Kia Motors America Announces April Sales

All-New Soul Records Strong Sales and Sparks Additional Consumer Interest in Bold New Designs

IRVINE, Calif., May 1, 2009: Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced April sales of 25,606 units, and year-to-date sales of 94,499 total units. The critically acclaimed Soul, Kia's all-new and uniquely styled urban passenger vehicle, recorded robust sales of 3,228 units in April and 4,508 total units since its arrival in February.

With a series of new product introductions on the horizon, including the upcoming Forte compact sedan and its Koup sibling, KMA's vehicle lineup is undergoing an aggressive, design-led evolution aimed at attracting new customers to the brand and growing market share, despite the lackluster economy. The Forte sedan goes on sale at Kia retailers nationwide this summer, followed closely by the Koup, which was unveiled at last month's New York International Auto Show.

"Soul's strong early performance is a clear indication that its eye-catching design and wide array of personalization options is resonating with consumers and bringing new buyers into our showrooms," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. "Style-driven vehicles such as the Soul and upcoming Forte sedan and Forte Koup mark a turning point for the Kia brand, allowing buyers to make an emotional connection with our vehicles."

Kia Motors Product Line

Kia Motors America offers a dynamic and diverse product line of 12 vehicles to meet the needs of all lifestyles. The vehicle line features the functional Rondo CUV and award-winning Sedona minivan along with a wide variety of popular passenger cars, including the refined Amanti full-size sedan, purposeful Optima midsize sedan, versatile and compact Spectra and Spectra5, and sporty yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The vehicle line also features the affordably luxurious Borrego, rugged Sorento and value-packed Sportage SUVs. The 2010 Soul further complements the lineup as it arrives in dealerships, as will the 2010 Forte sedan and Forte Koup.