2009 Detroit Auto Show: Kia Motors America Announces 14th Year of Increased Market Share

Company Reaches Milestones in 2008; Builds on Brand Momentum, New Products

Pre-production Souls arrive at U.S. Kia retailers to ready consumers for a new kind of Kia

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) ramps up for on-target start of production

DETROIT, January 11, 2009: Arriving at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Kia Motors America (KMA) realizes its 15th year of auto sales in North America, 14 consecutive years of increased market share and unveils to auto show attendees the Soul'ster, an open-air concept based on the Soul, and the Borrego Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle, initially showcased at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.

"Kia Motors is continuing to grow and expand in the U.S. despite current economic conditions" said B.M. Ahn, group president and CEO, KMA and KMMG. "With the upcoming launch of the Soul and other fuel-efficient vehicles, we will appeal to consumers looking for quality, value-laden vehicles with an industry-leading warranty."

KMA is poised to continue its momentum in 2009 with its expansive and dynamic product line and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value and safety and remains well positioned with the following milestones achieved in 2008:

Sales:  U.S. automotive industry sales experienced a significant
decline in 2008, though Kia achieved additional market share for a
14th consecutive year in the U.S.  KMA sales in 2008 were led by Rio,
Optima and Rondo passenger cars, all posting more than 9-percent
increases.  With rising consumer awareness, through emotion-stirring
design as showcased in concept vehicles like the KOUP, Soul Burner,
Kue, Soul'ster and KND-4, KMA's traction in the U.S. continues to
capture and hold.

Accolades:  Select Kia vehicles recently have been recognized by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Green Vehicle Guide and
have earned a "SmartWay" certification mark.  The guide gives
environmental scores for cars and trucks based on emission levels and
fuel economy values.  The best environmental performers receive the
SmartWay designation, which means the vehicle scores well on both Air
Pollution and Greenhouse Gas, according to the EPA.

Kia Motors America offers a dynamic and diverse product line of 11 vehicles to meet the needs of all lifestyles. The 2009 vehicle line features the functional Rondo CUV and award-winning Sedona minivan along with a wide variety of popular passenger cars, including the refined Amanti full size sedan, purposeful Optima mid size sedan, versatile and compact Spectra and Spectra5, and sporty yet fuel efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The vehicle line also features the all-new and affordably luxurious Borrego, rugged Sorento and value-packed Sportage SUVs. The Soul will further complement the lineup when it arrives in dealerships this spring.