Kia has topped the one million sales figure for passenger cars, recreational vehicles and commercial vehicles in June, cumulatively selling 1,004,724 units worldwide in the first six months of this year.
June also proved an especially lucrative month seeing 184,111 units sold globally, a year-on-year increase of 16.2 per cent.
"I am encouraged to see sales of Kia vehicles around the world eclipse the 1 million unit annual mark faster than ever before in our company's history," said Hyoung-Keun Lee, President of Kia Motors Corporation.
"All of our major markets are now gearing up for retail sales of the completely redesigned and reengineered Sportage SUV, which will certainly add to our momentum and help continue strong sales for the brand in the second half of the year."
The local market, too, is proving fruitful for Kia, posting its most successful month since becoming a factory owned subsidiary in 2006. Selling 2820 for the month of June, Kia gained 39.2 per cent over the same time last year.
Among the best-seller list, Kia's light passenger offering Rio finished third in its segment, selling 1582 units in June for a YTD increase of 15 per cent and a month-on-month increase of 129.9 per cent.
"It has been a good couple of months for Rio," said Kia President and CEO Mr MK Kim.
"Not only is it making a big statement in a very competitive small car market, its recent EURO IV emissions compliance has seen it feature in the top 20 on the government's Green Vehicle Guide."
Kia's entire passenger vehicle range showed an increase in sales of 49.7 per cent compared to June 2009. Monthly sales were up 15.6 per cent, and year-to-date sales of 1345 vehicles are up 66.5 per cent compared to the first six months of 2009.
"There is no doubt these figures are good news. We are investing heavily in making sure all of our new technology is well priced, safe, environmentally considerate and offers the latest in quality engineering," Mr Kim said.
"June figures also highlight that Korea is a force to contend with in terms of automotive engineering. So far this year over 86,660 vehicles purchased in Australia were built in Korea, making it the third most popular vehicle manufacturing country of origin."
The good news comes as Kia prepares to unveil its new Sportage compact SUV (pictured) next month.
New from the ground up, Sportage will replace the current five-year-old design with a raft of changes that include all new petrol and diesel engines, more modern features and styling, plus new driver aid technologies that include self-park.
Longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, new Sportage will also offer better accommodation with more room for both passengers and their cargo. Full pricing and specification details will be announced shortly.
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