September: 9th month of consecutive growth for Kia Canada

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 1 /CNW/ - 2009 has been an unprecedented year for Kia in Canada . Often in the shadow of rival sibling Hyundai, Kia Canada has recorded stellar sales performances that have often eclipsed that of its Korean sister company in growth year-over-year. Through the successful transformation of its brand from an inexpensive used car alternative to one that consumers aspire to own, Kia has made its mark on the automotive landscape as being one of a few manufacturers recording double digit growth.

Kia Canada retailed 4,515 vehicles in September, up 19.7 per cent from the same month last year to record the best September retail month in the company's ten year history. On a year-to-date basis, Kia Canada's sales are 20.4 percent or 6,156 units higher than 2008 sales through September. September was also the 9th month of consecutive growth for the company. Leading the charge for Kia in Canada was the Quebec Region which recorded an increase of 61.2 per cent versus September of last year. Record breaking sales numbers were experienced by the Atlantic, Western and Central Regions as well.

"Not only is the exceptional styling and value of our products driving this unprecedented growth," said Maria Soklis, Vice President and COO of Kia Canada ." "Even more customers are coming to the Kia brand because of the emotional appeal of our vehicles and the significant inroads we have made in overall quality."

Sales of the all-new Forte have continued their strong momentum with 990 unit sales, representing a 53.4 percent growth in Kia's compact sedan segment. The Soul, winner of numerous industry accolades and recently nominated to the Most Exciting Cars of 2010 list by Time.com, continues to exceed expectations retailing 873 units this month. Kia sales success continues along the breadth of its whole line-up with the Rondo recording 1,023 units.

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 and Forte through a network of 155 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 134 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada .

In an effort to meet the needs of its customers in these uncertain economic times, Kia Canada launched The KIA Integrity Advantage Program. The Program provides customers with the peace of mind they need to purchase a vehicle by enabling them to return their financed or leased vehicles within the first year of ownership in the event of certain unforeseen life circumstances. More information on the KIA Integrity Advantage Program can be obtained at (http://www.kia.ca).

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