Kia Motors Australia Remains Steady in Tough Market

SYDNEY – Aug 9, 2011: Kia Motors Australia remains in positive territory with sales growth of 3.1% so far this year in a market which has returned a 5.9% downturn over the same period according to VFACTS figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.

At the end of July, Kia Motors sat just outside the top ten in 11th position for total new vehicle sales for the month.

The main contributors to Kia’s performance came from the small passenger segment under $40,000 with Cerato new vehicle sales up a massive 101.6% compared to July 2010 and 70.3% so far this year, both jumps due largely to the arrival of the Cerato Hatch. Also in that segment, the Soul returned sales growth of 63% for the month and 17.4% so far this year.

The other star performer came from the Compact SUV segment with 306 Kia Sportage sales over the month representing a 58.5% increase on July last year, just ahead of the arrival of the all-new car.

In a segment which experienced a 2.9% decline in sales, Kia’s two SUVs, Sorento and Sportage, combined to post sales growth of 17.3%.

Kia Carnival continues to be Australia’s most popular people mover with its 362 sales representing 38.4% of all vehicles sold in the people movers under $55,000 segment, more than twice its nearest competitor.

“It is obvious that the Australian auto industry is going through some tough times at the moment, but in tough times there are always opportunities,” said Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer, Tony Barlow.

“We have a business plan which includes refreshing, upgrading and maintaining our product range to a standard that is demanded by the Australian public.

“Our continued sales growth in the current climate is testament to our products and also to the support of our dealer network.”

A recent model refresh has seen the removal of the short wheel base Carnival from the line up, which has been replaced with a longer and better equipped Grand Carnival S.

Bluetooth with steering wheel mounted remote audio controls is now standard across the four model range. The compact, powerful and economical R-series turbo diesel engine is now an option in the Si, SLi and range topping Platinum models.

Kia’s light passenger vehicle, Rio will also be thrust into the spotlight in coming months as it makes way for the all-new model. The fourth generation Rio is set to land in showrooms around the country in September, and will set a new ‘standard features’ benchmark in the segment.