Korea-based Kia Motors Corporation, has recorded a 13 per cent year-on-year increase in its global sales figures for passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles for September, with a total of 246,733 units sold.

Kia posted strong year-on-year sales increases of 31.3 per cent in North America (55,135 units sold); 23.6 per cent in general markets (49,911 units sold); 18.5 per cent in Europe (55,981 units sold); and 1.1 per cent in China (46,676 units sold).

Meanwhile, September sales in Kia’s home market of Korea decreased by 7.0 per cent (39,030 units sold) year-on-year, a statement from the motor vehicles manufacturer said.

Cumulatively through the first nine months of the year, Kia’s global sales have increased by 11.3 per cent year-on-year to reach 2,034,787 units. Europe, North America and China have experienced the highest cumulative gains to date in 2012 of 23.9 per cent (433,167 units sold), 18.5 per cent (496,607 units sold), and 10.7 per cent (356,147 units sold), respectively.

Kia’s best selling model in overseas markets for the month of September was the B-segment Rio (known as ‘K2’ in China) with 43,552 units sold. The Sportage compact CUV was the second best seller with 35,098 units delivered, while the C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Forte’ in some markets), D-segment Optima sedan and Sorento mid-size CUV followed with 31,062; 24,374; and 19,831 units sold, respectively.

Tae-Hyun (Thomas) Oh, the executive vice president & chief operating officer of Kia Motors Corporation, said: “It is very encouraging to see robust growth for the Kia brand continue in September in the major markets of North America, Europe and the combined general markets.”

“The Middle East and African countries of the general markets, in particular, showed impressive growth, which is a positive sign for brand momentum as we are gearing up to launch our all-new Quoris flagship luxury sedan in many of those countries,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service