Nov. Sales 2006: Kia Motors America

IRVINE, Calif., December 1, 2006 – Kia Motors America (KMA) reached a sales milestone in the month of November by watching its two millionth vehicle drive off a dealership lot. Kia sold its one millionth vehicle in February 2003. Sales for the month of November totaled 22,203 units, a 10.5-percent increase over the same period last year. It also was the second best November in history for the company. Year-to-date sales continue to improve upon last year’s record figures with 264,298 units sold, a 2.8-percent increase over 2005.

“Two million vehicles sold is a phenomenal achievement, especially for a company that joined the U.S. retail market only in 1994,” said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. “As the Kia brand continues to focus on bringing vehicles of great value and safety to consumers, Kia will have an even stronger market presence in years to come.”

The Kia Rio posted its second best sales month of the year with 3,363 units sold. Entering the market in limited numbers, the recently debuted all-new Kia Rondo sold 182 units.

Kia Motors America – the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea – offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For more information visit www.kiamedia.com.

                           MONTH OF NOVEMBER           YEAR-TO-DATE
    Model                     2006         2005         2006         2005
    Rio                      3,363        1,608       25,545       27,514
    Spectra                  4,149        2,647       63,282       53,172
    Optima                   3,364        4,251       34,574       40,351
    Amanti                     302        1,184        9,010       16,103
    Sportage                 3,126        2,714       32,171       26,328
    Sorento                  4,007        3,929       48,099       44,640
    Sedona                   3,710        3,758       51,432       48,976
    Rondo                      182          N/A          185          N/A

    Total                   22,203       20,091      264,298      257,084

[source: Kia Motors America]

When a vehicle that hasn't even been officially unveiled comes that close to outselling the Amanti...I laugh. Loudly and proudly.