Global Kia sales rose 16 percent in June

Global sales of Kia vehicles in June 2008 recorded 129,443 units. The company announced its sales of passenger cars, recreational vehicles and commercial vehicles registered a whopping 16,2 percent rise compared with the last June.

By region, Kia posted large year on year sales increase in China (13,824 units sold, +76.8%), general markets (25,142 units sold, +36.9%) and South Korea (25,754 units sold, +17.0%).

Sales increases were also significant in North America, where 32,064 (+8.0%) Kia vehicles were sold in June alone. Meanwhile, Kia’s sales in Europe decreased by 2,6 percent to 32,659 units.

Released sales figures show that Spectra/Cerato still remains the best selling Kia vehicle in overseas markets. So far in 2008, more than 108,300 units of Spectra has been sold. Second best seller so far, was the B-segment Kia Rio (79,820 units sold), followed closely by the “Europe-only” cee’d hatchback with sales of 78,571 units. Rounding out the top five best selling Kia models are the Sportage SUV and Picanto mini-car with 74,496 and 54,220 units sold respectively.

Cumulatively through the first six months of fiscal year, Kia’s global sales increased by 15.8% year-on-year and reached 717,154 units. The largest gains in sales were registered in China where 79,753 units were sold so far, and general markets (119,429 units sold). The aforementioned markets gained 36.4%, and 32.6% sales increase respectively.

Cumulative year-on-year sales increases have also been experienced in the other markets: Korea (15.3% gain- 154,030 units sold); Europe (13.1% gain – 187,662 units sold) and North America (3.0% gain -176,280 units sold).

“We are encouraged by our consistent overseas sales growth in all our major market territories. These results are very promising in what are very challenging times for the industry. With new models such as the Borrego SUV, facelifted Optima and the 2009 model year Sportage, to arrive in overseas dealer showrooms in the coming months, we remain optimistic about the outlook for the remainder of the year.” said Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of Kia Motors International Business Division.

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