KIA MOTORS AMERICA ANNOUNCES 12TH CONSECUTIVE MONTHLY SALES RECORD
Year-to-Date Sales up 39.4 Percent and on Pace to Surpass Kia’s All-Time Best U.S. Annual Sales Total in Less Than Nine Months
IRVINE, Calif., September 1, 2011 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced best-ever August sales of 41,188 units, a 26.9-percent increase over the same period last year and the company’s 12th straight monthly sales record. Kia’s design-led transformation has led to unprecedented growth, and with year-to-date sales up 39.4 percent, KMA is on pace to shatter its previous best-ever annual sales total in September.
August sales were once again led by the U.S.-built1 Sorento CUV, which posted its all-time best sales 13,573 units for the second-consecutive month. The critically acclaimed Optima midsize sedan also was a strong performer 6,157 units on the eve of the start of U.S. production at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). The popularity of the funky Soul urban passenger vehicle and Forte compacts also fueled the August sales record.
“Kia has achieved new sales records each month for a full year and has become one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. due to significant increases in consumer awareness, perception and consideration of the brand created by our diverse and exciting lineup of cars and CUVs,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG. “Last year, Kia surpassed sales of 350,000 vehicles for the first time and we will break that record in less than nine months and continue expanding our market share by offering vehicles such as the recently launched Optima Hybrid and the upcoming Rio 5-door, which begins arriving in dealerships in September. Both vehicles greatly appeal to today’s consumer by achieving 40 miles per gallon and offer an unbeatable combination of style, technology, performance, safety and value.”
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 will add the critically acclaimed Optima midsize sedan 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.
MONTH OF AUGUST
YEAR-TO-DATE
Model
2011
2010
2011
2010
Rio
658
2,086
13,602
19,253
Spectra
–
12
1
259
Forte
6,677
6,260
57,259
46,612
Optima
6,157
1,714
49,546
19,198
Amanti
–
17
1
226
Sportage
4,218
3,422
33,520
13,899
Sorento
13,573
9,040
88,613
68,835
Sedona
3,011
2,199
16,842
15,511
Rondo
–
94
44
3,276
Borrego
9
600
365
7,206
Soul
6,885
7,021
72,003
43,678
Total
41,188
32,465
331,796
237,953