Kia Media

Kia Ends Year with Record Sales

Year-Total up 6.1 Percent

IRVINE, Calif., January 3, 2003 – Kia achieved record sales numbers in 2002 with a 6.1 percent increase over 2001. The company sold 14,625 vehicles in December, bringing Kia’s year-to-date sales to 237,345.

“We’re very pleased to once again announce a new record for year-end sales for the eighth straight year,” said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia president and chief executive officer. “Last year marked the launch of our new mid-size SUV, the Sorento, and we’re looking forward to an even more successful 2003 as we continue to build brand awareness about our expanded product line and implement our retail enhancement program, Kia Circle of Excellence.”

Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea.

	MONTH OF DECEMBER		YEAR-TO-DATE
Model	2002	2001	2002	2001
Optima	1,584	2,838	26,793	25,912
Rio	2,502	3,870	51,195	51,541
Sedona	2,185	2,493	39,088	15,070
Spectra	3,734	5,160	72,382	78,835
Sportage	1,904	3,004	39,436	52,369
Sorento	2,716	n/a	8,451	n/a
Total	14,625	17,365	237,345	223,727*

*This total reflects an additional six company cars that were sold in 2001.

Total U.S. Sales of Kia Vehicles

	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002
January	605	1,227	1,508	2,624	7,197	9,461	8,143	12,513	16,574
February	626	1,053	1,887	2,529	6,196	6,703	11,392	12,665	17,509
March	638	1,309	2,197	3,093	6,082	11,400	12,729	19,159	21,478
April	714	1,256	2,300	3,541	5,530	10,606	12,422	16,060	20,366
May	1,010	1,907	3,481	4,917	6,301	12,795	13,709	20,048	22,790
June	1,053	1,665	4,401	3,992	9,215	13,593	16,140	21,188	22,498
July	1,106	2,662	3,241	5,024	10,095	13,136	12,300	19,405	23,061
August	1,368	2,881	4,229	6,321	8,016	13,138	16,454	23,276	23,564
September	1,528	2,729	3,780	7,123	7,355	11,846	16,438	20,585	18,179
October	1,207	2,437	3,797	5,913	8,634	10,641	13,726	24,523	17,960
November	1,156	2,640	3,174	5,317	4,730	11,820	12,643	16,940	18,741
December	1,152	2,974	2,279	4,931	3,542	9,455	14,510	17,365	14,625
Total	12,163	24,740	36,274	55,325	82,893	134,594	160,606	223,727	237,345

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