DAILY - UPDATED
KIA NEWS
&
SPY SHOTS
REVIEWS
SALES REPORTS
Kia Forte sales rise to 7,299 units in May 2010
The South Korean second largest automaker posts record-high May sales. Kia Forte sales continue to grow!
Kia Motors America announced it has sold 31,431 vehicles in May 2010 in the U.S. market. Compared to a year earlier, Kia’s sales last month were up 20 percent and surpassed the previous May sales record achieved two years ago.
Kia sales last month were lead by stylish Sorento crossover with 8,166 units sold. It was followed by Forte compact car, which saw its sales rise to 7,299 units. This was the best sales result for Kia Forte/Forte Koup since it entered the US market last year. Another Kia vehicle that posted personal best sales was funky Kia Soul crossover. With 6,134 units sold, the 2010 Kia Soul became the third best-selling Kia vehicle in May.
Soon to be replaced Optima sedan and Sportage SUV sold quite well last month. With 2,394 and 2,293 units sold, respectively, they were both tied with Rio subcompact car. Compared to last year, Rio managed to increase its sales by 40 percent compared to last year.
The model, which saw its sales tumble the most was Rondo mini-van, which saw its sales fall from 1,530 units last year, to only 374 units in May 2010. The 7-seat Borrego SUV and Sedona minivan both achieved similar sales as one year ago.
Commenting Kia’s record-breaking sales results was Byung Mo Ahn, president and CEO of Kia Motors America and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia who told: ” May sales were led by the U.S.-built Sorento crossover, which is a clear indication that its combination of distinctive design and standout modern technology features is attracting new consumers to the Kia brand. Our continued brand growth supports an aggressive launch schedule of several dramatically designed Kia cars that will build on eye-catching models such as Forte, Soul and Sorento that have created emotional connections with consumers in the USA”
We are all happy to see record May Kia sales, but what we like as well are Kia’s year-to-date-results. Overall Kia sales in the USA so far are up 14,6 percent compared to the first five months of last year. Sorento leads the sales with more than 41,000 units sold, while Forte and Soul are in the fierce battle for the spot number two (26,000 and 22,208 units sold, respectively).The Optima sedan comes fourth and the sub-compact Rio rounds out the top five best selling Kia cars with 11,932 units sold. Read more about Kia Optima sales in February 2011 here.
Kia sales by model:
The KIA Forte is a spectacular vehicle, especially for the price offered, and has been hugely successful. I think that some of the potential buyers of the sedan might filter toward the next generation Elantra, when it launches, but sales will still remain steady and strong. I really, really, really, want to see the Forte 5 door hatch on the lots as soon as possible!!! The KIA Forte 5 door hatchback should offer the perfect blend of practicality and sport, and catch a new set of buyers who may not be quite convinced of placing a sedan in the driveway. The Hyundai/KIA products continue to impress on every level, . . . and finally, they are receiving the positive press and accolades which they deserve!!!!!!!
The Sedona’s demand is still strong.
The hidden steady seller of Kia.
By the way, The Kia Sorento awarded Top 3 safety awards.
* Euro Ncap – maximum 5 stars
* ANCAP – maximum 5 stars
* IIHS – Top Safety Pick
And bonus… It ranked as “Best small and midsized SUV” from Consumer Reports’ July 2010.
oops. typo fix.
‘3rd’ Best small and midsized SUV
I am on vacation right now, and the last couple of days we have driven from Michigan to Rawlins, Wyoming on I-80, and I have see so many Fortes, Souls, Sorentos, and Sonatas. Especially Fortes and Sonatas. Most of them were in Iowa and Nebraska. I’ll be gone for another 15 days, so I’m sure I will see plenty more Kias. These sales numbers definitely show up in the real world. Wow.
I was in Yosemite today, and Kia was the hottest rental car. I saw countless Sorentos, Optimas, Fortes, Rios and Borregos, a couple Souls, Spectras and Sportages, and one Rondo. Yeah, Bryan, I was right through Elko. I saw a really nice red Lancer, too. You are down in Ely, right?
No, my wife and I are in Elko, NV. I have seen one other red ’08+ Mitsu Lancer here so far. One young brown-haired chick drives a ’08+ black EVO.
At least half of all Kia sales have to be for rental companies. Other than the new Mustang, Kias are the only other rental cars I see. There are so many of them!