Kia Canada Inc. reports record year in 2012 with 77,800 units sold, while continuing an industry-leading 48 consecutive months of sales growth

• 2012 marks Kia Canada's best year ever in 13 year history
• December 2012 sales increase 15.8 per cent year-over-year
• 2012 year-to-date sales increase 19.5 per cent

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 3, 2013 /CNW/ - Kia Canada Inc. concluded 2012 with a record year, reporting 77,800 sales nationally, establishing a record for the 13 year-old company in Canada. In addition, the month of December elevated the brand to an industry-leading 48 months of consecutive sales growth, reporting a total of 3,960 vehicles and a 15.8 per cent increase from a year previously. Kia Canada completed 2012 out-pacing industry performance with a 19.5 per cent increase versus 2011 results.

"2012 was a successful year for Kia Canada Inc., as the company relentlessly achieved a 19.5 per cent increase year-over-year within the Canadian market," said Maria Soklis, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), Kia Canada Inc. "Our world-class designed product portfolio will continue to propel growth into 2013 with several all-new and redesigned vehicle launches extending throughout the year."

In 2012, Kia Canada marked the first time ever that four vehicle lines exceeded 10,000 sales each: the Forte family compact, Sorento Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV), Rio sub-compact and Optima mid-size sedan. The Forte compact family, including the sedan, Koup and 5-Door variations, led volume sales in 2012 reporting a record of 14,856 units in Canada, a 6.2 per cent increase versus 2011. The Georgia-built Sorento CUV accumulated a total of 14,031 vehicles sold throughout the year. The Rio sub-compact, MotoringTV's 2012 best new "Small Car Under $21,000", including both the sedan and 5-Door versions, achieved a total of 13,949 sales, an impressive increase of 103.7 per cent year-over-year. The award-winning Optima mid-size sedan, named as MotoringTV's 2012 "Car of the Year" and "Best New Family Car", AJAC 2012 "Best Family Car (Under $30,000) and "Best Family Car (Over $30,000)" accomplished 11,992 vehicles sold, representing a 448.3 per cent increase versus 2011.

Kia posted a record December in 2012, with three vehicle lines underwriting the brand's monthly total of 3,960 sales. The Georgia-built Sorento CUV achieved 1,022 units, representing a 7.2 per cent increase from December 2011. The Rio sub-compact, which was short-listed with a Canadian Auto Jury 'Best of the Best' distinction, achieved a total of 889 units sold, yielding a 115.8 per cent growth year-over-year. The Optima mid-size sedan was also a sales highlight for the month of December as 473 units provided the Optima a 23.5 per cent increase when compared to the same period last year.

January 2013 Incentives:
Kia Canada is pleased to announce the "Drive Now, Pay Later" sales event for the month of January. To support this event, Kia will continue to offer very attractive incentives programs including 0% financing on all 2013 models and "Don't Pay until Spring" on 2012 and 2013 Models.  In addition, Customers purchasing 2013MY Sorento will be eligible for a "3 Payments on Us" incentive. Cash buyers can enjoy savings of up to $4,000 on select 2013MY Optima non-hybrid models. Please see your local dealership for complete details.

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) which was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality, class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte, Optima and Sorento through a network of 180 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 159 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada, with an all-new state-of-the-art facility to open in Montrèal shortly. Kia's brand slogan "The Power to Surprise" represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting & inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations. 

SOURCE: KIA Canada Inc.

Cathy Laroche 
Public Relations Manager 
Kia Canada Inc. 
T: 514.554.6415
C: 514.554.6415
E: [email protected]

Daniel Ponzini 
Public Relations and Events Coordinator 
Kia Canada Inc. 
T: 905.755.6414
C: 647.462.8986
E: [email protected]