KIA posts sales increase for January
February 23, 2009 by Matt Brogan
KIA has this morning announced continued gains in both general and North American markets posting 15.4 and 3.3 percent growth (year-on-year), respectively, during January.
General global markets experienced the largest gain with 19,075 more units sold that month than for the same time last year. Cash strapped North America also registered an increase with a surprising 23,921 units purchased – this result even bettering the brand’s home market (Korea) sales of 22,056 units.
The Cerato remains KIA’s best selling model with 15,898 units sold, followed by the Sportage compact SUV (pictured above) on 10,429 units and Rio on 10,144.
Cee’d took fourth place with 6,741 units and Picanto rounds out the group with 5,234 units.
Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of the International Business Division, said, “KIA Motors continues to scrupulously monitor and manage its business during these challenging economic times. This month, North America experienced steady growth, while other automakers reported substantial losses. With our new Soul urban crossover and next-generation Cerato becoming fully available in many markets early this year, we are confident that KIA Motors will continue to grow throughout 2009.”
Print it: 
Need i say anymore? Somthings happening at Kia :)
Settle down MT, those SSangyong buyers had to go somewhere didn’t they?? ;-)
i don’t think ssangyong had and small cars so that’s irrelevant
i’m SURPRISED they sold so many Ceratos
no Picantos or Ceeds here… Picantos are nothing special but the Ceed is hardly surprising
Just for the heck of it, I’ll answer your comment Tony :-)
First the SSangyong Jibe was at SALESMAN in particular hence the wink.
Secondly Ssangyong did have vehicles in comptition (market & dollar wise) with KIA with Actyon Kyron & Rexton Vs Sportage & Sorento.
Thirdly, the Cerato refered to is the new generation just released one which is actually (particularly for price bracket) a damn competant car. Sure we don’t get Cee’D out here but the product line here is groing in favouritism. The result is good that they are still growing, but the y still have a LONG way to go before they become what one might call publically accepted.
Cerato. Something’s going on at KIA.
Tony,
No market for Picanto, you can already own a Rio for $12,990.00 drive away. What price point would Picanto need to be? Even if it was under $10,000.00 you are still taking sales away from a market you already own (five doors for less than $13,000.00)
Ceed will cost to much to import into Australia, it would be priced out of the market by the time it gets to the showroom floor.
Frontman, I feel a little like Clarke Kent, you know Salesmans secret identity. Does that make you my Louis Lane? :)