Kia Announces June Sales

IRVINE, Calif., July 1 -- Despite a very difficult U.S. market in June, Kia completed the first half of 2003 with year-to-date sales down only slightly (1.4 percent), putting it in good position to achieve its 10th consecutive sales record in calendar year 2003. Despite the discontinuation of the popular Sportage small SUV, Kia sold 119,506 units during the first six months of the year, compared to 121,215 in the same period in 2002. June 2003 unit sales totaled 20,311 versus 22,498 units sold during the same period in 2002, down 9.7 percent. (Based on a daily sales rate, Kia's June sales were up two percent over June 2002.)

"With the stock market improving and higher expectations for the economy in the second half, we are confident that we will meet our total-year sales goals," said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia's president and chief executive officer. "Even more importantly, our sales per outlet continue to improve significantly in 2003. The Sorento mid-size SUV and Sedona minivan continue their strong sales pace with both posting second-highest record sales this month. With our plans to add the new Amanti sedan to our lineup in October, we're ready for a strong second half."

Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea.

                               MONTH OF JUNE              YEAR-TO-DATE

  Model                     2003          2002         2003          2002

  Optima                   3,294         2,288       15,115        18,010
  Rio                      3,367         4,506       18,709        22,806
  Sedona                   5,107         4,533       25,714        18,842
  Spectra                  4,719         8,471       34,823        42,533
  Sportage                    86         2,700        5,334        19,024
  Sorento                  3,738           n/a       19,811           n/a

  Total                   20,311        22,498      119,506       121,215