Kia Starts 2002 With Strong Sales Numbers

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 1 -- After posting record sales of more than 220,000 units in 2001, Kia has started strong in 2002 with vehicles sales of 16,574 in January. That number is a record for the month of January and represents a 32-percent increase over January 2001.

The Spectra compact sedan led the way with 4,281 units sold, followed by Sportage sales of 3,832. The Sedona minivan continued robust sales with 2,218 units sold.

``We're out of the blocks quickly,'' said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia's executive vice president and chief operating officer. ``I think our sales will keep building, especially on the heels of the Sedona being awarded a quadruple five-star safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.''

Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea. For more information, visit www.kiamedia.com .

                          MONTH OF JANUARY               YEAR-TO-DATE

    Model                2002          2001           2002          2001

    Optima              2,523          1,657         2,523         1,657
    Rio                 3,720          3,288         3,720         3,288
    Spectra             4,281          1,732         4,281         1,732
    Sedona              2,218            n/a         2,218           n/a
    Sportage            3,832          2,485         3,832         2,485

    Total              16,574         12,513        16,574        12,513