The South Korean second largest automaker posts record-high May sales. Kia Forte sales continue to grow!
Kia Motors America announced it has sold 31,431 vehicles in May 2010 in the U.S. market. Compared to a year earlier, Kia’s sales last month were up 20 percent and surpassed the previous May sales record achieved two years ago.
Kia sales last month were lead by stylish Sorento crossover with 8,166 units sold. It was followed by Forte compact car, which saw its sales rise to 7,299 units. This was the best sales result for Kia Forte/Forte Koup since it entered the US market last year. Another Kia vehicle that posted personal best sales was funky Kia Soul crossover. With 6,134 units sold, the 2010 Kia Soul became the third best-selling Kia vehicle in May.
Soon to be replaced Optima sedan and Sportage SUV sold quite well last month. With 2,394 and 2,293 units sold, respectively, they were both tied with Rio subcompact car. Compared to last year, Rio managed to increase its sales by 40 percent compared to last year.
The model, which saw its sales tumble the most was Rondo mini-van, which saw its sales fall from 1,530 units last year, to only 374 units in May 2010. The 7-seat Borrego SUV and Sedona minivan both achieved similar sales as one year ago.
Commenting Kia’s record-breaking sales results was Byung Mo Ahn, president and CEO of Kia Motors America and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia who told: ” May sales were led by the U.S.-built Sorento crossover, which is a clear indication that its combination of distinctive design and standout modern technology features is attracting new consumers to the Kia brand. Our continued brand growth supports an aggressive launch schedule of several dramatically designed Kia cars that will build on eye-catching models such as Forte, Soul and Sorento that have created emotional connections with consumers in the USA”
We are all happy to see record May Kia sales, but what we like as well are Kia’s year-to-date-results. Overall Kia sales in the USA so far are up 14,6 percent compared to the first five months of last year. Sorento leads the sales with more than 41,000 units sold, while Forte and Soul are in the fierce battle for the spot number two (26,000 and 22,208 units sold, respectively).The Optima sedan comes fourth and the sub-compact Rio rounds out the top five best selling Kia cars with 11,932 units sold. Read more about Kia Optima sales in February 2011 here.
Kia sales by model:
June 4th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
I would expect even better sales once the new models arrive. Yes sir. Hyundai/Kia combined broke the 80,000 unit mark for the first time. Who whould have known that back in the 1980′s and early 90′s when the Sonata, Exel and Scoupe and Sephia arrived, one day combined they would be steaming down Nissan’s neck in sales? Who would have known that when the Sonata first went on sale, it would one day have over 21,000 units sold? Who would have knonwn that? Who would have known that Hyundai and Kia could change customers from buying their merchandise because it is cheap to buying because they want it … in almsot of a snap of a finger? Who would have known that when the Sonata first arrived, years later Hyundai would be building engines for Chyrsler and Mitsubishi. Who would have known that back when Hyundai went on sale in the 80′s Mercedes would want Hyundai’s 2.4L to use in their products years later? Who would have knonwn?
June 5th, 2010 at 12:58 am
The KIA Forte is a spectacular vehicle, especially for the price offered, and has been hugely successful. I think that some of the potential buyers of the sedan might filter toward the next generation Elantra, when it launches, but sales will still remain steady and strong. I really, really, really, want to see the Forte 5 door hatch on the lots as soon as possible!!! The KIA Forte 5 door hatchback should offer the perfect blend of practicality and sport, and catch a new set of buyers who may not be quite convinced of placing a sedan in the driveway. The Hyundai/KIA products continue to impress on every level, . . . and finally, they are receiving the positive press and accolades which they deserve!!!!!!!
June 5th, 2010 at 4:57 am
The Sedona’s demand is still strong.
The hidden steady seller of Kia.
June 5th, 2010 at 5:01 am
By the way, The Kia Sorento awarded Top 3 safety awards.
* Euro Ncap – maximum 5 stars
* ANCAP – maximum 5 stars
* IIHS – Top Safety Pick
And bonus… It ranked as “Best small and midsized SUV” from Consumer Reports’ July 2010.
June 5th, 2010 at 5:09 am
oops. typo fix.
’3rd’ Best small and midsized SUV
June 6th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
I am on vacation right now, and the last couple of days we have driven from Michigan to Rawlins, Wyoming on I-80, and I have see so many Fortes, Souls, Sorentos, and Sonatas. Especially Fortes and Sonatas. Most of them were in Iowa and Nebraska. I’ll be gone for another 15 days, so I’m sure I will see plenty more Kias. These sales numbers definitely show up in the real world. Wow.
June 7th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
Anyone know if the Borrego is going to be a CUV. I found out that the next Explorer and Pathfinder are going crossover. The Explorer will be on the ugly ford flex platform and the Pathfinder will be on the Murano platform. Hmmm, if Hyundai/Kia put the Borrego on Kue’s platform that would make a great rival to the Nissan and Ford. Forget the next sedona, turn the Borrego into a CUV. Oh and Greg I too have seen a LOT of Sorentos Fortes, Sonatas and Tucsons. I’m have not seen another Titanium Forte (thank God). It would take the rareness away from my ride. If I do ever see another SX in Titanium, I’m getting a rear spoiler. I have too. I can’t stand beging seen every .5 of a second in a car like a Cvic or Corollar. But with the way Kias are selling, I should start ordering that spoiler. I’m glad Kias are selling unlike Pontiac and Saturn and Mercury.
June 9th, 2010 at 9:42 am
I was in Yosemite today, and Kia was the hottest rental car. I saw countless Sorentos, Optimas, Fortes, Rios and Borregos, a couple Souls, Spectras and Sportages, and one Rondo. Yeah, Bryan, I was right through Elko. I saw a really nice red Lancer, too. You are down in Ely, right?
June 9th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
No, my wife and I are in Elko, NV. I have seen one other red ’08+ Mitsu Lancer here so far. One young brown-haired chick drives a ’08+ black EVO.
June 10th, 2010 at 3:47 am
At least half of all Kia sales have to be for rental companies. Other than the new Mustang, Kias are the only other rental cars I see. There are so many of them!