Kia Motors America Posts Record January Sales

Kia Motors America (KMA) today reported an all-time record January with 36,302 vehicles sold, a 2.2-percent increase over the same period in 2012.  The U.S.-built* Optima midsize sedan and Sorento CUV continued to lead sales for the brand with 11,252 and 8,005 units sold respectively, sustaining the company’s momentum at the beginning of a new year that will see the arrival of several all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles. 

“January’s record performance comes on the heels of the historic sales milestones Kia achieved in 2012 and signals the beginning of an aggressive launch cadence that will deliver a collection of new cars and CUVs, fulfilling our promise to advance value to new levels of sophistication,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia.  “Customers continue to flock to our showrooms in search of vehicles that represent a smart buy with world-class style, modern amenities and cutting-edge technologies.”

Kia:  One of the World’s Fastest Moving Global Automotive BrandsKia Motors America is one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales in each of the past four years, and in 2012 the company surpassed the 500,000 unit mark for the first time.  With a full line of fun-to-drive cars and CUVs, Kia is advancing value to new levels of sophistication by combining European-influenced styling – under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer – with cutting-edge technologies, premium amenities, affordable pricing and the lowest cost of ownership in the industry.  Kia recently joined the exclusive ranks of Interbrand’s “Top 100 Best Global Brands,” and is poised to continue its momentum with seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles expected to arrive in showrooms in 2013.  Over the past decade Kia Motors has invested more than $1.4 billion in the U.S., including the company’s first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – which is responsible for the creation of more than 11,000 plant and supplier jobs.  The success of the U.S.-built* Optima and Sorento in two of the industry’s largest segments has fueled Kia’s rapid growth and is complemented by Kia’s comprehensive lineup which includes the Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima Hybrid, the Forte sedan, 5-door and Koup compacts, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors AmericaKia Motors America 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 765 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2012, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and gained U.S. market share for the 18th consecutive year.  Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

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

	MONTH OF JANUARY		YEAR-TO-DATE
Model	2013	2012	2012	2011
Rio	2,470	2,596	2,470	2,596
Forte	4,408	4,417	4,408	4,417
Optima	11,252	8,814	11,252	8,814
Sportage	2,422	2,835	2,422	2,835
Sorento	8,005	7,322	8,005	7,322
Sedona	363	1,442	363	1,442
Soul	7,382	8,091	7,382	8,091
Total	36,302	35,517	36,302	35,517

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. 

Article and image courtesy of Kia News.