Kia Motors Posts All-Time Best January Sales With 27.8-Percent Increase

Fast Growing Brand Achieves 17th Consecutive Monthly Sales Record

FYI: Kia Buyer's Guide

IRVINE, CA.--Feb. 1, 2012: After reaching all-time sales and market share highs in 2011, Kia Motors America's (KMA) steep upward trajectory continued in the first month of 2012 with record January sales of 35,517 units, a 27.8-percent increase over the same period in 2011, and the brand's 17th straight monthly sales record. With popular vehicles such as the U.S.-built[1] Optima midsize sedan and Soul urban passenger vehicle, which led January sales with 8,814 and 8,091 units sold, Kia continues to be one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S.

"Following a year of impressive milestones and historic firsts, including the completion of the most aggressive new product launch cycle in the industry with nine vehicles in less than three years and the $100 million expansion of Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), Kia is well positioned for future growth as we further our efforts to increase brand visibility and awareness," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG. "With several high-profile marketing initiatives on the horizon and the arrival of fuel efficient products such as the Rio 5-door and sedan that offer class-leading horsepower[2] and deliver up to 40 miles per gallon[3], Kia will continue to attract new customers to our showrooms by offering high-quality cars and CUVs with world-class design, cutting edge technologies and fun-to-drive performance."

Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality[4] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[5]. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia --KMMG --is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. --the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan[6]. Kia's value- and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website --www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

[1] Assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. Optima Hybrid will not be built in the USA.

[2] Class-leading claims based on comparison of 2012 subcompacts as of January 2012

[3] 2012 EPA fuel economy estimates are 30 mpg/city and 40 mpg/hwy with 1.6L GDI engine. Actual mileage will vary

[4] Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study

[5] Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis

[6] Optima Hybrid is not built at KMMG