Posts Tagged → Kia News
Kia Venga wins red dot design award
- Award marks the car’s second design prize since its launch
- Kia’s design-DNA helping to change brand perceptions
(SEOUL) March 15, 2010 – Kia Venga has won the coveted red dot design award, marking the second prize the car maker’s newest B-segment MPV has won since its launch, earlier this year. A top-class jury picked Venga as the winner in the “product design” category for the compact MPV’s departure from the conventional mini-van profile. The red dot award is acknowledged worldwide as a seal of quality for outstanding design and complements the prestigious iF product design award already received by Venga. Continue reading →
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Next generation Kia Optima to showcase confident new design direction
- World premiere to be held at 2010 New York Motor Show
(SEOUL) March 14, 2010 – The next generation Kia Optima (currently, also known as ‘Magentis’ in some markets) is set to make its world premiere next month at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.
“The next generation Optima possesses the power to surprise,” says Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer. “It’s a car that people will simply not expect from Kia – and that’s exactly what we set out to achieve.”
Continue reading →
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World premiere for new Kia sedan in New York
- Next generation version of popular Optima mid-size sedan
(SEOUL) February 22, 2010 — The next generation Kia Optima (also known as ‘Magentis’ in some markets) will make its public world premiere at the New York International Auto Show, which opens on Friday 2 April 2010. A fresh design from the ground up, Kia’s latest generation of its popular mid-size sedan is completely transformed and embodies a bold, athletic and sporty visual energy.
Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, the new Optima features a significantly longer wheelbase and will offer more space for people and cargo.
The next generation Optima will go on sale at Kia dealerships in the USA and in non-European markets from Fall 2010, while sales in Europe will begin in Spring 2011.
The world premiere of the next generation Optima will take place at the Kia Stand on Level 1 of the ‘Jacob Javits Center’ located between 34-39 Streets on 11th Avenue in New York City.
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Kia Motors debuts ‘Ray’ plug-in hybrid concept in Chicago
- Kia Ray features aerodynamic design, innovative technology and plug-in hybrid capabilities
- Kia Ray utilizes roof top “cool-glazing” solar glass and has a range of up to 746 miles (1200 kilometers)
(Seoul) February 11, 2010 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today unveiled the Ray Plug-in Hybrid concept during a press conference at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, advancing the momentum of Kia Motors’ global alternative fuel and powertrain research program, and its sub-brand coined “EcoDynamics,” to develop innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies. The most efficient Kia vehicles with significant fuel consumption and emission reductions developed under the EcoDynamics sub-brand will be identified with the EcoDynamics badge. Recently, the EcoDynamics sub-brand took a major step forward with the introduction of the Kia Borrego Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) followed by the Forte LPI Hybrid, the gasoline Kia cee’d Hybrid and the twin-turbo diesel Kia Sorento Hybrid.
As the world demands more efficient vehicle designs that combine sophisticated and sleek lines with functionality and fuel economy, the Kia Ray concept is a bold new collaboration between design and engineering. Ray inventively showcases a futuristic four-seat compact sedan based on the Kia Forte platform and demonstrates a prospective plug-in hybrid vehicle configuration from Kia. Designed with light-weight and recycled materials, as well as hexagonal roof-top solar cells embedded in the glass roof panel that power extra lighting or climate control systems, the Kia Ray is the fifth vehicle from the Irvine Calif.-based Kia Design Center America (KDCA) to be revealed in the last year. The latest design from KDCA follows award-winning Kia vehicles Soul, Forte, Forte Koup and the all-new Sorento.
“It is important to imagine what people will want in the future from a green perspective early in the design process,” said Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer, Kia Motors Corporation. “People want to reduce their carbon footprint without driving carbon copies. Being green doesn’t have to be an obvious statement anymore and Kia Ray exemplifies a viable blend of modern, eco-minded features for today’s environmentally conscious consumers.”
The stylish, aerodynamic Ray combines design and engineering for maximum efficiency, incorporating clean, flush surfaces minimizing unnecessary edges, a flowing profile and pronounced rear shoulder ending in a slightly high deck lid for reduced drag, touch-screen controls, drive-by-wire steering, “cool-glazing” solar glass and a lithium-polymer battery – all possible indicators of future technology from Kia Motors. As a plug-in hybrid, Ray is designed to reach driving distances of more than 50 miles (80 kilometers) using its electric motor on a single charge, and has a fuel economy rating of more than 202 miles per gallon (85.9 kilometers per liter), and has a total range of 746 miles (1200 kilometers).
As part of Kia Motors’ EcoDynamics sub-brand, the Ray concept demonstrates a unique vision for eye-catching vehicles with the goal of reducing environmental footprints. Kia models will carry the EcoDynamics badge as they are progressively introduced and are designed to deliver significant environmental benefits. These vehicles also will retain a sporty design, fun-to-drive performance and a strong appeal for the young-at-heart.
Striking Aircraft-Inspired Exterior Design
EcoDynamics is the overarching design philosophy applied to make the Kia Ray concept efficiently functional and striking in appearance. A lowered mono-volume shape and a strong, curvaceous silhouette give the Kia Ray concept better aerodynamic properties than taller profile hybrid vehicles. Strong and lightweight materials are used to support the EcoDynamics philosophy starting with a tabbed LED Kia badge covered with a single piece of glass that extends over the hood and another piece of glass that extends from the cowl of the windshield to the rear header to offer occupants a spacious, airy feeling. A lighted bluish white-colored battery charge indicator display is hood-mounted, furthering the Kia Ray concept’s futuristic design.
A tapering greenhouse cabin and a longer “tail” improve aerodynamics while reduction of drag is attained through a one-piece, smooth-as-glass, integrated underbody panel, narrow tire width and flush wheel design. Front driving lamps slide back to create openings for better air intake when the gasoline engine is being used and a sliding U-shaped deck-lid extends from the rear of the vehicle at higher speeds for improved coefficient of drag. In lieu of side-view mirrors and door handles, motion-detector cameras are mounted flush with the body for safe lane changing procedures and opening of doors. The result is an airframe on wheels. The front door opening features a forward cutout design for the feet allowing ease of entry. The rear door lines are purposeful with rear-hinged coach doors, yet stylish as their height and shape improves ingress and egress.
The Ray employs new “cool car” technology, including nano-laminate films and cool-glazing materials applied to the concept to dramatically reduce solar heat and demonstrate how keeping the interior cool will reduce air conditioning loads and greenhouse emissions. When the vehicle is parked in the sun, the solar cells provide a trickle charge that help operate the cooling fan to reduce interior temperatures.
Light and Airy Interior
Using the natural element of air as the design focus to convey a pure, refreshing, breathable and lightweight feeling, Ray’s interior is comprised of eco-friendly recycled materials in cool white tones to offer passengers a sense of crispness, while also reflecting the heat of the sun, keeping the temperature down and reducing the need of air conditioner use. Front and rear seats, mounted on side sills, create a floating effect with hollowed out elastomeric materials to support body weight, made of lightweight composite materials.
Fresh and sustainable materials like wool flooring unite to create a simple, yet sophisticated, comfortable cabin, with a light-weight touch screen instrument layout featuring touch screen push-button start and gear shift toggle. The center stack features the all-new Kia UVO powered by Microsoft® advanced infotainment system, which provides users with friendly voice- and touch-activated controls for simple management of music files and hands-free mobile phone operations.
Adding to the list of green technology features, Ray also employs the all-new GreenEdge™ system by Infinity® Audio, complete with loudspeakers that reduce power consumption and dissipation through lower self-heating temperatures with increased acoustic performance, a better synergy between amplifier, speaker and vehicle. The amplifier used also reduces the idle power consumption by 50 percent of current Infinity speakers and employs a lower dissipation design for significant savings in overall weight.
With a focus to reduce overall weight through materials and design, a hexagon/honeycomb shape can be found throughout the cabin, used as a repeated design element while tying the interior theme together. Used also in the door inserts and seats, this lightweight and breathable mesh serves to reduce overall curb weight as well as being a unique design element. Other materials found in the cabin are soft to the touch with a matte finish, including white leather, offering a more luxurious feel while making the interior more inviting and tranquil. The 100 percent earthy mocha wool felt floors add a touch of warmth and are environmentally friendly, coming from a renewable resource. Further to Ray’s green characteristics, the floor mats are incorporated into the design of the floor, greatly reducing the amount of material used.
Hybrid Architecture
The Ray Concept is designed to be powered by an all-aluminum 153-horsepower Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) 1.4-liter engine mated to a permanently-engaged fixed ratio Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), used in combination with a 78kw electric motor. Depending on driving conditions, power is sent to the wheels from the gasoline engine, the electric motor, or both together. The Ray concept is front-wheel drive with a four-wheel independent suspension.
Furthering EcoDynamics innovation, the Ray concept’s advanced system is equipped with an engine-power saving alternator management system and a toggle gear-shift up/down indicator to encourage economical driving. Custom-designed low-rolling resistance with a hexagon pattern, narrow 20-inch (195/50R20) tires also improve Ray’s efficiency.
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Kia Motors posts 62.9% increase in January global sales
- 150,392 Kia vehicles sold globally in January
- January sales in China, general markets, Korea, Europe, and North America, post year-on-year sales growth of 235.2%, 61.1%, 54.2%, 52.4%, and 2.6%, respectively
- C-Segment Forte (Cerato) best selling Kia vehicle in January
(SEOUL) February 10, 2010 — Kia Motors Corporation announced today its global sales figures for passenger cars (export sales, domestic sales, and sales from overseas plants), recreational vehicles (RVs), and commercial vehicles for January 2010, recording a total of 150,392 units sold. This figure represents a year-on-year increase of 62.9%.
By region, Kia posted year-on-year sales increases in China (35,904 units sold, a 235.2% year-on-year increase), general markets (30,727 units, a 61.1% year-on-year increase), Korea (34,007 units sold, a 54.2% year-on-year increase), Europe (25,216 units sold, a 52.4% year-on-year increase), , and North America (24,538 units, a 2.6% year-on-year increase).
In January 2010, Kia’s best selling model in overseas markets has been the C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Forte’ in some markets) with 33,499 units sold. Kia’s B-segment Rio and Sportage compact SUV compete for second with 15,503 and 14,259 units sold, respectively. The Sorento mid-size SUV comes in fourth with 11,190 units sold, and the Picanto concludes the top five with 8,729 units sold.
In terms of vehicle category sold overseas, Kia’s passenger and recreational vehicles achieved year-on-year increases in January of 72.0% (72,674 units) and 57.5% (40,065 units), respectively.
Hyoung-Keun Lee, President of Kia Motors Corporation, said “It is encouraging that we were able to continue Kia’s rapid momentum of 2009 and get off to a fast start in 2010. Our ongoing ‘glocalization’ efforts are further propelling the brand as our new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Georgia, USA is ramping up production of the all-new Sorento while the built-in-Europe Venga is now in showrooms across Europe.”
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World premiere for all-new Kia Sportage at Geneva
- Bold, athletic and sporty all-new Sportage to make its world premiere in March 2010
- Marking a shift in design direction for the popular SUV
(Seoul) February 3, 2010 – The all-new Kia Sportage crossover will mark a dramatic shift in design direction for the brand’s popular SUV when it makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on 2 March.
Embodying Kia’s newfound visual dynamism, the new Sportage is a fresh, bold, athletic and sporty design that successfully blends the key features of an SUV –the commanding driving position and heightened sense of security and raised ground clearance – and envelopes them in a sleek and urban-friendly design with global appeal.
Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, the new Sportage will offer more space for people and cargo, with an improved ride quality thanks to a longer wheelbase.
The all-new Sportage crossover will be available at Kia dealerships later this year, with a range of highly competitive diesel and gasoline engines.
The world premiere of the new Sportage will take place on 2 March (8:45AM, CET) at the Kia Stand (No. 6441) in Hall 6 at the Geneva International Motor Show.
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Kia Motors posts 20.1% increase in 2009 global sales
- 1,651,920 Kia vehicles sold globally in 2009 for a 20.1% year-on-year increase
- 2009 sales in China, Korea, general markets, North America, and Western Europe post year-on-year sales growth of 69.9%, 30.4%, 16.2%, 11.3%, and 7.7%, respectively
- Cerato (Forte) is Kia’s best selling overseas model in 2009 with 304,295 units delivered
(Seoul) January 15, 2010 – Kia Motors Corporation announced today its global sales figures for passenger cars (export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants), recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles for 2009 which reached an all-time high of 1,651,920 units sold, cementing Kia’s position as one of the world’s fasting growing automakers. This figure represents a year-on-year increase of 20.1%.
By region, Kia posted year-on-year sales increases in China (256,732 units sold, a 69.9% year-on-year increase), Korea (412,752 units sold, a 30.4% year-on-year increase), general markets (304,522 units, a 16.2% year-on-year increase), North America (346,181 units, a 11.3% year-on-year increase) and Western Europe (242,288 units, a 7.7% year-on-year increase).
For the month of December 2009, significant double digit sales growth was achieved in China (35,010 units sold, a 107.0% year-on-year increase), Korea (46,523 units sold, a 69.1% year-on-year increase), North America (23,693 units sold, a 45.5% year-on-year increase), Europe* (28,073 units sold, a 40.6% year-on-year increase) and general markets (29,417 units sold, a 31.4% year-on-year increase).
Kia’s best selling model in overseas markets in 2009 is the C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Spectra’ or ‘Forte’ in some markets) with 304,295 units sold. Kia’s B-segment Rio and Sportage compact SUV compete for second position with 177,299 and 172,296 units sold, respectively. The C-segment cee’d comes in fourth with 124,389 units sold, and the Picanto concludes the top five with 100,355 units.
In terms of vehicle category sold overseas, Kia’s passenger and recreational vehicles achieved year-on-year increases in 2009 of 16.6% (776,352 units) and 19.7% (428,512 units), respectively.
“2009 was another stellar year for Kia Motors as we turned the global economic downturn into an opportunity to raise market share in all regions, while winning the hearts of many new customers with our exciting new line-up of stylish, fuel efficient vehicles that offer unsurpassed value for money,” said Hyoung-Keun Lee, President of Kia Motors Corporation. “We are excited about continuing this momentum in 2010 with the ongoing introduction of next generation Kia vehicles while continuing to raise the profile of the Kia brand through exciting marketing activities like the sponsorship of this year’s FIFA World Cup South AfricaTM.”
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Kia Motors unveils infotainment system for its vehicles powered by Microsoft® in the US
- Kia UVO, short for ‘Your Voice,’ features a breakthrough user interface that provides simple and easy access to Kia vehicles’ multimedia and infotainment systems
- UVO is the first in-vehicle solution to integrate full Microsoft® intelligent speech engine technology
(Seoul) January 5, 2010 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today unveiled an innovative and intelligent in-car communications and entertainment system, ‘UVO powered by Microsoft®,’ to be available in select Kia vehicles in the US starting this summer. UVO provides consumer friendly voice- and touch-activated experiences for simple management of music files and hands-free mobile phone operation. Co-developed with Microsoft® and based on Windows Embedded Auto software, UVO is an easy-to-use, hands-free solution that allows drivers and passengers to answer and place phone calls, receive and respond to SMS text messages, access music from a variety of media sources and create custom music experiences.
Understanding drivers want and need intuitive controls, Kia Motors and Microsoft® designed UVO to enable a new level of voice recognition through Microsoft® speech technology. UVO users will be able to access media content and connect with people through simple, quick voice commands without having to navigate through menus. By supporting complex grammar, UVO needs only short voice commands to connect drivers and passengers with their desired functions. An interactive system, UVO responds to inquiries such as ‘What’s playing?’ and provides audible answers and related functions, helping to keep drivers’ eyes safely focused on the road.
UVO also brings advancements to in-car technology through an immersive user experience. The interface features a 4.3-inch, full-color display that provides detailed information on media content, phonebook data and vehicle information; the screen also doubles as a rear-view camera when the shifter is put in reverse. UVO is an open platform that seamlessly integrates with a wide variety of mobile phones, music players and other devices, making it easy for drivers to quickly pair devices.
“UVO powered by Microsoft® is a breakthrough for in-vehicle infotainment that helps allow drivers and passengers to safely and easily use all of their personal technologies to create personalized in-vehicle communications and entertainment experiences,” says Michael Sprague, Vice President, Marketing, KMA. “Collaborating with Microsoft®, Kia Motors is able to offer drivers an experience that will provide our cars with a clear competitive advantage.”
“We are very excited with the customized approach Kia Motors is bringing to in-car infotainment,” says Kevin Dallas, General Manager of Microsoft’s Windows Embedded Business division. “Kia’s UVO system demonstrates how the power of Windows Embedded technology can keep consumers connected to the devices, information and entertainment that matters to them most.”
Based on the award-winning Windows Embedded Auto platform, UVO can be updated easily as new consumer devices continue to be introduced to the market.
UVO will debut this summer in the all-new Kia Sorento and will be extended to additional Kia vehicles as part of the brand’s technological evolution. Kia Sorento, Soul, Forte and Forte Koup already come standard and at no extra cost with Bluetooth® wireless technology connectivity, iPod®/MP3/USB connectivity, and a three-month SIRIUS® satellite radio subscription.[1]
UVO will be shown for the first time at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, January 7-10, in both Kia Motors and Microsoft® booths; representatives from both companies will be on-hand for demonstrations.
Key features of UVO, powered by Microsoft®:
· Advanced Speech Recognition: Intelligent Microsoft® speech technology is trained to the system operator’s voice, creating a personal profile and allowing for up to two different voice profiles in various languages. Support for large grammar commands and faster response time means the content is delivered when you ask for it. Kia Motors’ UVO system is the first in-vehicle solution to integrate full Microsoft® speech engine technology.
· Natural Interface Advancements: A full-color, easy-to-use in-dash monitor allows occupants to quickly scroll through media and mobile device content through intuitive voice and touch-screen commands.
· Custom Media Experiences with MyMusic: UVO’s ‘Jukebox’ function features a 1GB hard drive for media storage, allowing users to rip music from CDs or an MP3 player into personal MyMusic folders and store up to 250 songs sorted by title and/or artist – all through voice commands. The system can shuffle through an MP3 player or AM/FM and SIRIUS® radio stations and instantly identify what’s playing all through simple voice commands.
· Rear Backup Camera: When the vehicle is put in reverse, a built-in rear backup camera uses UVO’s in-dash display to provide clearer images of the environment behind the car assisting the driver to identify certain objects that otherwise may be difficult to see.
· Ability to Continuously Update Features and Services: Based on a flexible Windows Embedded Auto platform, updates and services can be delivered in a number of ways (over-the-air, over-the-Web) for Kia to continue to provide a superior user experience after the system enters the market.
Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time contributing to the brand’s continued gains in market share. The launch of the all-new Sorento, the official vehicle of the NBA and the first vehicle to be built[2] at Kia Motors’ first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, will further enhance the Kia lineup.
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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. Nearly 1.5 million vehicles a year are produced in 13 manufacturing and assembly operations in eight countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 172 countries. Kia today has over 40,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of over US$14.5 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and 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.
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7-Year warranty now for every Kia in Europe
Kia Motors Europe is celebrating a remarkable 2009 sales performance and the start of the New Year, by offering an industry-leading 7-year warranty on every new Kia vehicle sold in Europe – once again demonstrating that the brand has ‘The Power to Surprise’.
Following the success of the company’s unique and innovative ‘7-Year Kia Warranty’, which was first introduced on the European-made Kia cee’d in late 2006, Kia will now offer a similar 7-Year / 150,000 km warranty on all its models in Europe, from the popular Picanto small car to the range-topping Kia Sorento SUV.
“We have already declared our intention to become the world’s No1 car maker for customer satisfaction and our new 7-Year Kia Warranty on all models is a major step towards achieving that goal. The seven year warranty will undoubtedly further increase showroom traffic for our dealers and boost sales throughout 2010 and beyond,” commented Paul Philpott, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe.
The new 7-Year Kia Warranty will apply to all vehicles sold and registered in more than 20 countries* across Europe, including all the major markets, after 1 January 2010.
The comprehensive new 7-Year Kia Warranty is a ‘bumper-to-bumper’ full manufacturer’s warranty and covers each vehicle for up to seven years (whole car) – with no mileage limit over the first three years** and up to an overall limit of 150,000 km (100,000 miles in UK) – plus a 7-to-12 years anti-perforation corrosion warranty (depending on model).
A major customer benefit of the new 7-Year Kia Warranty, in addition to ‘peace of mind’ motoring for the original buyer, will be its transferability to subsequent owners of the vehicle. Certain qualifications*** will apply and the normal ‘wear & tear’ on such items as tyres, brake pads and clutch linings is excluded from cover.
“The new 7-Year Kia Warranty is simply the ‘longest and best’ warranty available on any car, anywhere in Europe. Clearly, a longer warranty is better than a short one and that is why we are now backing all our cars with a seven year warranty. It will offer every Kia owner enjoyable motoring with genuine long-term peace of mind, together with the added bonus of boosting their vehicle’s value on the used-car market when they come to sell,” concluded Philpott.
Editors’ Notes
New 7-Year Kia Warranty in detail
*Warranty available in more than 20 participating EU and non-EU countries – see local terms and conditions.
**There is no mileage limit to the warranty for the first three years, except for vehicles used as a Taxi, when coverage is limited to 150,000 km. Over the full period of the warranty, the overall mileage limit is 150,000 km.
***Qualifications which will apply to the new warranty include:
* Paintwork is covered for 5 years (depending on model).
* Audio and navigation equipment for 3 years (up to 100,000 km).
* Service parts, accessories and batteries for 2 years.
* Normal ‘wear & tear’ on items such as tyres, brake pads and clutch linings, is excluded from cover.
* The Kia K2900 (K2500 and K2700) commercial vehicles are excluded from this warranty programme.
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 25 markets in Europe.
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Kia Motors posts 53.2% increase in November global sales
- 152,826 Kia vehicles sold globally in November
- November sales in China, Korea, Europe, general markets and North America, post year-on-year sales growth of 190.2%, 48.0%, 42.7%, 34.3% and 19.8%, respectively
- Cumulative sales in 2009 reached 1,489,204 units, representing a 17.0% year-on-year increase
- Cumulatively in 2009, China, Korea, general markets and North America posted year-on-year sales growth rates of 65.2%, 26.8%, 14.7% and 9.5%, respectively
(SEOUL) December 10, 2009 – Kia Motors Corporation announced today its global sales figures for passenger cars (export sales, domestic sales, and sales from overseas plants), recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles for November 2009, recording a total of 152,826 units sold. This figure represents a year-on-year increase of 53.2%.
By region, Kia posted year-on-year sales increases in China (29,957 units sold, a 190.2% year-on-year increase), Korea (38,687 units sold, a 48.0% year-on-year increase), Europe (31,188 units sold, a 42.7% year-on-year increase), general markets (31,575 units, a 34.3% year-on-year increase) and North America (21,419 units, a 19.8% year-on-year increase).
Cumulatively, through the first eleven months of 2009, Kia’s global sales increased by 17.0% year-on-year and reached 1,489,204 units. The Chinese market experienced the highest gain with 221,722 units sold to date, representing a 65.2% increase. Korea, general markets, and North America also showed cumulative year-on-year sales increases of 26.8% (366,229 units sold), 14.7% (275,105 units sold) and 9.5% (322,488 units sold), respectively.
To date in 2009, Kia’s best selling model in overseas markets has been the C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Spectra’ or ‘Forte’ in some markets) with 269,864 units sold. Kia’s B-segment Rio and Sportage compact SUV compete fiercely for second place with 159,385 and 157,312 units sold, respectively. The C-segment cee’d comes in fourth, with 114,498 units sold, and the Picanto concludes the top five with 93,826 units sold.
In terms of vehicle category sold overseas, Kia’s passenger and recreational vehicles achieved year-on-year increases in November of 76.1% (74,261 units) and 31.9% (36,529 units), respectively.
Hyoung-Keun Lee, President of Kia Motors Corporation, said, “November has proven to be another tremendously successful month for Kia. This month we saw growth across all markets and we will seek to continue to satisfy customers with our ongoing rollout of new, stylish and fuel efficient products, including the recently launched Cadenza luxury sedan.”
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