Kia Hires Michael Tocci as Eastern Region Director

IRVINE, Calif., April 27 -- Michael Tocci has joined Kia Motors America as director of regional operations in the Eastern region, based in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. In his new role, Tocci will oversee retail sales, wholesale operations, parts sales, dealer development, sales and service satisfaction and consumer affairs for the Kia's Eastern region.

With almost 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Tocci, 52, joins Kia after spending the last one-and-a-half years serving as senior vice president of sales at Mitsubishi Motors North America where he was in charge of sales operations, dealer development, logistics, fleet and remarketing. Prior to that, Tocci spent 18 years with Hyundai Motors America where he worked in a variety of positions including regional sales manager for the Southern region and later as general manager of Hyundai's Eastern region.

"We're extremely pleased to have Michael join Kia," said Kia Motors America president and CEO Peter M. Butterfield. "He brings vast industry knowledge, determination and geographic expertise, and is committed to leading the Eastern region to future growth and success."

Tocci joins Kia on the heels of a first-quarter sales record in March 2005, which saw a 6.6 percent increase versus the previous year, and the company has recently launched the all-new 2005 Sportage and is preparing to launch the all-new 2006 Rio and Rio5.

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