• Company surpasses previous full-year record before December
• Kia’s European market share grows to 2.9% year-to-date*; on course to achieve 3.0% market share for full year
• Early sales success for new Niro and Optima models supports growth

Frankfurt, 29 November 2016 – Kia Motors today reached a new sales landmark, surpassing 400,000 annual vehicle registrations in Europe for the first time – bettering the previous record of 384,790 units, set in 2015, with over a month to spare.

As a result of 2016 sales growth, Kia’s European market share now stands at 2.9% year-to-date, compared with 2.8% during the same period in 2015. Kia is on course to achieve 3.0% European market share by the end of 2016. A number of key additions to Kia’s vehicle portfolio, including entries into new vehicle segments, have supported the brand’s recent growth, furthering the company’s reputation as a maker of desirable and high quality vehicles.

Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Europe, commented: “The Kia design and engineering teams have diversified the Kia range with new products that break new ground for the brand, as well as offering something fresh and appealing in their respective segments. These additions have been extremely popular with European customers and have undoubtedly helped us achieve organic sales success in 2016.”

The Niro hybrid crossover has proved to be a big hit with European car buyers since sales began in July 2016, with more than 23,000 orders for the new car since it went on sale earlier in the summer. Sales of the new Sportage continue to grow, with a 35% year-on-year increase when compared with 2015. European sales of the Sportage have also already exceeded those of the model’s record full-year in 2015, in which more than 105,317 units were registered across Europe.

The Kia Optima range was expanded this summer with the new Sportswagon, Plug-in Hybrid and high-performance GT variants. The new models have contributed to a 214% year-on-year sales increase, when compared to Optima sales in the same period in 2015. Currently, the new Sportswagon accounts for almost two-thirds (65%) of the Optima’s European sales. The new additions to the Optima range are increasing Kia’s popularity in the D-segment, particularly among corporate buyers.

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Notes to editors
*Source: ACEA, EU + EFTA countries

About Kia Motors Europe
Kia Motors Europe is the European sales, marketing and service arm of the Kia Motors Corporation. With its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, it covers 30 markets in Europe.

About Kia Motors Corporation 
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) – a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart – was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 3 million Kia vehicles a year are produced in 14 manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering around 180 countries. Kia today has over 50,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of nearly US$44 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA World Cup™. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan – "The Power to Surprise" – represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.

For more information about Kia Motors and our products, please visit our Global Media Center at www.kianewscenter.com. 

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