Kia Canada Inc. experiences record January while continuing industry-leading 37 consecutive months of sales growth.

• Sales growth momentum continues into fourth year
• Kia Canada begins 2012 with record January reporting 3,774 units
• January 2012 sales increase 24 per cent over same period in 2011

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Kia Canada Inc. recorded its best ever January with 3,774 new vehicles sold, translating into 24% growth compared to January 2011. Additionally, the industry-leading sales growth streak continued for the 37^th successive month. Record January sales were evident throughout the country with all four Regions - Central, Eastern, Western and Atlantic - reporting a best-ever month to start the New Year.

The 2012 Kia Sorento Compact Utility Vehcile (CUV) continues to be the volume leader for Kia Canada, after being the first Kia vehicle in Canada to surpass 15,000 sales in a single year in 2011, with 924 units sold in January. The all-new 2012 Rio 5-Door and recently launched sedan sold an impressive 636 units collectively, and 609 Forte models were also sold. In total, Kia Canada sold more than 700 units over the same period last year.

"We are pleased to continue our positive sales momentum into 2012 after completing a record breaking 2011 with 65,123 vehicles sold," said Robert Staffieri, Director of Marketing for Kia Canada Inc. "We have received an overwhelming support for the Rio 5-Door since its launch, and with the successful launch of the Rio Sedan last month we fully expect this vehicle line to significantly contribute to our goal of 80,000 units in 2012."

Last month Kia Canada announced their official partnership with the third Canadian Major League Soccer (MLS) team in their portfolio, the Montreal Impact. To celebrate the collaboration a customized Rio 5-Door was revealed at the Montreal International Auto Show (MIAS) which showcased the Impact's bold livery colours and accentuated the Rio 5-Door's athletic stance and sporty design. Also at the MIAS, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) revealed the Optima as a top-three finalist for the 2012 Canadian Car of the Year. The winner will be announced on February 16 at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. Additionally, Kia Canada successfully launched the all-new 2012 Rio sedan to Canadian media and has received an inspiring amount of positive endorsement.

February Incentives
Kia Canada will continue "The Kia Advantage Sales Event" in February, which includes the "Don't Pay until Spring" payment deferral program on select 2012 and 2011 models, in addition to 0% financing on all 2012 and 2011 models. Current Kia owners and select competitive vehicles are able to receive a loyalty or conquest bonus of up to $1,250 - available on Sportage, Sorento and Optima Hybrid.  Cash purchasers can enjoy up to $4,500 cash savings on select MY12 Forte or $3,000 on MY11 Optima Hybrid.

###

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 174 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 150 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
Public Relations Manager
(C): 514.554.0843
e-mail: [email protected]