Kia Sets Sales Record in Million-Plus New Car Market

SYDNEY – Jan 11, 2013: Kia Motors Australia has cracked the 30,000 new car sales barrier to set a new record for annual sales in Australia.

On the back of stylish new models, innovative marketing, frontline value, uncompromised safety and the introduction of capped price servicing, KMAu sold 30,758 new cars in 2012, an increase of 22.4 per cent over the previous year.

“The past couple of years have been a tremendous growth and learning curve for Kia Motors,” KMAu COO Tony Barlow said. “In 2012 we took the greatest strides forward in the history of the company in Australia and now it is time to look forward to 2013.

“There is no intention of resting on our laurels in what continues to be a dynamic and exciting new car industry. We are looking forward to the arrival of the all new Cerato which will be another step on the way to an all-five star safety range for Kia, and there are a couple of other very exciting opportunities on the horizon.”

The top seller for Kia in 2012 was the outgoing Cerato range with 8282 sold, just ahead of the multi-award winning new Rio which found 7915 new homes.

The Grand Carnival people mover continued to dominate its segment with 3676 sales or a market share of 34.6 percent, while SUV sales for Sportage and Sorento continued to grow with both cars winning a Car Of The Year award to finish the year.

“Again, one of the most pleasing aspects of 2012 has been the across-the-range growth in demand for Kia cars,” Mr Barlow said. “It is strong indication that it is the brand that is gaining traction, not just the arrival of one outstanding model.”

Mr Barlow said the management of the brand was paramount in the continuing story of the Kia journey.