Kia Motors' 2009 Global Sales Up 20.1%
Published:18-January-2010
By Staff Reporter
Kia Motors has reported its global sales figures for passenger cars (export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants), recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles for 2009. The company reached a total figure of 1,651,920 units, representing a year-on-year increase of 20.1%.
According to Kia, by region, it posted year-on-year sales increase of 69.9% in China (256,732 units), 30.4% in Korea (412,752 units), 16.2% in general markets (304,522 units), 11.3% in North America (346,181 units), and 7.7% in Western Europe (242,288 units).
In addition, for the month of December 2009, an improved sales growth was achieved in China (35,010 units, a 107% year-on-year increase), Korea (46,523 units, a 69.1% increase), North America (23,693 units, a 45.5% increase), Europe (28,073 units, a 40.6% increase) and general markets (29,417 units, a 31.4% increase).
The company sold 304,295 units of C-segment Cerato (known as 'Spectra' or 'Forte' in some markets). Kia's B-segment Rio and Sportage compact SUV has sold 177,299 and 172,296 units, respectively. The C-segment cee'd has sold 124,389 units and the Picanto has sold 100,355 units.
In terms of vehicle category sold overseas, Kia's passenger and recreational vehicles achieved year-on-year increases in 2009 of 16.6% (776,352 units) and 19.7% (428,512 units), respectively.
Hyoung-Keun Lee, president of Kia Motors, said: “2009 was another stellar year for Kia Motors as we turned the global economic downturn into an opportunity to raise market share in all regions, while winning the hearts of many new customers with our exciting new line-up of stylish, fuel efficient vehicles that offer unsurpassed value for money. We are excited about continuing this momentum in 2010 with the ongoing introduction of next generation Kia vehicles while continuing to raise the profile of the Kia brand through exciting marketing activities like the sponsorship of this year's FIFA World Cup South AfricaTM.”
