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Kia sales in Europe reached an all-time high during June, with 28,748 units delivered - a rise of 53 % compared to sales in June 2004. For the second successive month Kia sales set new record levels across the 28 countries comprising its European sales division, well above the company´s declared target of a ´50 % annual rise rate´ and confirm Kia´s growing status as a major automotive brand. Total Kia sales for the period January-to-June this year reached 136,360 units, representing a 64 % increase over the first six months of 2004. The most popular Kia models were Picanto, Cerato (boosted by arrival of the diesel versions), Sportage, Sorento and Carnival. "Kia´s sales performance across Europe for the first half of 2005 has been fantastic," commented Jean-Charles Lievens, Senior Vice President Kia Europe. "The 64 % rise is a remarkable achievement and the broad spread of sales across our model range confirms how well our cars are tuned to the needs of European motorists. To reach these new levels of sales volume, even before the all-new Kia Rio B-Segment model reaches dealer showrooms, clearly indicates that we are ahead of our business plan to deliver 330,000 cars in Europe by year-end." Kia´s continued success around the world Although in recent times Europe has become the largest overseas market for Kia´s Korean-built products, the brand continues to achieve significant sales growth all around the world. Overseas sales of 79,116 units in June, took first six month sales to more than 402,290 units - up 30 % on 2004.
Mr Yong-Hwan Kim, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of Kia Motors Corporation commented, "Kia´s first half performance in overseas markets is proof positive that we are winning over
customers around the world with a line-up of vehicles that feature vastly improved design, performance, quality and safety. Thanks to an aggressive product introduction plan that calls
for 13 new models between now and 2010, we fully expect to continue our reign as one of the world´s fastest growing major automakers." Kia Motors Corporation (www.kiamotors.com) - the fastest growing automaker in the world - was founded in 1944 and is Korea´s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world´s premier automotive brands. Kia´s 16 manufacturing and assembly operations in 12 countries produce more than 1.1 million vehicles a year that are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 155 countries. Kia today has 32,000 employees and annual revenues of US$14 billion. Kia is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open and an official worldwide sponsor of the Davis Cup. Kia Motors Corporation´s brand slogan - ´The Power to Surprise´ - represents the company´s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation. |
