Kia Canada reports second straight record sales month, achieving 41 consecutive months of sales growth

• Best month on record with 8,460 total sales, yielding a 22.1 per cent increase versus May 2011
• Record-breaking sales trend includes a 21.1 per cent year-to-date increase
• Best sales month ever for the all-new, award-winning Rio sub-compact and Forte family

MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Kia Canada Inc. (KCI) recorded its second straight best month ever in May with 8,460 new vehicles sold, translating into a 22.1 per cent increase when compared to May 2011. Kia Canada continues with aggressive sales growth in 2012 with an increase of 21.1 per cent year-to-date, with 31,516 units sold. All four Kia regions across Canada continue to perform well, contributing to the industry-leading sales streak of 41 consecutive months of growth.

The Kia Forte family, including the sedan, Koup and 5-Door, was Kia`s volume seller in May, achieving its best month ever with 1,839 units. The all-new sub-compact Rio, including the sedan and 5-Door, achieved its best month ever for the second consecutive month with 1,696 units reported, supporting a 106.8 per cent increase year-over-year. The award-winning Optima mid-size sedan, including the Optima Hybrid also contributed to strong volume sales with 1,459 units. The Georgia-built Kia Sorento utility vehicle also substantiated volume sales with 1,049 units.

"Canadian consumers continue to express an overwhelming response to Kia's award-winning, world-class vehicle line-up propelling our record sales," said Jack Uczciwek, Director of Sales for Kia Canada Inc. "More consumers than ever are visiting Kia dealerships and noting the value in our complete product line which offers remarkable safety, quality, style, technology and fuel economy."

In the month of May, Kia Canada announced their partnership with Live Nation Entertainment, which also includes premium concert venues - the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre in Toronto and the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver. The newly formed collaboration will put Kia in the spotlight as the exclusive automotive partner for all Live Nation Canada music events taking place at both concert venues.

Kia Canada also acquired the official naming rights to Toronto FC's (TFC) all-new Training Ground as well as the TFC Academy, to be known as Kia Training Ground and Kia Toronto FC Academy, respectively, moving forward. The state-of-the-art facility and soccer program will develop the next generation of elite Canadian soccer players through coaching, training, technology, equipment and support. This partnership will continue Kia`s strong global commitment to soccer and KCI's dedication to become synonymous with the growth and development of soccer throughout Canada.

June Incentives

Kia Canada is pleased to announce the "2012 Grand Finale Clearout" Sales Event for the month of June. To support this event, Kia Canada is introducing "Don't Pay until Fall" on select 2012 and 2013 Models, plus "2 Payments on Us" equaling to $1,100 on all Sorento 2012 and 2013 Models during June 1^st to June 10^th, also Kia will continue to offer very attractive incentives programs including 0% financing on select 2012 models.  Cash buyers can enjoy up to $4,500 cash savings on select 12MY Forte.  In addition, Kia Canada will continue the Optima, Car of the Year Test Drive Challenge.  The Test Drive challenge is for anyone shopping for a new mid-size sedan.  If after the Optima test drive, a customer should decide to instead purchase a qualifying competitive manufacturer's vehicle within program period of the test drive, Kia Canada will give them a $100 Gas Card.

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 173 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 158 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. Kia's brand slogan -- "The Power to Surprise" -- represents the company's global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.

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]