Kia Motors reaches milestone of five million exports

Kia Motors on March 24 announced that it has reached one of the most significant milestones in its history, with the export of its five millionth vehicle - a new Picanto bound for Italy. The milestone marks the latest stage in the evolution of Kia as a major player in the global automotive sector, the company said in a statement.

More than 250 guests, including selected customers, representatives of key philanthropic organisations, major Kia distributors and senior management participated in a special ceremony at Pyeongtaek Port, outside Seoul, to mark the send-off of Kia's five millionth export.

Kia president and CEO Eui-Sun Chung said: "The achievement of reaching this historic milestone is shared between Kia Motors staff and management throughout the world, our valued distributors and dealers, and, most importantly, our customers, without whom all this would not be possible.

"In line with our brand slogan, 'The Power to Surprise', we continue to surprise both our customers and the wider automobile industry with our continued product innovation and commitment to excellence."

Each of the lucky customers received the keys to a brand new Kia vehicle. In addition, Kia honoured two philanthropic organisations - the US-based Special Olympics and Oxfam from the UK - for their commitment to the improvement of society, a focus that reflects Kia's core values and sense of social responsibility.

The success of Kia's export strategy is most evident in Europe, where Kia Motors has been the fastest growing car brand for the past three years. Exports to European countries grew by 70.6 per cent, from 155,229 units in 2003 to 264,872 units last year.

In the US, where the Kia brand has also made remarkable strides, exports saw a year-on-year increase of 31.4 per cent to 301,573 units last year. In central and south America, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asia Pacific, exports grew by 55.7 per cent, 48.8 per cent and 25.2 per cent, respectively.

"For a company that began making bicycle parts in a small factory outside of Seoul over 60 years ago, we have come a long way," Mr Chung said. "Not only has Kia spearheaded the rise of the Korean automobile industry, but we have also made spectacular strides in overseas markets in recent years.

"Already this year we have premiered two more new models, the totally redesigned Carnival MPV and the four- and five-door B-segment Rio, which will give added momentum to our export success. We are now well positioned to take our place among the elite of the global automotive industry for years to come."

Kia Motors was on the path to becoming a major automotive force with the establishment of the Sohari plant in 1973, the first fully integrated automobile production facility in Korea.

The Sohari plant heralded in the production of the Brisa pickup truck in 1974, which became Kia Motors' first vehicle export a year later when 10 Brisas were shipped to Qatar.

Exports of Kia vehicles experienced a dramatic boom with the 1987 acquisition of a North American distribution network for the sub-compact Pride. This significant event set the stage for Kia's continued rapid growth into a major global exporter.

Kia reached one million cumulative vehicle exports in 1995, two million in 1998, three million in 2001 and four million in 2004. Just a year after breaking the four million cumulative export mark, Kia is now celebrating its historic five million exports milestone.

Kia's exports have grown rapidly since the company joined the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group in 1998. Since then, Kia has been on a mission to improve quality, strengthen overseas sales outlets, expand its product line-up and stabilise its business operations worldwide.