Kia Continues With Strong Sales Numbers

IRVINE, Calif., March 1 -- Kia announced today vehicles sales of 17,509 in the month of February, an increase of 38 percent over February 2001. The strong showing in the first two months of 2002 has Kia's year-to-date sales -- 34,083 units -- up 35 percent from the same period last year.

The Spectra compact sedan led the way with 4,705 units sold, followed by the Rio subcompact sedan sales of 4,676. The Sedona minivan continued robust sales with 2,535 units sold.

``We had a good month. Maybe not as good as the U.S. bobsled team, but I'll take it!'' said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia's chief operating officer.

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 FEBRUARY          YEAR-TO-DATE
    Model                    2002         2001        2002         2001

    Optima                   2,290        1,256       4,813        2,913
    Rio                      4,676        3,784       8,396        7,072
    Spectra                  4,705        1,367       8,986        3,099
    Sedona                   2,535          n/a       4,753          n/a
    Sportage                 3,303        2,580       7,135        5,065
    Others                     n/a        3,678*        n/a        7,029*

    Total                   17,509       12,665      34,083       25,178


    * Sephia and Sportage 2-Door Convertible.