MEXICO - One year ago, Kia started construction of a brand new plant, today cars are rolling off the line, with mass expansion planned.

• Kia is the ninth best-selling automotive brand in Mexico only a year after entering market
• More than 30,000 units sold since arrival in Mexico
• Kia Motors expects to reach five per cent market share and sales of 100,000 units annually in Mexico by 2020

Kia has celebrated its first anniversary of sales in Mexico and has announced that the Niro, its first Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV), will be sold there by the end of 2016 to strengthen Kia’s product lineup in the country.

Kia Motors Mexico has fulfilled its goals and met high expectations in the domestic market by offering high-quality products with attractive designs. With 34,517 units sold during the first 12 months of operation in Mexico, Kia has already become the ninth best-selling brand in the country. The production of the Forte started last May in the new high-tech Kia plant in Nuevo Leòn, which produces up to 300,000 cars a year, 20 per cent of which are for the local market.

"This has been a year of great challenges and also of extraordinary accomplishments for Kia Motors, exceeding our own expectations," said Seong Bae Kim, President and CEO of Kia Motors Mexico. "We are very happy and proud to have successfully established a comprehensive retail dealer network throughout the country, providing world-class service to Mexican consumers," he said.

As part of the celebration of Kia Mexico’s first anniversary, the automaker opened 25 new dealers in 21 new cities this week in record time. Following on from the success of the past year, the company expects to sell 45,000 units in 2016, which is equivalent to a local market share of over three per cent. By the end of this year, seven signature models (Sportage, Sorento, Cerato, Rio, Optima, Soul, and Niro - the all-new Hybrid Utility Vehicle) will be available in Mexico.

"We have had a very successful year, all the more significant in a market where more than 40 brands compete,” said Horacio Chavez, Managing Director of Kia Motors Mexico. "However, our challenge goes on and we work every day to strengthen the brand with the best products and the best customer service. Our aim is to achieve five per cent market share in the next four years," he said.

USA - Sorento CUV and Sedona Minivan Named Total Quality Impact Winners in Respective Segments

• Sorento CUV and Sedona Minivan Named Total Quality Impact Winners in Respective Segments
• · Strategic Vision’s Total Quality Impact is the automotive industry’s most complete measure of the quality of a new vehicle
• · Kia owners praise their vehicles’ stylish design, innovative features and outstanding craftsmanship

Kia Motors’ hard-earned reputation for delivering world-class quality and reliability across its model line was reinforced today when Strategic Vision named Kia the highest quality brand under $26,000 (in a tie) in the research-based consultancy Total Quality Impact (TQI) study. 

Leading the way for Kia were the Sorento and Sedona, which achieved the highest TQI scores in the mid-size CUV and minivan segments (in a tie), respectively.

“The latest Strategic Vision Total Quality Impact data is further proof of the ‘New Kia’s’ standing as a leader in design, quality, technology and value,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, Kia Motors America.  

“The Sorento and Sedona are prime examples of Kia’s commitment to surpassing consumers’ expectations in everything we do, and the Total Quality Impact recognition is especially gratifying as it represents the voice of our customers.”

Strategic Vision surveyed more than 39,000 new-car owners to select the winners of this year’s Total Quality Impact awards. Owners surveyed praised the Sorento for its excellent value and premium interior design, while others gave the Sedona high marks for its innovative features, interior craftsmanship, and performance. “Kia's focus on design and technology has nurtured the belief that customers have in the thoughtfulness and quality of their products,” said Alexander Edwards, President of Strategic Vision. “The Total Quality Award winners, and other well-performing models like the Optima, point to the success that Kia has had in this regard.”

MEXICO - Kia already smashes it's market share for the entire year last year in the first four months of 2016.

• Kia reaches 3.1 per cent market share in Mexico with year to date sales of 18,280
• Korean automaker aims to reach five per cent market share by 2020
• Majority of cars are built locally at new Kia plant in Nuevo Leòn, Mexico

Kia Motors Mexico has captured 3.1 per cent of the domestic automotive market according to figures released by the Mexican Automobile Dealer Association (AMDA) and the Mexican Automotive Industry Association (AMIA), thereby exceeding its 2016 year-end market share target of 3.0 per cent in just five months.

This achievement comes only 11 months after the first Kia dealership in Mexico opened its doors and seven months since the state-of-the-art Mexico plant opened in Nuevo Leòn

• Kia reaches 3.1 per cent market share in Mexico with year to date sales of 18,280
• Korean automaker aims to reach five per cent market share by 2020
• Majority of cars are built locally at new Kia plant in Nuevo Leòn, Mexico

Kia Motors Mexico has captured 3.1 per cent of the domestic automotive market according to figures released by the Mexican Automobile Dealer Association (AMDA) and the Mexican Automotive Industry Association (AMIA), thereby exceeding its 2016 year-end market share target of 3.0 per cent in just five months.

This achievement comes only 11 months after the first Kia dealership in Mexico opened its doors and seven months since the state-of-the-art Mexico plant opened in Nuevo Leòn, which produces up to 300,000 cars a year – 20 percent of which are for the local market.

According to the report released by both associations, Kia Motors Mexico is the ninth best-selling auto brand in Mexico, registering a total of 18,280 units sold from January to May 2016.

“I am extremely proud of the hard working staff of Kia Motors Mexico and our national dealer network who have enabled us to surpass our 2016 market share goal more than six months ahead of the original target date. We will continue to build on the current momentum as we aim for 45,000 units in 2016 annual sales and 5 per cent market share by 2020," said Horacio Chávez, Managing Director of Kia Motors Mexico.

In May 2016, Kia Motors Mexico reported total sales of 4,610 vehicles for an increase 14.3 per cent compared to the prior month of April. Kia’s best-selling model in May was the Sportage CUV (1,552 units), followed by the subcompact Rio (1,282 units) and Forte (603 units).

Kia Motors Mexico will open a total of 22 new dealer outlets in 2016, bringing the total dealer count to 70 and giving the brand a sales presence that covers 94 per cent of the national territory., which produces up to 300,000 cars a year – 20 percent of which are for the local market.

According to the report released by both associations, Kia Motors Mexico is the ninth best-selling auto brand in Mexico, registering a total of 18,280 units sold from January to May 2016.

“I am extremely proud of the hard working staff of Kia Motors Mexico and our national dealer network who have enabled us to surpass our 2016 market share goal more than six months ahead of the original target date. We will continue to build on the current momentum as we aim for 45,000 units in 2016 annual sales and 5 per cent market share by 2020," said Horacio Chávez, Managing Director of Kia Motors Mexico.

In May 2016, Kia Motors Mexico reported total sales of 4,610 vehicles for an increase 14.3 per cent compared to the prior month of April. Kia’s best-selling model in May was the Sportage CUV (1,552 units), followed by the subcompact Rio (1,282 units) and Forte (603 units).

Kia Motors Mexico will open a total of 22 new dealer outlets in 2016, bringing the total dealer count to 70 and giving the brand a sales presence that covers 94 per cent of the national territory.

The Kia Sportage not only takes DieselCar Best Medium SUV, but over all Car OF The Year Too.

• Sportage wins Car of the Year and Best Medium SUV in hotly contested Diesel Car Awards
• Sportage applauded for its value for money, high specification and excellent handling
• Both Sorento and cee’d claim top 50 places – surpassing many premium rivals

Only a few months after launch, the all-new Kia Sportage has been crowned with another significant accolade, Diesel Car Magazine Car of the Year. Alongside this prestigious award, Sportage was also named Best Medium sized SUV.

The all-new fourth generation Sportage bettered the competition due to its excellent specification levels, even on low grade vehicles, including Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio and satellite navigation. This coupled with its dynamic handling and distinctive design, made this family crossover a clear choice for the top spot.

The Sportage also impressed with its competitive prices, from only £17,995 or £139 a month, placing it as a very easy purchase decision for customers. The lead-in 1.7 CRDi 6-speed manual version starts at £19,745. Teamed with Kia’s industry leading 7 Year Warranty, the Sportage also brings significant peace of mind.

Kia’s new crossover, which was introduced to the UK market on 5 February this year, has already seen unprecedented sales success, with over 14,000 customers placing orders in just four months.

Not far behind the Sportage in Diesel Car’s Top 50 cars was Kia’s family hatchback the cee’d, which came in at number 21, beating industry staples such as the Mazda 3 and Audi A3. Also claiming a top 50 place was Kia’s range topping large SUV, the Sorento.

Editor and publisher of Diesel Car Ian Robertson commented on Kia’s win: "The Sportage won the top spot because of its generous equipment levels, keen prices and excellent road manners, which means that the Sportage leapfrogs the competition to sit at the very top of the class."

Paul Philpott, President and Chief Executive of Kia Motors (UK) Limited said: “We are delighted and honoured to get this tremendous accolade from Diesel Car. Clearly new Sportage is a big winner with customers and Diesel Car’s endorsement only reinforces the car’s success.”

USA SALES MARCH - Kia is enjoying record sales on some models and a new record for Q1.

March Total of 58,279 Units Includes All-Time High for the Family of Forte Compact Cars;  Year-to-Date Sales up 3.7%

With March sales of 58,279 units – including best-ever single month sales for the Forte line of compact cars – Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced a new first quarter record of 146,321 vehicles. The historic January-March performance saw the Forte, Sportage and Sedona nameplates post double digit gains over the same period last year.

“After outpacing the industry last year and setting a new all-time annual sales record, Kia has carried its momentum into 2016,” said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, KMA. “Sell down of the outgoing Sportage exceeded our expectations, and the arrival of the completely redesigned model is the latest reason for customers to discover the ‘New Kia’ as we continue challenging everything people think they know about this brand.”

Kia Motors United States of America has produced it's 2,000,000th car, a Sorento SXL.

Today, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) celebrated as the plant’s two millionth vehicle – a white 2016 Sorento SXL – rolled off the assembly line in West Point, Georgia.

Representing an investment of more than $1.1 billion, KMMG began mass production on November 16, 2009 and today produces more than forty percent of all Kia vehicles sold in the United States.

“Assembling two million vehicles in less than seven years is a remarkable achievement, and one that each of our team members can take a lot of pride in,” said KMMG President and CEO Hyun-Jong Shin. “The world-class quality that goes into every Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan we build is a direct result of the hard work and commitment of our team members, and today we salute their commitment to excellence.”  

Together with on-site and local suppliers, KMMG is responsible for the creation of more than 15,000 jobs in West Point and the surrounding region, and achieved its highest-ever ranking – top five among vehicle assembly plants in the U.S. – in J.D. Power’s most recent Initial Quality Study.

“Together, Kia and Georgia have a strong reputation of success,” said Governor Nathan Deal. “The company’s continued investment in the state speaks volumes to our pro-business atmosphere, and we will continue to support them as they grow here. I want to congratulate Kia’s team members on this accomplishment.”

USA SALES FEBRUARY - Kia sees it's sales creep ahead, with new model this will surely grow further.

• Double Digit Gains for Five Models Push Year-To-Date Sales up 6.9 Percent

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced best-ever February sales of 49,737 vehicles, a 13 percent increase over the same period last year. The brand’s tenth consecutive monthly sales record was led by the Soul and Optima, with 11,842 and 9,630 units sold, respectively.

“With our Super Bowl ad, Presidents’ Day Sales Event and prominent role in the NBA All-Star Game, February was a huge month for Kia as we extended our monthly record streak to double digits,” said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, KMA. “Positive economic indicators, low gas prices and mild weather nationwide also drove consumers into Kia showrooms at a record pace, where they discovered the ‘New Kia’s’ line-up of world-class products.”

	MONTH OF FEBRUARY		YEAR-TO-DATE
Model	2016	2015	2016	2015
Rio	1,461	1,943	2,891	3,515
Forte	8,187	5,549	13,516	11,971
Optima	9,630	11,584	18,043	20,978
Cadenza	585	640	959	1,023
K900	83	62	151	181
Sportage	5,860	3,407	10,663	6,461
Sorento	8,101	8,518	14,796	16,061
Sedona	3,988	2,362	5,990	4,032
Soul	11,842	9,965	21,033	18,107
Total	49,737	44,030	88,042	82,329

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

^** K900 available in select trims and in select markets with limited availability.

^*** Soul EV in select markets with limited availability.