Kia Motors America Peter Butterfield Becomes Kia's Executive Vice President

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 22 -- Peter Butterfield, a 25-year automotive industry executive, will become Kia Motors America's executive vice president of sales, marketing and fixed operations on Nov. 1 and will oversee the operations of sales, marketing, service, parts, consumer affairs, training and warranty.

``Mr. Butterfield has proven to be successful throughout his career, and we're pleased to have someone of his stature lead these important areas,'' said B.M. Ahn, Kia's president and chief executive officer.

Butterfield, 48, recently was assigned to Lincoln-Mercury after having spent 11 years with Volvo, most recently as executive vice president, car business unit. He brings a level of experience to his new post that few could match, having spent the first 14 years of his career in a variety of field operation roles with Ford.

``I am very proud to have worked for some great car companies, and to have worked with such great people,'' Butterfield said, ``but I think Kia has so much potential that I couldn't pass up the chance to fulfill that potential.''

Butterfield joins Kia at a time when sales are up 37 percent over last year and the company has just introduced the all-new 2002 Kia Sedona minivan and the Rio Cinco wagon. ``Kia has a lot going for it right now and I want to help maximize those opportunities,'' Butterfield noted.

Kia Motors America is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea. For more information on Kia, visit kiamedia.com.