2012 is set to be another record breaking year for KIA in the new car market!Maintaining an ever-growing presence in the Australian new car market, KIA keeps on delivering top quality and consumer friendly priced cars in all shapes and sizes.
Pleased with the year-to-date growth of 22.7 percent across all models in April, KIA Motor Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Tony Barlow said that ‘...buyers are looking past badge snobbery and purchasing on quality and value.’
The KIA brand has been duly embraced in the Australian consumer’s car buying consciousness. KIA Australia has some very high profile Ambassadors across sporting and community groups, including the recent addition of Australian Under 20 Rugby Union Captain, Liam Gill. Community groups like Australian Rotary Health are supported by KIA in their Ride for Research campaign, and the ubiquitous Meals on Wheels are driving the 8 Seater Grand Carnival to deliver meals to over 15,000 elderly and disabled clients across New South Wales. The SIDS and Kids organisation have the use of six KIA Souls to help bereaved families of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
The KIA RIO Reborn, 2011 Car’s Guide Car of the Year, continues to be a huge presence and has gained even more R-E-S-P-E-C-T in 2012. With new sleek styling and ever fuel efficient economy, this popular small car with its 1.6 litre GDi engine has the flexible option of a 5-door hatch, 4-door sedan, and a sporty 3-door model.
KIA’s other small cars, Cerato and Soul, are not to be overshadowed by Kia RIO Reborn’s popularity as they too enjoy a steady growth. ‘Cerato is showing strong growth—something that the newly released limited edition Extra can only help,’ said Barlow. Some of the 2.0L Cerato ‘Extra’s ‘include 17inch alloy wheels, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, front fog lamps, rear parking sensors, chrome tipped exhaust and cruise control. And the Soul markets itself on its individuality. With a vast range of features and colour options the buyer customises their car to suit their own unique personality.
In the popular SUV and family car market are KIA’s Sportage, Sorento, and the Grand Carnival. The Sportage, while not being as large as the 7 seater 4WD Sorento, is still incredibly spacious, sleek and, of course, sporty. With a 2.0L or 2.4L petrol engine or 2.0L R diesel engine it provides a smooth ride emitting low carbon emissions. The Sorento is still selling strong and will continue to grow in the SUV market when a new model is released with a brand new facelift later in the year. The Grand Carnival, KIA’s unrivalled 8 seater people mover, dominated the family car market with an amazing 38.9 per cent share, which was 23.4 per cent ahead of its nearest competitor.
In the sophisticated sedan arena the KIA Optima, the award winning 2011 ECO Car of the Year, is enjoying massive sales figures not just for its unbelievable fuel efficiency, but also for its beautifully designed exterior and luxurious feature packed interior.
As Tony Barlow confirms, ‘...KIA is right on track, no matter what, to meet its aggressive sales growth target in 2012.’
