[Seoul, Korea& IRVINE, Calif.=Whowired] May 2, 2012 -- Kia Motors America (KMA) has been the fastest growing car company in the United States[1] over the past five years, and the brand's strong momentum continued with best-ever April sales of 47,550 units.  Kia has achieved 20 consecutive monthly sales records thanks in large part to continued high demand for the brand's two U.S.-built* products – the Optima midsize sedan and Sorento CUV built at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) – as well as the ongoing popularity of the Soul urban passenger vehicle.  Sales of the fuel-efficient 2012 Rio subcompacts, which can deliver up to 40 miles per gallon[2] on the highway, increased 55.6-percent over the same period in 2011.

"Our record April performance is the latest illustration of how far the Kia brand has progressed as we continue to attract new customers with our unique value formula of world-class design, outstanding fuel efficiency, premium features and cutting-edge technologies," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG.  "KMMG recently was named 'Large Manufacturer of the Year' by the State of Georgia, and the plant's success is a major contributor to our growth.  With more new products and technologies set to arrive within the next year, we will continue our efforts to raise consumer awareness and consideration for the Kia brand and our full lineup of stylish and fuel-efficient vehicles.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth

Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling.  Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand.  In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality[3] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[4].  Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. –  the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan[5].  Kia's value- and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA.  In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S.  Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally-sourced parts.
[1] Based on 5-year cumulative growth between 12-month retail sales for periods ending March 2007 and March 2012 of all U.S. automotive brands.
[2] EPA fuel economy estimates are 30 mpg/city and 40 mpg/hwy with 1.6L GDI engine. Actual mileage will vary.
[3] Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study
[4] Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis
[5] The Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally –sourced parts.