Kia Sorento And Cerato Shine As Local Market Stalls

SYDNEY – March 9, 2011: Kia’s Sorento, new Cerato, Carnival and Rondo have returned a month of strong sales over a period where the market headed south in terms of month on month and year to date sales.

Sorento’s 238 sales was an increase of 103% on February 2010 and puts the SUV 77.2% ahead of total sales this time last year.

Similarly the all-new Cerato five-door hatch, which was launched in Australia in October 2010, has contributed to a strong month, combining with the sedan to post an increase in sales of 57.1% when compared to February last year.

Kia dominated the People Movers under $55,000 segment with Carnival’s 275 sales representing 34.5% of all vehicles sold in the category. Supported by Rondo, Kia had two of only six vehicles that experienced positive sales figures in the segment. Rondo was up 65.7% compared to February 2010 and is up 20.7% so far this year.

“The fact that the Australian automotive market experienced a slow February is no great surprise especially after such a strong start to the year which is dominated by New Year sales,” said Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer Tony Barlow.

“We are excited to see a number of our vehicles standing up and delivering strong figures during such a period. It is a strong indication that the market believes in the strength and quality of the Kia brand.”