Kia Announces Best Monthly Sales in Company History

Spectra and Sorento Hit Record Sales

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 3 -- Kia today announced its best sales month ever in the company's history with 24,758 units sold during August. Sales for August were up 5.1 percent versus the same period last year putting Kia in position to achieve its 10th consecutive annual sales record by the end of the year.

The popular Spectra compact sedan enjoyed its best sales month ever with 8,523 units sold while the hot-selling Sorento midsize SUV celebrated its second best month of sales with 4,149 units.

"This is a great day in Kia history as we celebrate our best sales month ever and look forward to finishing our strongest year yet," said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia's president and chief executive officer. "Educated shoppers are recognizing the exceptional value that Kia vehicles provide and are embracing the brand as a smart buy."

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

                    MONTH OF AUGUST                    YEAR-TO-DATE

  Model           2003          2002               2003            2002

  Optima         3,089         1,390             22,071          21,221
  Rio            3,677         7,177             26,154          35,404
  Sedona         5,251         4,826             36,768          28,886
  Spectra        8,523         5,845             50,043          54,898
  Sportage          69         4,326              5,477          27,431
  Sorento        4,149           n/a             27,760             n/a

  Total         24,758        23,564            168,273         167,840