BENICIA, Calif., July 27, 2000 - The Port of Benicia will become Kia Motors America’s West Coast port of entry beginning the week of Aug. 7, with AMPORTS serving as port processor.

Kia, one of the fastest-growing car companies in America, cited cost savings as the primary reason for moving its business from the Port of Los Angeles to Benicia. Kia has signed a three-year contract with AMPORTS.

“The Port of Benicia is a private deep-water port strategically located to support our distribution network,” said B.M. Ahn, president of Kia Motors America. “The cost savings will be substantial and I anticipate we’ll get the same great service we received in Los Angeles.” The Port of Benicia will serve as the primary distribution point for Kia vehicles sold throughout the southwestern United States.

AMPORTS’ Benicia facility has served major automotive manufacturers as an import, export and regional distribution center since 1965.

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

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