IRVINE, Calif., April 1, 2004 - – Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced a new first quarter sales record of 59,384 units, a three-percent increase over the same period last year, bolstered by the company’s best March sales ever of 23,769 units, an 11-percent increase over the same month in 2003.

Both the Sedona minivan and Optima mid-size sedan set new monthly records with 6,986 and 5,005 units, respectively, marking the first time Optima has eclipsed 5,000 unit sales in one month. Sedona sales represent a 40-percent increase over March 2003, while sales of the Sorento mid-size SUV continue to be strong, up 40-percent over March 2003, and the all-new Amanti large premium sedan continues to be a solid performer with more than 1,000 units sold.

“With 73-percent of sales coming from Optima, Sedona, Sorento and Amanti, our richer product mix continues to deliver increased showroom traffic and improved sales and profitability for our retail partners,” said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia Motors America’s president and chief executive officer. “After setting a new first quarter sales record, and with the all-new Kia Spectra currently arriving in dealerships, I’m confident that 2004 will be another record year for Kia.”

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

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