Kia Canada Inc. extends quick start in 2012 establishing a record February and industry-leading 38 consecutive months of sales growth.

• Year-over-year sales outpace industry results with a 20 per cent increase
• Kia Canada's February sales retain momentum with a record 4,644 units sold
• Optima experiences record month with 824 vehicles sold

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Kia Canada Inc. followed its best ever January with its second consecutive record month in 2012 reporting 4,644 new vehicles sold, translating into 20% growth compared to February 2011. The industry-leading sales growth streak continued into its 38^th successive month. All four Regions throughout Canada indicated record February sales, reporting gains in the central, east, west and atlantic.

A variety of vehicle lines contributed to the record February including Kia Canada's best-selling 2012 Kia Sorento Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV) with 970 units sold. Forte models reported an impressive 964 units collectively, while the Optima mid-size sedan, which is the recipient of seven major Canadian automotive awards, established a record sales month with 824 vehicles sold.

"Both the Montreal and Toronto auto shows proved to be excellent barometers for the Kia brand in 2012 with exceptional vehicle feedback and impressive increases in consumer consciousness in comparison to one year ago," said Robert Staffieri, Director of Marketing for Kia Canada Inc. "Furthermore, positive media reviews and accolades have significantly contributed to our sales success and heightened brand awareness in 2012, including the recent Optima 'Car of the Year' award from Motoring TV."

Kia's 2012 Optima mid-size sedan was also named Motoring TV's 'Best New Family Car' in addition to the prestigious 'Car of the Year' title. The Optima was also awarded the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) "Best New Family car" over $30,000 for the hybrid and "Best New Family Car" under $30,000 for the LX model. The all-new 2012 Rio was presented with a Motoring TV award as well, being named the 'Best Small Car under $21,000'. Kia is honoured to be the first manufacturer to receive back-to-back 'Car of the Year' titles presented by Motoring TV in their 25-year history - last year the Sportage was awarded the coveted title.

February had the Canadian debut of the exceptional, Peter Schreyer designed, GT concept at the 2012 Canadian International Auto Show, along with the all-new 2012 Rio sedan and a 2012 Optima SX Turbo with Toronto FC customization. The GT is Kia's first rear-wheel drive, coupe-styled sports sedan concept, powered by a 3.3-litre V6 Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine producing 395 horsepower. Starting at $13,795, the Rio sedan adds to the recently released Rio 5-Door hatchback and offers a previously unseen amount of features in the segment, including available heated steering wheel, automatic folding side mirrors, cooling glove box and LED positioning lights on higher trim levels.

March Incentives

Kia Canada is pleased to bring back the "Dare to Compare" Sales Event for the month of March. To support this event, Kia will continue to offer very attractive incentives programs including 0% financing on all 2012 and 2011 models and "Don't Pay for 90 Days" on select models. Cash buyers can enjoy up to $4,500 cash savings on select 12MY Forte, or $3,000 cash savings on 11MY Optima and Optima Hybrid. In addition, Kia Canada is very excited to introduce that every Forte comes with no-charge "Tech+", a package that gives customers a Samsung Galaxy Tablet with the purchase of their brand new car. Furthermore, all current Kia owners are eligible to receive a loyalty bonus of $1,250 towards the purchase of an Optima Hybrid.

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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 174 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 156 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]