Kia Motors posts 40.4% increase in September global sales

SEOUL October 12, 2009 -- Kia Motors Corporation announced today its global sales figures for passenger cars (export sales, domestic sales, and sales from overseas plants), recreational vehicles (RVs), and commercial vehicles for September 2009, recording a total of 155,223 units sold. This figure represents a year-on-year increase of 40.4%.

Kia posted year-on-year sales increases in every region, including China (25,356 units sold, a 130.3% year-on-year increase), Korea (39,006 units, a 60.4% year-on-year increase), Europe (36,037 units, a 27.6% year-on-year increase), North America (26,138 units sold, a 23.6% year-on-year increase) and general markets (28,686 units sold, an 11.0% year-on-year increase).

Cumulatively, through the first nine months of 2009, Kia's global sales increased by 11.8% year-on-year and reached 1,187,795 units. The Chinese market experienced the highest gain with 166,869 units sold to date, representing a 48.3% increase. Korea, general markets and North America showed cumulative year-on-year sales increases of 27.2% (291,525 units sold), 10.4% (213,909 units sold) and 6.4% (274,976 units sold), respectively.

To date in 2009, Kia's best selling model in overseas markets has been the C-segment Cerato (known as 'Spectra' or 'Forte' in some markets) with 208,627 units sold. Kia's Sportage compact SUV and the B-segment Rio followed closely with 127,342 and 125,092 units sold, respectively. The C-segment cee'd takes fourth place with 92,124 units sold, while the Picanto completes the top five with 73,991 units sold.

In terms of vehicle category sold overseas, Kia's passenger and recreational vehicles achieved year-on-year increases in September of 45.0% (76,021 units) and 20.2% (36,985 units), respectively.

Hyoung-Keun Lee, President of Kia Motors Corporation, said, "We are pleased to see Kia post sales growth across all markets this month. Although scrappage programs in many key markets are currently being phased out, we are confident that we are well positioned for continued growth with our new, exciting product introductions that will continue into next year and beyond."

Editor's notes:
*Includes figures from Western and Eastern European markets
**General markets includes the regions of Central and South America, the Caribbean, Asia (excluding China), the Pacific, Middle East and Africa