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Kia posts record high global sales in April 2008
Kia Motors Corporation announced today that its global sales (export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants) of passenger cars, recreation vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles in April 2008 recorded 129,477 units, representing a 24.7% year-on-year increase.
Cumulatively through the first four months of 2008, Kia’s global sales increased by 15.5% year-on-year and reached 460,364 units.
General markets have experienced the largest gain, selling 73,529 units to date representing a 32.9% increase, while the China and Europe markets have showed cumulative year-on-year sales growth of 24.7% (52,543 units sold) and 19.4% (123,309 units sold), respectively. The Korea market has also shown a cumulative year-on-year sales increase of 14.9% (101,824 units sold).
So far in 2008, Kia’s best selling model in export markets has been the C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Spectra’ in some markets) with 68,382 units sold. It is followed by a tight group of three vehicles’ sales figures: the C-segment cee’d at 50,023; the B-segment Rio at 48,992; and Kia’s Sportage compact SUV at 48,917. The A-segment Picanto is Kia’s fifth best selling model in 2008 with 37,281 unit sold.
Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President and COO, International Business Division of Kia Motors Corporation, said, “Global sales increased this month across all markets and recorded the strongest year-on-year monthly gain in several years. These results are promising indicators for the second quarter and the rest of the year, and our message to all our dealers is to continue the great work.”
By region, Kia posted large year-on-year sales increases in general markets (21,130 units sold, a 35.3% year-on-year increase) and Korea (27,413 units sold, a 29.3% year-on-year increase). Sales of Kia vehicles in China, Europe and North America also showed strong growth with 13,045 units (24.7% year-on-year increase), 34,104 units (25.3% year-on-year increase) and 33,785 units (15.2 % year-on year increase) sold, respectively.
By vehicle category sold overseas, Kia’s passenger cars posted sales of 65,442 units in April, an increase of 25.6% year-on-year. 33,707 RV units were also sold in April, a 22.4% increase year-on-year.
Picanto barely sells here; not with yaris around. I just saw one picanto in two weeks.
Sportage is a common sight here; you’ll see ’em every day. Kia is also advertising a lot. you’ll find an ad of Kia every other day on the papers and today an ad said that you get 80% cash back if you buy sportage! Their 5-year FACTORY warranty is another great advantage and they claim, its the regions first. They offer free servicing once a year for all Kias or you can sign a 1-yr free service contract when purchasing a Kia.
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Kia’s definately going to make a good name here in a year or two, I predict. 🙂
or rather Borrego. UAE is a good market for 4x4s.
Williams Kia is completely out of Optimas, Sportages, Rios (5), Rondos, and Spectras(5). They only have 41 cars left on the lot. They normally have 200-300 cars on their lot. They are ordering 20 car carriers. They have sold record amounts of Kias so far this month!! They have 56 people on a waiting list for Borrego, and 134 on waiting list for Soul. Soul is going to kick ass!!
wow!! there is the proof that a market still might exist for large suvs. the soul isnt a surprise. it was gonna kik bottoms from the second they thought of it~
Would be interesting to read the Australian sales figures.
Regards,
Geoff (from Australia)
i was wondering: Is it possible that soul will sell more than cerato/spectra?
I think it’s not possible Boris. The estimated Soul production will be around 120.000 a year, while Spectra sells over 200.000 units a year. I hope Soul will sell good, I want it to be sold out and there should be a three to five months long waiting list! (he he)…This would definately show Kia had made a great job with the Soul!
Well, Kia better get Borrego production in full swing. They have the Land Cruiser to knock out here that has made a name since the… who knows… and is tittled “King of the dunes” here. Borrego should sell better than the LC cuz of its better fuel efficiency [at lest I hope so].
I heard that Amanti will get redesigned to have a sporty touch.