Kia Motors is celebrating the global export of its ‘15 millionth vehicle’, with the milestone car, an all-new Sorento shipped to Al Majid Motors Company, the sole distributor of Kia vehicles in the UAE.

Kia achieved its previous landmark figure of ‘10 million overseas vehicle exports’ in March 2011, the latest achievement having taken only four-and-a-half years to increase exports by a further 50 per cent, said a statement from Kia.

The past decade has seen rapid growth expansion for Kia Motors globally, as the earlier five million overseas export vehicle figure taking 30 years to reach, it added.

Kia’s 15 millionth export unit was a SUV version of its popular Sorento model, which rolled off a vessel at Jebel Ali Dubai port, UAE, it added.

The event was attended by top executives from the regional headquarters of Kia Motor Corporation; representatives from Al Majid Motors, and also officials from shipping company Glovis and DP World, said the statement.

Alex Chung, president of Kia Middle East and Africa, said: “This impressive feat marks the beginning of many more achievements, thanks due to the strategic opportunities available in the Middle East - a dynamically unique market.”

“Kia’s first ever export to the region occurred in 1975 when 10 Brisa pick-up trucks were shipped to Qatar, and the 15 millionth export signifies our continuing legacy in the region and today - 40 years later - Kia Motors Middle East and Africa have operations that cross more than 50 countries,” he said.

“Kia exported more than 320,000 new vehicles to the Middle East and Africa last year and we expect this number to increase in 2015,” he added.

Chung added: “We attribute our success to our loyal customers, dedicated employees and award-winning distributors - our 15 million success stories would not have been possible without them.”

Mohammed Khader, president of Al Majid Motors, Kia UAE, said: “We are excited to share the honour of receiving the 15 millionth overseas vehicle, which is a testament to Kia’s growth and the brand’s popularity in the region.”

“With exciting launches such as the brand new Sorento and Grand Carnival models, we look forward to the continued growth of Kia in the UAE,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service