Kia exports to US reach all-time high in 2004

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2005-01-28 12:14

Seoul--(뉴스와이어)--Kia Motors Corporation announced today that its exports to the US market in 2004 reached an all-time record high of 301,586 vehicles, marking a 31% increase over the previous year.

The Carnival MPV (called the ‘Sedona’ in the US market) and Sorento SUV accounted for the most shipments to the US -- 72,016 and 57,631 units, respectively -- with both models posting a 27% increase, compared to 2003.

The Cerato (known as the ‘Spectra’ in the US) and Optima also saw record numbers of exports to the US, recording 54,398 and 51,637 units, respectively.

"In 2004, we saw the positive effects of a more upscale product mix, moving the Kia brand appeal to a broader audience. The Optima mid-size sedan, Sedona minivan and Sorento midsize SUV continued to drive sales, with record gains for the year,” said Peter M. Butterfield, President and CEO, Kia Motors America.

"And now, as we re-enter the compact SUV market, with the all new Sportage arriving at dealers in February, and begin preparations for the upcoming launches of the redesigned Rio and Sedona this year, we’ll offer even more quality and value choices for American consumers in 2005,” said Mr. Butterfield.

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Y.H. Kim, Senior Executive Vice President and COO, Kia Motors Corporation, said: “The Kia nameplate has come a long way since the Sephia sedan -- Kia’s first model introduced to the US -- made its initial appearance in American showrooms in 1994. Thanks to our tremendous growth, not only in quantitative terms, but also on the quality, design and safety fronts, we have deservedly earned a reputation as a major player to be reckoned with in the North American auto market.”

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 13 countries produce more than 1.1 million vehicles a year that are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 190 countries. Kia today has 30,000 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.

Kia Motors Media Contact:
Christopher Dore, International PR Manager
Tel: +82-2-3464-6571, Fax: +82-2-3464-6845
e-mail: cdore@kia.co.kr

웹사이트: http://www.kiamotors.com