Don Swearingen Joins Kia Motors America as Vice President, Parts Supply and Logistics

IRVINE, Calif April 21, 2006; Don Swearingen will join Kia Motors America, Inc. (KMA) as vice president, parts supply and logistics at its U.S. headquarters in Irvine, Calif., effective Monday, April 24.

With more than 30 years of automotive industry experience, Swearingen joins Kia after 10 years with Mitsubishi Motor North America, including his most recent title of vice president of parts. Prior to Mitsubishi, Swearingen was Hyundai Motor America's national manager, parts distribution and logistics for three years, and previously served seven years with Toyota Motor Sales where he progressed to material distribution center manager. Swearingen's automotive career began as a parts distribution center team leader for Chrysler.

"We are pleased to have Don join Kia in the midst of continuing record sales and our most aggressive product launch cycle ever," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO, Kia Motors America. "Don brings a wealth of knowledge and experience at a critical juncture for Kia, and he will serve an important role as we strive towards offering our customers a world-class ownership experience."

Kia recently set monthly sales records in each of the first three months of 2006, with year-to-date sales up 2.4-percent over the same period in 2005. Kia recently launched two all-new vehicles, the 2006 Sedona minivan and the 2006.5 Optima mid-size sedan, and is preparing to launch updated versions of the Sorento mid-size SUV, Amanti premium large sedan and Spectra and Spectra5 compacts later this year.

Kia Motors America -- the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea -- offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For more information visit www.kiamedia.com.