In October 2005, Kia Motors’ overseas retail sales recorded 63,199 units, representing a 9.3 % increase compared to the same month last year. Sales in October grew by 23.3 % in Europe and 24.3 % in the general market compared to the same period last year.
From January through October of this year, overseas retail sales jumped to 682,571 units with 672,987 vehicles exported. This represents a year-on-year sales increase of 25.8 % and 14.4 % growth in exports.
Kia’s best selling model in overseas’ markets is the C-segment Cerato. This year, 99,940 units have been sold so far. Other stellar sellers include: the Sorento SUV with 97,094 units sold, the Picanto and the Sportage compact SUV with 96,974 and 74,523 units sold respectively.
Kia Motors Corporation ( www.kiamotors.com ) – one of the fastest growing automakers 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 over 32,000 employees and annual revenues of $14 billion . It 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.
