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Record Sales for Kia for Third Straight Month


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FYI: Kia Buyer's Guide

IRVINE, CA--June 1, 2011: Kia Motors America's (KMA) unprecedented growth trend continued in May with the brand posting its best-ever monthly sales of 48,212 units -- a 53.4-percent increase from May 2010, and a 2.4-percent increase over the previous record set last month. KMA's year-to-date sales are up 44.8 percent over 2010, while the brand's U.S. market share climbed to an all-time high on the strength of May sales. The U.S. built* Sorento was Kia's best-selling vehicle for the 17th consecutive month. Demand for the popular Soul urban passenger vehicle remained high in May, exceeding its previous best-ever sales total with 11,157 units sold.

"Kia's record performance this year, and in the last three months, is a testament to our comprehensive and fuel-efficient vehicle lineup, which offers world-class styling and cutting-edge technology to today's discerning shoppers," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). "Consumers are increasingly focused on fuel economy, and with Optima Hybrid arriving in showrooms this month and the debut of the 2012 Rio and Rio5 sub-compacts this fall, Kia will offer three vehicles that achieve 40 miles per gallon before the end of the year."

2011 Kia Motors America Product Line

Kia's model year 2011 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV and Sportage CUV, the all-new Optima midsize sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 730 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." In 2010, KMA recorded its best-ever U.S. sales and 16th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technologies.

* Assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.


MONTH OF MAY

YEAR-TO-DATE

Model

2011

2010

2011

2010

Rio

2,519

2,334

9,979

11,932

Spectra

-

27

1

215

Forte

8,129

7,299

34,831

26,000

Optima

7,431

2,394

29,518

14,572

Amanti

-

44

1

164

Sportage

4,550

2,293

20,992

7,295

Sorento

-

23

-

757

MY'11 Sorento

11,936

8,166

51,765

41,413

Sedona

2,453

1,938

8,920

7,909

Rondo

-

374

44

2,812

Borrego

37

405

336

2,886

Soul

11,157

6,134

43,673

22,208






Total

48,212

31,431

200,060

138,163