Kia Canada Inc. achieves record third quarter; best September on record attaining an industry leading 45 consecutive months of sales growth

• Record-breaking third quarter yields 22,395 units, a 20.6 per cent increase versus 2011
• Record September sales with 7,030 units, accounting for a 10.1 per cent increase year-over-year
• Optima Hybrid achieves best sales month ever in September

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 2, 2012 /CNW/ - Kia Canada Inc. reported its best September ever with 7,030 new vehicles sold, representing a 10.1 per cent growth when compared to September 2011. Likewise, calendar year to date sales performance continues to rise strongly with 61,693 vehicles sold, equaling a 19.4 per cent year-over-year increase. Kia's September sales success has driven the company to attaining an industry-leading 45 months of continued sales growth.

September sales were stimulated by three key vehicle lines in Kia Canada's diverse product portfolio. Top volume sales were led by the Forte family, encompassing the sedan, Koup and 5-Door, contributing to 1,449 sales, yielding a 24.8 per cent increase year-over-year. The second vehicle line outperforming in September was the Georgia-built Sorento Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with 1,373 units reported. Additionally, the award-winning Rio, including the sedan and 5-door variants, contributed to Kia's overall monthly total with 1,338 vehicles sold. The feature-loaded, award-winning Optima Hybrid achieved its best month ever by attaining over 200 units sold for the first time.

"Kia Canada's dynamic vehicle lineup is attracting consumers purchasing vehicles from all segments," said Jack Uczciwek, Director of Sales, Kia Canada Inc. "With the Optima Hybrid achieving a record month of sales, and the Sorento SUV, Forte Family and Rio subcompact continuing to be key players in our sales success, Kia is consistently demonstrating to Canadians how we can fulfill their vehicle needs."

In the month of September, Kia Canada competed for a third consecutive year in the 2012 Targa Newfoundland with two vehicles - a Kia Forte Koup SX and Optima EX Turbo.  The week-long rally challenged competitors through over 2,000 grueling kilometres of Newfoundland. Kia's vehicles supported notable corporate partnerships, as the Forte Koup sported a MADD Canada outfit and the Optima Turbo hosted a unique Live Nation appearance. Both vehicles, in their stock form, held up to the challenge and conditions with ease. The Forte Koup, driven by Jacques Deshaies and Marc Bouchard of Autonet.ca, finished the competition with a respectable fourth place finish in the Modern division, while the Optima Turbo, driven by Jim Kenzie and Brian Bourbonniere, finished in an equally commendable sixth place in the same division with 14 competitors.

Kia also revealed the all-new 2014 Rondo Urban Utility Vehicle at the Paris Motor Show last week. The all-new Rondo will be launched next year, as a Canadian-specific model in North America, offering the flexibility of up to seven passengers and versatility to meet the needs of growing families.

October Incentives
Kia Canada is pleased to announce "The Surprise Love Event" for the month of October. To support this event, all key offers including 0% financing and "Don't Pay for 90 days" on select 2012 and 2013 Models will continue. Plus during October, Kia Canada will offer "3 Payments On Us" on select models and trims.  Cash buyers can continue to enjoy up to $3,000 cash savings on select 2013MY Sorento or $4,500 cash savings on select 12MY Forte.  Please see dealer for complete details.

About Kia Canada Inc:

Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca - www.facebook.com/kiacanada) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart - is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte, Optima and Sorento through a network of 176 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 163 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada, with an all-new state-of-the-art facility to open in Montreal shortly. Kia's brand slogan - "The Power to Surprise" - represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.

SOURCE: KIA Canada Inc.

Kia Canada Inc. Media Contacts:
Cathy Laroche
Public Relations Manager
(C): 514.554.0843
e-mail: [email protected]

Daniel Ponzini
Public Relations and Events Coordinator
(O): 905.755.6415
(C): 647.462.8986
e-mail: [email protected]