IRVINE, Calif., Aug 01, 2008 — Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced its best July ever with record sales of 28,021 units, an increase of 5.0 percent over the same period last year, and year-to-date sales of 185,640 units, an increase of 2.5 percent over the same period last year.

Kia Sportage 

The Kia Sportage had its best month of the year with 4,035 units, a 6.2 percent increase over the same period last year, while Spectra had strong sales of 5,910 units. Kia Rio and Kia Optima both had increases of 22.1 percent and 49.1 percent respectively over the same period last year with 3,707 and 6,258 units sold.

“For the fourth month in a row Kia has achieved record sales, something rare for the auto industry in 2008,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). “During this difficult economic time, consumers are looking for quality vehicles that are fuel efficient and offer great value — for this they are heading to Kia dealerships.”

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record U.S. sales. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline “The Power to Surprise.”

Kia Motors America is the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.” Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com.

IRVINE, Calif. – Kia Motors America (KMA) announced its best June ever with record sales of 28,292 units, an increase of 7.6 percent over the same period last year, and year-to-date sales of 157,619 units, an increase of 2.1 percent over the same period last year.  For the just completed quarter, the company reported sales of 89,405 units.

Kia Spectra

Kia’s June record sales were led by Spectra and Optima, with 7,131 and 6,865 units sold respectively.  Small car Rio and family vacation favorite Sedona also had strong sales with 3,337 units and 3,719 units respectively, both increases over the same period last year.

Kia Optima

“As the economy continues to fluctuate, consumers are turning to vehicles that are known for value and quality,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG).  “Thanks to a strong marketing plan and the hard work of the Kia dealer network, Kia continues to have success during this difficult economic time.”

Kia Rio

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea.  KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States.  For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record U.S. sales.  Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles.  Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline “The Power to Surprise.”

Kia Motors America is the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.”  Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com.

Rio is the 7th least expensive vehicles to own in the U.S.

In compiling the latest list of ownership data for vehicles in America, the auto editors of Forbes magazine compared a number of different factors. In addition to initial cost, Forbes also took into consideration estimates for interest costs as well as maintenance and repair histories.

Low initial cost and maintenance overcomes depreciation

Many of us at LotPro.com are always looking for a good deal, and while depreciation on the Rio is a bit higher than average, the Kia more than made up for that with a lower initial cost. Deduct from that the availability of rebates and special programs, and the Rio is a bargain compared to many of the vehicles on the list. Moderate maintenance and repair costs also added to the Kia’s economy of ownership.

Kia Rio
Base MSRP: $10,890
Five-year cost of ownership: $32,750*
Depreciation: $8,460 (78 percent)
Interest and opportunity cost: $4,454
Fuel: $8,900
Maintenance and repairs: $2,958
Insurance: $7,092
Taxes and fees: $886

IRVINE, Calif., June 3, 2008 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced its best sales month ever for the second consecutive month with record May sales of 31,047 units, an increase of nine percent over the same period last year, and year-to-date sales of 129,327 units.

May’s record sales were led by the Kia Spectra and Kia Optima, which both had their best months ever with 9,407 and 8,197 units sold respectively, increases of 10.5 and 120.8 percent over same period last year. The Kia Rio also continued with strong sales in its best month of the year at 4,474 units, a 28.6 percent increase over the same period last year.

“With gas prices continuing to rise, record sales of the fuel-efficient Spectra and Optima are proof that consumers are recognizing Kia’s value now more than ever,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). “Achieving the best month ever for two months in a row is the result of enhancement efforts to Kia’s brand image and the Kia dealer network’s total endeavors in a difficult market environment to sell more vehicles.”

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record U.S. sales. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline “The Power to Surprise.”