KIA Rio Introduction at the Geneva Auto Show 20005
Photos: AutoIntell
Overseas monthly
retail sales set an all-time high record with 73,788 units sold
Global exports
grow by 25.7% year-on-year
Retail sales
and exports to Western Europe rise by 86% and 57% year-on-year,
respectively
Kia Motors Corporation
today announced that its overseas retail sales of passenger cars
and light trucks in March 2005 recorded 73,788 units, representing
a 36.7% year-on-year increase and setting a new record for Kia’s
overseas monthly sales. Meanwhile, exports during this period recorded
85,016 units, for a 25.7% rise over the same period of last year.
Leading the way, retail sales and exports to Western Europe grew
by 86% and 57%, respectively, compared to March of 2004. Retails
sales in Western Europe also set an all-time monthly high with 26,532
units sold.
By region, 28,172
units were sold in North America, 30,570 units were sold in all
of Europe and 15,046 units were sold in the general market in the
month of March. In terms of exports, 30,312 units were shipped to
North America, 32,941 units were shipped to Europe and 21,763 units
were shipped to the general market in March.
For the first three
months of 2005, Kia has seen its overseas retails sales and exports
leap by 32.9% and 38%, respectively. Over this period, Kia sold
a total of 182,367 vehicles while exporting 221,055 units.
“With our fast
start in 2005, Kia continues to turn heads in the global automotive
world. And with the world premiere of the totally redesigned B-segment
Rio 5-door in Geneva last month, three exciting new models -- including
the all-new Rio 4-door and Carnival (Sedona) MPV that were unveiled
earlier this year -- are set to hit showrooms this summer." said
Mr. Yong-Hwan Kim, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of Kia
Motors.
“To round out the
new additions to our line-up for the 2005 calendar year, an all-new
D-segment sedan will be introduced later this year, thereby ensuring
that Kia’s product offerings will be exceptionally well balanced
and poised for success.” he added.
Editor’s note: Figures not include KD (knock down) exports, which
are assembled at overseas plants.
