Kia Motors America Sells One Millionth Car in the U.S.

IRVINE, Calif., March 4 -- Kia Motors America announced today that it has sold its one millionth vehicle in the U.S. market. The millionth vehicle was a 2003 Kia Sedona minivan purchased at Kia of Huntington Beach in Huntington Beach, California, by Mike and Melody Garrison of Foothill Ranch, California.

"When Kia entered the U.S. market just over nine years ago very few industry experts expected the brand would still be around today, much less sell one million vehicles in such a short period of time," said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia's president and chief executive officer. "This is a testament to Kia's commitment to the U.S. market, our growing brand awareness and the appeal of a product line that has grown from two vehicles in 1994 to seven models today."

The sale of the millionth Kia demonstrates the company's expanding consumer acceptance in the U.S. market, based on its continuous ability to deliver vehicles that offer extra value. The Kia Sedona minivan was honored by consumer research organization's Strategic Vision as the top minivan in its most recent Total Value Index, while the vehicle won AutoPacific's award for highest owner satisfaction in the minivan segment. The vehicle also won a five-star safety rating (highest in the industry) for all seating positions from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In the last several weeks Kia has taken several bold new steps to solidify and strengthen its position in the American market. Recently Kia announced the opening of the new Hyundai Kia Design Center in Irvine, California. This new facility demonstrates that Kia is dedicated to building world-class vehicles that meet the needs and desires of American car buyers. In addition, the two companies recently broke ground on a North American proving ground to be constructed in California City, California. The $50 million proving ground will provide a test site for new Kia and Hyundai models in the U.S.

Kia posted record year-end sales of 237,345 in 2002, representing a 6.1 percent increase over calendar year 2001 results. Year-to-date, Kia has sold 34,083 units, a 6.4% increase over the same time period in 2002.

Kia Motors America is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea. For more information, visit www.kiamedia.com .