Kia Hires Anders Franson as Director, Planning and Franchise Development

      Industry Veteran to Oversee Ambitious Circle of Excellence Program

    IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 31 -- Anders Franson, with extensive
international experience in the automotive industry, has been hired by Kia
Motors America (KMA) as director, planning and franchise development,
reporting to Scott Pickard, vice president, sales.  In this role, Franson will
be responsible for overseeing Kia's Circle of Excellence initiative as well as
dealer development and planning.
    Franson, who has been consulting for Kia for several months, spent most of
his career working with Volvo prior to opening his own management consulting
business.  At Volvo Cars of North America, Franson was responsible for
corporate development, product planning, market research and business and
franchise development.  He is credited with developing a major customer
satisfaction program that took Volvo from a historic low to a position in the
top five in the industry.  In addition, Franson created and implemented an
industry-first manufacturer-dealer partnership approach to address future
marketing and business challenges.
    "We're extremely pleased to have Anders join Kia," said Pickard.  "His
background and knowledge will help us achieve our goal of becoming a Tier 1
company, and in addition make our Circle of Excellence program a major
success, improving customer satisfaction and retention and ultimately creating
a stronger and more profitable Kia franchise."
    Kia posted record year-end sales of 237,345 in 2002, representing a
6.1 percent increase over calendar year 2001 results.
    Kia Motors America is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia
Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea.  For more information, visit
http://www.kiamedia.com .