Kia Motors America Sells Four Millionth Vehicle During Record-Setting Month Of May

Fastest-Growing Auto Brand in the U.S.¹ Achieves 21st Consecutive Monthly Sales Record; Fuel-Sipping Optima, Sorento and Soulare Kia’s Top Performers in May

With a diverse line-up of fuel-efficient, stylish and fun-to-drive vehicles that is attracting more new customers to its showrooms, Kia Motors America’s (KMA) momentum continued with best-ever May sales of 51,771 units, a 7.4-percent increase over the same period last year.  Year-to-date sales are up 18.7 percent, and May also saw the sale of Kia’s four millionth vehicle in the U.S. (since entering the market in 1994) and extended the brand’s run of consecutive monthly sales records to 21.

Vehicles that achieve more than 30 mpg on the highway[2] accounted for 78 percent of sales in May, while sales of the fuel-efficient 2012 Rio subcompacts, which can deliver up to 40 miles per gallon[3] on the highway, increased 59.5 percent over the same period in 2011.  The record-setting May performance was driven by strong demand for the brand’s two U.S.-built* products – the Optima midsize sedan and Sorento CUV built at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) – as well as the ongoing popularity of the Soul urban passenger vehicle.

“Kia has experienced dramatic growth over the past few years, and our record-breaking momentum continues as we gather industry-wide recognition for reliability, low cost of ownership, increased residual values and outstanding brand loyalty,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG.  “Our line of fuel-efficient vehicles combines cutting-edge technologies with world class design to create a standout value formula, and we’ll have more new products and technologies arriving in showrooms within the next year.”

Kia’s Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is 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 quality[4] and the industry’s highest brand loyalty ranking[5].  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 two of the company’s best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan*.  Kia’s value and technology-laden 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, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

* 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. 

[1] Based on 5-year cumulative growth between 12-month retail sales for periods ending April 2007 and April 2012 of all U.S. automotive brands.

[2] EPA Estimated. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle’s condition

[3] EPA fuel economy estimates are 30 mpg/city and 40 mpg/hwy with 1.6L GDI engine. Actual mileage will vary.

[4] Source:  Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study.

[5] Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis.