Kia Sales Are Up Year To Date

When it comes to automotive brands, Kia doesn’t garner the same level of respect as Toyota, Ford, or even Hyundai, its sister company. Kia has always found itself in a sort of “weak stepsister” role to Hyundai, a brand that has itself taken a generation to improve its image.

Car buyers, though, are the final judge of a brand’s desirability and, if June and first half 2008 sales figures are a good barometer, then Kia is in good shape.

Kia announced yesterday that the brand achieved its best June ever with record sales of 28,292 units, an increase of 7.6% over the same period last year, and year-to-date sales of 157,619 units, an increase of 2.1% over the same period last year.  The biggest boost for the year was realized in the second quarter, where the company reported sales of 89,405 units.

By far, Kia’s best selling model is its Spectra a compact sedan will a beginning MSRP in the neighborhood of $13,500. Through June 30th, Kia has sold nearly 43,000 Spectras, an increase of almost 6,000 vehicles over the same period in 2007.

Optima and Rio sales are also up, reflecting the shift seen across autodom — small, fuel efficient cars are in while just about every truck, SUV, van, and large car is down. Sales of the Sportage, Sorento, and Sedona are each down for Kia, the first two vehicles are SUVS, while the Sedona is the company’s minivan.

“As the economy continues to fluctuate, consumers are turning to vehicles that are known for value and quality,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG).  “Thanks to a strong marketing plan and the hard work of the Kia dealer network, Kia continues to have success during this difficult economic time.”

Kia is developing additional automotive models slated for the US market including the stylish Kia Koup, a vehicle featured on the Auto Trends site.

(Source: Kia Motors America, Inc.)