Kia Motors Posts All-Time Best January Sales With 27.8 Percent Increase

After reaching all-time sales and market share highs in 2011, Kia Motors America's (KMA) steep upward trajectory continued in the first month of 2012 with record January sales of 35,517 units, a 27.8-percent increase over the same period in 2011, and the brand's 17th straight monthly sales record. With popular vehicles such as the U.S.-built¹ Optima midsize sedan and Soul urban passenger vehicle, which led January sales with 8,814 and 8,091 units sold, Kia continues to be one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S.

"Following a year of impressive milestones and historic firsts, including the completion of the most aggressive new product launch cycle in the industry with nine vehicles in less than three yearsand the $100 million expansion of Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), Kia is well positioned for future growth as we further our efforts to increase brand visibility and awareness," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG. "With several high-profile marketing initiatives on the horizon and the arrival of fuel efficient products such as the Rio 5-door and sedan that offer class-leading horsepower² and deliver up to 40 miles per gallon³, Kia will continue to attract new customers to our showrooms by offering high-quality cars and CUVs with world-class design, cutting edge technologies and fun-to-drive performance."

Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality⁴ and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking⁵. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan⁶. Kia's value- and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

Courtesy of Kia Media