Kia Motors America Records 24th Consecutive Monthly Sales Record In August

Annual Sales Up 16.6 Percent for the Fastest-Growing Car Company in the U.S. Over the Last Five Years [1];Optima Midsize Sedan Surpasses 100,000 Unit Mark for First Time

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Kia Motors America's (KMA) scorching summer momentum continued in August and delivered the brand's 24th consecutive monthly sales record with 50,028 units sold. Sales over the same period last year were up 21.5 percent, and Kia is significantly ahead of last year's all-time annual sales record pace. Kia's record-setting August was led by strong performances from the U.S.-built* Optima midsize sedan and Sorento CUV with both topping the 10,000 unit mark for the fourth straight month and Optima became the third Kia vehicle to reach 100,000 annual units in company history. The ongoing popularity of the Soul urban passenger vehicle is a major component of Kia's 24-month sales streak, and the fourth installment of the iconic hamster advertising campaign titled "Bringing Down the House" is now playing on movie screens nationwide and will make its television debut on MTV's Video Music Awards on September 6. "In a short period of time the Kia brand has transformed into a recognized leader in automotive design, and together with our lineup of stylish, fun-to-drive cars and CUVs and memorable marketing initiatives we have achieved another remarkable milestone with our two-year run of monthly sales records," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG. "At Kia, we always have given our customers a lot for their money, and with an impressive collection of new vehicles and cutting-edge technologies on tap for 2013, the Kia brand is poised for future growth as we advance value to new levels of sophistication." Kia's Unprecedented GrowthKia 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[2] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[3]. 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. About Kia Motors America Kia 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 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. 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 –http://www.kia.com/. For media information, including photography, visit http://www.kiamedia.com/. MONTH OF AUGUST YEAR-TO-DATE Model 2012 2011 2012 2011 Rio 3,602 658 29,644 13,602 Spectra - - - 1 Forte 7,300 6,677 54,316 57,259 Optima 13,949 6,157 100,424 49,546 Amanti - - - 1 Sportage 3,097 4,218 27,285 33,520 Sorento 10,529 13,573 78,098 88,613 Sedona 1,360 3,011 13,153 16,842 Rondo - - - 44 Borrego - 9 - 365 Soul 10,191 6,885 83,889 72,003 Total 50,028 41,188 386,809 331,796 * 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 July 2007 and July 2012 of all U.S. automotive brands. [2] Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study. [3] Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis. SOURCE  Kia Motors America