IRVINE , Calif. , April 1, 2005 - Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced a new first quarter sales record of 63,330 units, a 6.6-percent increase over the same period last year, boosted by the company's best March sales ever of 25,722 units, an 8.2-percent increase over the same month in 2004.

Returning to the U.S. market after a nearly three-year absence, the all-new Sportage compact SUV posted strong sales of 3,515 units, the best first full-month sales performance for any new product launch in Kia's history. Meanwhile, sales of the Spectra sedan and Spectra5 hatchback eclipsed 5,000 units for the first time since the completely redesigned products were introduced last spring. The Amanti large premium sedan continues to be a solid performer with more than 1,900 units sold.

"The radical overhaul of the Kia showroom over the last two years has delivered highly competitive vehicles offering tremendous value, safety and convenience, a point only further emphasized by the strong performance of our two newest products," said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia Motors America's president and chief executive officer. "After setting a new first quarter sales record, and with the Sportage back in our lineup, I'm confident that 2005 will be another record year for Kia."

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

	MONTH OF MARCH		YEAR-TO-DATE
Model	2005	2004	2005	2004
Optima	4,950	5,005	12,433	12,924
Rio	2,932	2,751	7,556	7,927
Sedona	4,076	6,986	11,619	13,925
Spectra	5,110	3,687	11,398	8,412
Sportage	3,515	13	4,197	34
Sorento	3,157	4,309	9,943	12,598
Amanti	1,982	1,018	6,184	3,564
Total	25,722	23,769	63,330	59,384