GREAT NEWS FOR KIA!

“Kia Motors America Enjoys Historic Year in 2011 Filled With All-time Sales and Market Share Records,

DETROIT — 2011 was a record-shattering year for Kia Motors America (KMA) that saw record sales every month, more awards and accolades for its vehicles and the Kia brand than ever before, and the 17th straight year of increased market share to an all-time high of 3.8 percent as the company broke its annual sales record with 485,492 units sold.  Additionally, Kia achieved several important milestones, including a 36.3-percent increase in year-over-year sales; the start of U.S. production of the popular Optima midsize sedan; creation of 1,000 new jobs and the addition of a third shift at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG); winning the brand’s first-ever motorsports championships in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge; and expanded brand visibility through a partnership with basketball all-star Blake Griffin, who famously leaped over an Optima to become the 2011 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest champion and now serves as a global ambassador for the brand.

• Fast-Growing Brand Surpasses All-Time Best Annual Sales in Less than Nine Months and Records 17th Consecutive Year of Increased Market Share.
• Kia completes the most aggressive new product launch cycle in the industry – nine vehicles in less than three years – and delivers a 36.3-percent year-over-year sales increase — New partnerships with NBA superstar Blake Griffin and the LPGA and one of the most widely viewed viral videos in the world improve brand awareness, perception and consideration.

With several key initiatives planned for 2012, Kia Motors is poised to continue to drive increased consumer interest and will continue to expand its brand presence with new and enhanced partnerships while continuing to deliver world-class design, cutting-edge technology, modern conveniences and amenities, and outstanding safety features in all its vehicles.
Kia’s Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the one of the world’s fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling.  Kia Motors America’s full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand.  In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality[1] and the industry’s highest brand loyalty ranking[2].  Kia’s U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company’s two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan[3].  Kia’s value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.
About Kia Motors AmericaKia Motors America 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 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.”  In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S.  Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.