Kia Up 53% Over Last January

    IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 1 After posting record sales of more
than 160,000 units in 2000, Kia has started strong in 2001 with vehicles sales
of 12,513 in January.  That number represents a 53 percent increase over
January 2000.
    The Rio subcompact sedan led the way with 3,288 units sold, followed by
Sephia sales of 3,184.  In its first full month, the Optima midsize sedan
posted sales of 1,657 units.
    With the release of the Sedona minivan and the Rio station wagon later
this year, 2001 promises to be another record-breaking sales year for Kia.
    Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Kia
Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea.


                                MONTH OF JANUARY          YEAR-TO-DATE
    Model                       2001        2000         2001       2000

    Optima                      1,657         n/a       1,657         n/a
    Rio                         3,288         n/a       3,288         n/a
    Sephia                      3,184       4,973       3,184       4,973
    Spectra                     1,732         n/a       1,732         n/a
    Sportage                    2,485       2,956       2,485       2,956
    Sportage 2-Door
     Convertible                  167         214         167         214

    Total                      12,513       8,143      12,513       8,143