Kia Canada Inc. posts record January while extending industry-best streak of 25 consecutive months of year-over-year sales growth

-Kia Canada begins 2011 with record January in 11 year history
-January sales volume exceeds 3000 sales for the first time
-January 2011 sales increase 26.2 per cent
-All Kia Canada Regions in Canada experience record January
-Sales growth momentum continues at industry leading 25 months

Mississauga, ON, February 1, 2011 – Kia Canada Inc. recorded its best-ever sales in January and a quick start to 2011 with 3049 sales and a 26.2 per cent increase versus 2010. This was the first time in Kia Canada’s eleven year history that sales volume surpassed 3000 units in January. Record January sales were evident throughout the country with all four Regions – Western, Central, Eastern and Atlantic reporting a best-ever month to start the New Year. Additionally, the industry-best two year sales growth momentum was also extended to 25 months.

“It is imperative that Kia Canada and its dealer network start out the year with aggressive sales momentum, which is indicative to our quest for another record year in 2011” said Maria Soklis, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Kia Canada Inc. “With the launch of the all-new 2011 Kia Optima mid-size sedan in March coupled with other key launches in 2011, Kia Canada along with our dealer network are provisioned for an exceptional year”.

January sales volume was led by the red-hot Kia Sorento Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV) with a best-ever January reporting 939 vehicles sold along with the Kia Soul, Urban Utility Vehicle reporting 558 units or a 5.9 per cent increase versus previous year. “These vehicles and our entire product portfolio have consistently been our staple to success in Canada since their inception which began over 24 months ago with the Soul” said Robert Staffieri, Director of Marketing Kia Canada Inc. “We also expect the all-new 2011 Kia Sportage CUV to become a volume leader with production increasing for Canada in 2011 as sales increased in January by 41 per cent versus previous year.”

The month of January also debuted the launch of the “KV7” concept vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit which has been conceived as a modern-day “activity van”. The 2011 Montreal Auto Show provided the Canadian debut for the all-new 2011 Sportage SX which features the all-new flagship 2.0L Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine producing power of a V6, while achieving outstanding fuel economy of a four-cylinder. In addition, the all-new 2011 Optima EX luxury mid-size sedan made a surprise Canadian debut for the last three days of the Montreal Show exciting attendees. In advance of its Canadian launch this spring, the 2011 Optima has already achieved best-in-class fuel efficiency and a “Top Safety Pick” by the award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) which achieves the highest possible crash safety rating in all four tests conducted by the organization.

In early January, the all-new 2011 Kia Sportage CUV was awarded “Best SUV / Crossover under $40,000” by the World of Wheels Editors’ Choice Awards. This is the third Canadian award attained by the Sportage since its launch in July 2010. Momentum continued at the 2011 North American International Autoshow in Detroit, where the 2011 Kia Sportage was presented “International Truck of the Year” in the United States by the ICOTY jury.

Both the 2011 Kia Sportage and 2011 Optima were also recently awarded the “iF Design Award” recognizing design quality, and other criteria, including workmanship, innovation, eco-friendliness, ergonomics and safety.

February Incentives
Kia Canada continues its retail incentive program for February “The Kia New Year’s Revolution” allowing a cash purchase of the 2011 Rio for $9995 (plus delivery, destination, applicable taxes and other fees) when combining all incentive offers. Incentive offers for February are up to $6000. A unique offering of 0% financing over an 84 month term will be available on all 2011Kia Rio sub-compact vehicles along with the recent addition of 0% financing over a 60 month term for the 2011 Kia Soul. In addition, other low rate financing for other 2011 vehicles will be available along with the offer of “Don’t Pay until Spring”. These options make it easier to acquire a new Kia vehicle. Cash buyers can also select up to seven vehicles from Kia Canada’s line-up for under $20,000.