Kia's unprecedented sales growth continues - carmaker up 24.8% in March

MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 1 /CNW/ - Kia Canada recorded its 15th month of consecutive sales growth in March, further evidence that its new value proposition is winning over Canadian consumers. "Vehicles like the recently launched Sorento and the Sportage, which made its North American debut yesterday, are legitimizing Kia as an important and influential force in the Canadian automotive market," said Shelley Tavener, Public Relations Manager at Kia Canada. "These vehicles embody everything Canadian consumers have come to expect from a manufacturer: world class design; cutting edge technology and safety - all without compromising Kia's unwavering commitment to value. Based on these factors it's easy to see why Kia Canada has now recorded its best March in the company's eleven year history in Canada."

Kia Canada sold 4,437 new vehicles and posted a 24.8% increase in sales over March last year. This is the first time Kia Canada has surpassed 4,000 units in March. On a year-to-date basis Kia Canada's sales are 29.6% higher than 2009 sales through March. Leading the charge for Kia was the Forte posting record breaking numbers of 1,138 units, marking the first time this vehicle broke the 1,000 unit barrier. The Soul continues to resonate with Canadian consumers, accounting for 816 unit sales and a 15.3% increase in March. March also heralded the rise of another key performer for Kia with the new Sorento achieving 751 unit sales in only its first month of full retail sales.

Kia Canada Inc. (http://www.kia.ca) - is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea. Founded in Canada in 1999, Kia Canada Inc. sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte and Sorento through a network of 167 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 135 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada.

For further information: Kia Canada Inc. Media Contact: Shelley Tavener, Public Relations Manager, Tel: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]