IRVINE, Calif., January 4, 2005 - Kia Motors America (KMA) today posted record sales numbers for the month of December and announced the company's eleventh consecutive year of sales increases. With an eight percent increase over the same month last year, the company sold 20,108 vehicles in December, bringing KMA's year-to-date sales to 270,055 – a 14-percent increase over 2003.

"In 2004 we saw the positive effects of a more upscale product mix move the overall Kia brand appeal to a broader audience,” said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia president and chief executive officer. "The Optima mid-size sedan, Sedona mini van and Sorento midsize SUV continued to drive sales, with record gains for the year. And now as we re-enter the compact SUV market with the all-new Sportage arriving at dealers in February and prepare for the launch of the redesigned Rio and Sedona, we’ll offer even more quality and value choices for American consumers in 2005.”

The Optima, Sedona and Sorento each posted their best year ever in total sales. Optima sales were up 29-percent in December, with total sales for the midsize sedan reaching 53,492 for 2004 – a 54-percent year-over-year increase. Sorento SUV sales were up 11-percent in December and 30-percent for the year, reaching 52,878 total units sold. And Sedona posted a 21-percent increase for the year totaling 61,149 units.

Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea.

	MONTH OF DECEMBER		YEAR-TO-DATE
Model	2004	2003	2004	2003
Optima	5,428	4,195	53,492	34,681
Rio	1,609	2,514	38,518	41,285
Sedona	3,741	4,310	61,149	50,628
Spectra	2,878	2,753	44,004	63,049
Sportage	56	28	120	5,616
Sorento	4,362	3,919	52,878	40,787
Amanti	2,034	856	19,894	1,425
Total	20,108	18,575	270,055	237,471