DAILY - UPDATED
KIA NEWS
&
SPY SHOTS
REVIEWS
SALES REPORTS
January global sales at Kia Motors increases by 13.3%
Kia Motors Corporation announced today that its global sales (export retail sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants) of passenger cars, recreation vehicles (RVs) and light trucks in January 2008 recorded 103,385, representing a 13.3% year-on-year increase.
By region, Europe, China and general markets posted year-on-year sales increases of 26.8%, 36.3% and 35.7% in January with 26,494, 15,554 and 16,155 units sold, respectively. Meanwhile, sales of Kia vehicles in North America and Korea markets were 23,145 units (3.7% year-on-year decrease) and 22,037 units (4.2% year-on-year decrease), respectively.
Kia’s best selling model in overseas markets in January was the C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Spectra’ in some markets) with 17,442 units sold, followed by the Sportage compact SUV with 11,667. Meanwhile, the B-segment Rio and C-segment cee’d — Kia’s first car designed and built by and for Europeans – also were strong sellers with 10,673 and 10,457 units sold, respectively. By vehicle category sold, Kia’s passenger cars sold 51,851 units in January, an increase of 37.6% year-on-year.
Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of Kia Motors Corporation, said, “This is a positive start to 2008 as demand for passenger cars was strong and we also experienced stronger than expected performances in a number of regions.
“What is important, however, is how these sales figures reflect long-term factors such as potential increasing demand for our vehicles as we continue to boost the quality and designs of our product line-up. We will continue to monitor and analyze our performance, and remain bullish that we will reach our aggressive internal sales targets.”
What a great report worldwide for January 2008! Wow! I don’t see how Kia management and Kia fans could not get enthusiastic after reading this news. I think the most telling stat is the one by vehicle category sold, Kia’s passenger cars sold 51,851 units in January 2008, an of 37.6% year-on-year.
Keep it up Kia as we eagerly await the production version of the Kia Kee sports Coupe, the new Kia Spectra for 2009(TD) and another sporty hatch and/or sedan that ‘s been talked about as being in the works for the near future.
The sales of passanger cars is increasing fast, but the best is yet to come. When new TD and Soul come in, together with facelifted Optima, the sales should rise even faster!
Especially the sales in America could get the biggest rise, because Soul’s and TD’s main market will be USA. I expect to see TD sales nearing 100.000 units in it’s first full year and SOul going for about 50.000 units in America.
How those two newcomers sell, will mostly depend on the marketing and advertising strategy Kia will use. The US market is ready for small vehicles, gas prices will stay pretty high, both of the cars will have an attractive look and will be great values, with all latest safety equipment. So, here we have some strong points that does mather when it comes to buying a new car.
I think we could see Kia’s US car sales rise to 400.000 units in 2009.
advertising. In UAE kia is advertising a lot these days. they advertise about low interests, free insurence, free gifts if you buy Kia ____. They have these things in the ads with pics of the cars but they dint list out the cars features and stuff. the only feature they list is the engine options and…. and give the price. they dont have propper advertising stratergies here, Kia.
Yes, that’s the problem at Kia!Not only in UAE, bot also here in Euope and must be the same in US and other parts of world. They don’t have the proper advertising strategy!
They focus too much on low price, warranty, low interests, etc, instead of showing something exciting. You know, the TV ads that make ya think about that car, or to desire it.
This might change with the new models…better products, better advertisments==> great combination.
yeah, hopefully they’ll advertise better with the new models which will have exciting features like iPod and USB connection.
I have a 2006 Sportage EX and it’s the best thing I’ve ever bought. The quality is great, and the advertising should reflect that. Forget all the funny commercials.