Kia September 2003 Sales Up 6 Percent

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 1, 2003 -- Kia today announced monthly sales of 19,269 units for September, up 6 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales for Kia totaled 187,542 units, up 0.8 percent versus last year.

"In the face of shrinking inventories we've still managed to close out another month with a sales increase," said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia's president and chief executive officer. "As we replenish our inventory in the next few weeks, we head into the fourth quarter with fresh, updated 04 models and look forward to the launch of the all-new Amanti sedan."

Several Kia models are enjoying healthy year-to-date sales increases. The Optima midsize sedan is up 12 percent and the popular Sedona minivan is up 27 percent versus last year.

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

                            MONTH OF SEPTEMBER             YEAR-TO-DATE
  Model                     2003          2002          2003          2002

  Optima                   3,232         1,311       25,303        22,532
  Rio                      3,794         4,991       29,948        40,395
  Sedona                   3,607         2,854       40,375        31,740
  Spectra                  5,071         4,581       55,119        59,479
  Sportage                    59         4,201        5,536        31,632
  Sorento                  3,506           241       31,266           241

  Total                   19,269        18,179      187,542       186,019