Kia sees global sales grow in 2008

In 2008, China (151,085 units sold) and general markets (262,166 units sold) have experienced the largest year-on-year gains of 34.2%, and 30.5%, respectively. Cumulative sales increases were also experienced in Korea (a 16.2% gain from 316,432 units sold), while Europe (a 2.3% decrease from 335,138 units sold) and North America have experienced decreases (8.6% decrease from 310,917 units sold).

In December, China returned a significant year-on-year increase, selling 16,909 units (a 36.2% year-on-year increase). General markets and Korea also experienced gains selling 22,381 (a 15.3% increase) and 27,507 (a 10% increase) units, respectively while Europe and North America sold 19,966 (a 33.6% decrease) and 16,286 (a 37.2% decrease) units, respectively. During this month, Kia sold 103,049 units globally marking an 8.7% year-on-year decrease.

Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of the International Business Division said, "While North America and Europe experienced some year-on-year loss from a slowdown of sales in the last quarter, Kia has experienced market share increases in many markets across these two territories. Furthermore, we have experienced significant gains across China, general markets and in Korea. Despite trying economic conditions, we are confident that we are well positioned, relative to other auto makers, to continue to gain market share by satisfying the demand for fuel-efficient and compact vehicles."

In 2008, Kia's best-selling model in overseas markets, for the third consecutive year, is the C-segment Cerato (known as 'Spectra' in some markets) with 192,149 units sold, followed by the B-Segment Rio with 153,963 units. Kia's Sportage compact SUV and the C-segment cee'd compete closely for third place with 149,293 and 148,846 units sold, respectively, and the A-segment Picanto takes fifth place with 91,262 units sold.

In 2008, passenger car sales made up 63% of all Kia vehicles sold, marking an 11.7% year-on-year increase.

Lee continued, "Kia Motors Corporation continues to prudently monitor and manage its business in the face of the current global economic climate, which is affecting demand for automotive vehicles in many markets around the world. The company's new product pipeline remains strong with the launch of the all-new Soul urban crossover passenger car and next generation Cerato (to be known as 'Forte' in some markets) in many markets in early 2009, as well as the upgraded Kia cee'd and all new B-segment MPV scheduled to go on sale in the European market during late 2009."

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Credits: JRC