Kia Sales 25 Percent Ahead

IRVINE, Calif., April 2 -- Another month, another record performance for Kia. The Korean automaker today announced vehicle sales of 21,478 in March, a new record for the month and an increase of 11 percent over March 2001. Kia sales in the first quarter were the strongest ever with year- to-date sales of 55,561 units, up 25 percent from the same period last year.

The Spectra compact sedan led the way with 8,531 units sold, an increase of more than 46 percent over last month's sales of the model. The Sportage sport utility vehicle was next with sales of 3,673 units, and the Sedona minivan continued its robust sales with 3,503 units sold.

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 MARCH              YEAR-TO-DATE

    Model                     2002          2001         2002          2001

    Optima                   2,667         2,125        7,480         5,038
    Rio                      3,104         5,162       11,500        12,234
    Spectra                  8,531         1,864       17,517         4,963
    Sedona                   3,503           n/a        8,256           n/a
    Sportage                 3,673         3,887       10,808         8,952
    Others                     n/a         6,121*         n/a        13,150*

    Total                   21,478        19,159       55,561        44,337

    *Sephia and Sportage 2-Door Convertible.