 5-door offers consumers a refreshing mix of world-class styling, performance, technology and outstanding safety and value in the B-segment, and with the upcoming introduction of its sedan sibling Kia will offer three vehicles that deliver 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 Rio 5-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.

(2) EPA claim for highway mileage for 2012 Rio.

(3) Optima Hybrid will not be built at KMMG.

SOURCE Kia Motors America