Kia sales climb strongly in 10 countries in May

Kia sales climb strongly in 10 countries in May

Kia’s new car sales in Western Europe climbed significantly during May, with 10 countries reporting major improvements – robustly out-performing the depressed overall market. Sales rose by 62% (Slovakia), 58% (Austria), 50% (Gibraltar), 49% (Sweden), 43%
(Poland), 24% (Germany), 21% (UK), 13% (Czech Republic), 6% (Belgium) and 3% in Italy – compared to May 2008. Total sales during May reached 20,667 cars, almost matching the 2008 figure and raising Kia’s 2009 market share once again.

“In the current economic climate, the Kia model line-up is proving extremely competitive,” comments Mr Panu Vainamo, General Manager Marketing, Kia Motors Europe. “More than ever before, consumers are focusing on good value, reliability and service, as well as ‘stand-out’ design and high build quality, plus the peace of mind guaranteed by a generous warranty.”

The latest Kia to go on sale in Europe, the new Kia Soul urban crossover car, recently earned a 5-Star Euro NCAP safety rating and is being given a very positive reception by media and consumers, with total sales since launch passing the 8,300 mark during May. The Kia Picanto was the brand’s top-seller in May with sales up 48%, followed by the cee’d five-door hatchback, the cee’d Sporty Wagon, the B-segment Rio and the Soul.

Kia sales in Europe for the first five months of 2009 reached 94,082 units, just 11.8% down on last year’s sales in a market that has suffered a general decline in the region of 15%.

Kia sales in Western Europe (Top 5 models)
May Year-to-Date
1 cee’d (5-dr & wagon) 8,252 36,781
2 Picanto 4,835 18,646
3 Rio 2,104 8,903
4 Soul 1,737 8,333
5 Sportage 1,470 8,251

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Editors’ Notes

Kia Motors Europe

Kia Motors Europe is the European sales, marketing, and service arm of Kia Motors Corporation. With its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, it covers 32 markets in Europe.

About Kia Motors Corporation

Kia Motors Corporation ( www.kia.com ) – a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart – was founded in 1944 and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world’s premier automotive brands. More than 1.4 million vehicles a year are produced at 13 manufacturing and assembly operations in nine countries. These vehicles are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 172 countries.

Kia today has more than 40,000 employees and annual revenues of almost US$17 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open.

Kia is also an official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA World Cup – as well as a EUROTOP partner of UEFA.

Kia Motors Corporation’s brand slogan – ‘The Power to Surprise’ – represents the company’s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.

Press Contact

Ilona Tzudnowski
PR Manager Europe
Tel +49 69 850 928 357
Email i.tzudnowski@kia-europe.com

Kia Motors Europe GmbH
Theodor-Heuss-Allee 11, 60486 Frankfurt, Germany.
Tel +49 69 850 928 352
Fax +49 69 850 928 399