Kia Canada Inc. concludes 2011 with a record year of 65,123 units sold and continues industry-leading streak of 36 consecutive months of sales growth momentum.

• 2011 marks the best year in Kia Canada's 12 year history
• Sales growth momentum continues at industry leading 3 full years
• Kia Canada establishes 12 record sales months in 2011
• December 2011 sales increase 12.5 per cent
• 2011 year-to-date sales increase 20.9 per cent
• Kia Canada out-paces industry sales in 2011  

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 4, 2012 /CNW/ - Kia Canada Inc. completed 2011 with a record year reporting 65,123 sales nationally establishing an all-time new record for the twelve year old Company in Canada. Additionally, the month of December contributed to the industry-leading 36 months of continuous sales growth which currently leads all manufacturers in Canada. Kia Canada also recorded 12 best-ever or record breaking months in 2011 including the month of December with 3,419 vehicles reported while sustaining a 12.5% increase over December 2010. Kia Canada finished up 2011 by out-pacing industry performance with a 20.9% increase versus 2010 results.

"2011 was a resilient year for Kia Canada and its retailers that contained pivotal launches of the all-new, award winning Kia Optima mid-size sedan and the 2012 Kia Rio 5-door subcompact supplementing a fresh Kia product portfolio" said Maria Soklis, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Kia Canada Inc. "We are expecting continued, solid growth in Canada for 2012 starting with the launch of the all-new 2012 Rio sedan subcompact later this month extending our design-led transformation which is entering its third year under the tutelage of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer".

2011 marks the first time for Kia Canada where three vehicle lines exceeded 10,000 sales in the year. The Georgia built Kia Sorento Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV) led volume sales with 15,105 vehicles sold which resulted in the first time a Kia vehicle sold in excess of 15,000 units in Canada. The refreshed 2012 Kia Soul, Urban Utility Vehicle reported a record 11,651 units sold or an 18.2 per cent increase versus previous year. The Forte family lineup consisting of the Forte sedan, Forte 5-Door and Forte Koup concluded 2011 with 13, 984 vehicles sold which is the best year since Forte launch.

Also in 2011, the Optima acquired several Canadian awards including 'Best Family Car' (under $30,000) and 'Best Family Car' (over $30,000) from the Association of Canadian Automotive Journalists (AJAC) for the all-new Optima and Optima Hybrid respectively. Both Optima models were selected as winners in their categories, automatically qualifying them for the 2012 'Canadian Car of the Year' title which will be awarded in February 2012, at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. In addition, the Optima was awarded as 'Best New Mid-size Sedan' in this year's Auto123.com Automotive Awards, Canada's leading automotive web portal. L'Annuel publication also awarded the Optima as 'Best New Vehicle' earlier in 2011. The Optima also finished in top twelve ranking with the Canadian Automotive Jury in the 'Best of the Best' for 2011. The Sportage Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV) was declared the prestigious 'Motoring Car of the Year' winner and also defended its title this year with a back-to-back win as the 'Compact Utility of the Year' from Auto123.com Automotive Awards.

As part of Kia Canada's commitment to Drive Change, 2011 also completed the year with a successful, national partnership with MADD Canada including the December 'Make It Stop' multi-media campaign including television, video on-line, radio and print urging Canadians to take a stand and make drinking and driving stop by taking the pledge to drive safe and sober on Facebook. To make your pledge not to drink and drive, visit www.facebook/kiacanada. 

January Incentives
Kia Canada launches 'The Kia Advantage Sales Event' that will inform Canadians that buying a Kia will provide them with a real advantage. 0 per cent financing on all 2012 models and 'Don't pay until Spring' positions Kia as one of the industry's strongest offers in the market combined with world-class vehicles.

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Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca - www.facebook.com/kiacanada) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte and Sorento through a network of 173 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 141 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. Kia Motors Corporation continues to showcase the company's global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation. 

Kia Canada Inc. Media Contacts:
Jack Sulymka
National Marketing Manager
(O): 905.755.6266
(C): 905.301.6207
e-mail: [email protected]

Cathy Laroche
Assistant Public Relations Manager
(C): 514.554.0843
e-mail: [email protected]