Kia Stays Ahead Of The Market During Tough First Quarter

SYDNEY – April 7, 2011: Kia has defied a slowdown in the Australian new car market to continue its growth through a tough first quarter of 2011.

Official VFACTS data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) shows that the Australian new vehicle market took a slight backward step during the first quarter of 2011 to be down 1.3 percent compared to sales figures up to March 31 in 2010.

Kia Motors Australia has experienced 1.7 percent growth over the same period with a number of its models holding ground in an increasingly competitive market.

“Kia’s ability to stay ahead of the game is just another indication of the growing desirability of the brand,” Kia Motors Australia COO Tony Barlow said. “The stylish designs, leading-edge engineering and unbeatable value for money are all things valued by new car buyers _ as shown by their increasing interest in Kia.”

Leading the charge was the Kia Sorento with a 23.8 percent increase compared to 2010 first quarter sales figures. The addition of the five-door model to the Cerato range has also hit the mark with combined sales for the sedan and hatch up 51.9 percent compared to last year’s first quarter figures.

An 18.5 percent increase on March 2010 sales saw Kia Soul finish the quarter up 7.4 percent while Kia’s people movers held their own with Rondo sales up 12.1 percent over the same period last year and Carnival’s 283 sales for the month representing 31.3 percent of all people movers under $40,000 sold during March.

Demand for the new Sportage continued to be strong.

“The new models in key segments have played their part in keeping sales moving ahead,” Mr Barlow said. “We are quietly confident that with the arrival of the Rio replacement later this year that trend will continue.”