2012 a promising year for Kia

January 2012

The end of 2011 saw Korean marque Kia defy industry trends and record positive growth in the new car sales market - leading many to believe that this year will be just as impressive.

According to the latest VFACTS figures, Kia sold almost 2,000 new cars in December - bringing the yearly total to 25,128.

In a year when the overall market retracted by 2.6 per cent when compared to 2010, Kia recorded an increase of 5.4 per cent.

"In what was a challenging year the outcome is in line with our forecasts and aligned with the business plan for the year," Kia chief operating officer Tony Barlow said (January 12).

"Overall the year was pleasing with an impressive run of Best Car and Design awards for Kia models, a clear indication of the growth in our brand strength."

Mr Barlow anticipates that new models such as compact Kia Rio will bring future success in 2012.

Another small car in the marque's line-up - the Kia Cerato - recorded impressive numbers, with year-on-year growth reaching 73 per cent.

The Kia model lineup can be viewed at Macarthur Kia dealership in Sydney.