National Press Release

All-New Soul Records Strong Sales and Sparks Additional Consumer Interest in Bold New Designs

IRVINE, Calif., May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced April sales of 25,606 units, and year-to-date sales of 94,499 total units. The critically acclaimed Soul, Kia's all-new and uniquely styled urban passenger vehicle, recorded robust sales of 3,228 units in April and 4,508 total units since its arrival in February.

With a series of new product introductions on the horizon, including the upcoming Forte compact sedan and its Koup sibling, KMA's vehicle lineup is undergoing an aggressive, design-led evolution aimed at attracting new customers to the brand and growing market share, despite the lackluster economy. The Forte sedan goes on sale at Kia retailers nationwide this summer, followed closely by the Koup, which was unveiled at last month's New York International Auto Show.

"Soul's strong early performance is a clear indication that its eye-catching design and wide array of personalization options is resonating with consumers and bringing new buyers into our showrooms," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. "Style-driven vehicles such as the Soul and upcoming Forte sedan and Forte Koup mark a turning point for the Kia brand, allowing buyers to make an emotional connection with our vehicles."

Kia Motors Product Line

Kia Motors America offers a dynamic and diverse product line of 12 vehicles to meet the needs of all lifestyles. The vehicle line features the functional Rondo CUV and award-winning Sedona minivan along with a wide variety of popular passenger cars, including the refined Amanti full-size sedan, purposeful Optima midsize sedan, versatile and compact Spectra and Spectra5, and sporty yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The vehicle line also features the affordably luxurious Borrego, rugged Sorento and value-packed Sportage SUVs. The 2010 Soul further complements the lineup as it arrives in dealerships, as will the 2010 Forte sedan and Forte Koup.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 625 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."

Kia Motors America is the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site - www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

                    MONTH OF APRIL                    YEAR-TO-DATE
                    --------------                    ------------
    Model          2009         2008                 2009       2008
    -----
    Rio           3,383         4,052               7,594     13,150
    Spectra       7,165         8,406              22,170     26,419
    Optima        2,141         4,550               8,736     13,746
    Amanti          671           235               2,978        791
    Sportage      2,084         3,960              11,458     13,746
    Sorento       2,410         2,991              12,846      7,612
    Sedona        2,488         3,289              15,695     10,580
    Rondo         1,538         2,583               6,841     12,236
    Borrego         498           n/a               1,673        n/a
    Soul          3,228           n/a               4,508        n/a
    Total        25,606        30,066              94,499     98,280

SOURCE Kia Motors America