KIA Sales in UAE rise 71.2% in 2005

Al Majid Motors Co. (Member of Juma Al Majid Group), the sole distributor for Kia vehicles in the UAE announced a record year-on-year retail sales increase of 71.2%, in 2005.

[ClickPress, Mon Jan 23 2006] Al Majid Motors Co. (Member of Juma Al Majid Group), the sole distributor for Kia vehicles in the UAE announced a record year-on-year retail sales increase of 71.2%, in 2005.

Over this period, AMMC sales for Passenger Cars increased 85.7% while recreational vehicles (RV) sales increased (4WD & Family Vans) 48.4% and Light Commercial Vehicles experience a 71.9% increase. In December 2005, Al Majid Motors Co. has seen a retail sales increase of 48.3% over the same period last year.

Al Majid Motors Co’s this robust performance can be attributed to continued strong sales of the new C-segment Cerato along with other stellar sellers include the recently launched all-new B-segment Rio sedan and hatchback, the all-new A-segment Picanto, which all together contributed 43.3% of the total sale in 2005. The sales of passenger cars contributed 55.2% of the total sales and recreational vehicles and light commercial vehicles contributed 28.6% and 16.2% respectively.

“Kia Motors continues the reincarnation of its flagship vehicles with the newest additions to its rapidly growing vehicle line-up the immensely popular all-new A-segment Picanto, completely redesigned B-segment Rio and Sportage SUV, to complement the earlier introduction of all-new vehicles such as the award-winning Sorento SUV, the premium midsized sedan Opirus, the C-segment Cerato, which increasingly feature European styling and improved quality and safety facilities, helped us in boosting KIA presence in the UAE”, said Mr. Samir Tayeh, General Manager of Al Majid Motors Co.

“This retail sales increase in 2005 is the clear evidence that Kia brand is rapidly gaining recognition in the UAE as not just a maker of small compact passenger vehicles, but rather as a trusted manufacturer of a complete vehicle line-up, from the entry-level sub-compact vehicle to highly competitive recreational vehicles. We expect this momentum to go further in 2006 with an immediate launch of the all new D-segment Optima and the family van Carnival along with few more addition in the second half of the year”, he added


Kia Motors Corporation (www.kiamotors.com) - one of the fastest growing automakers in the world -- was founded in 1944 and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world’s premier automotive brands. Kia’s 16 manufacturing and assembly operations in 12 countries produce more than 1.1 million vehicles a year that are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 155 countries. Kia today has over 32,000 employees and annual revenues of $14 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open and an official worldwide sponsor of the Davis Cup. Kia Motors Corporation’s brand slogan -- “The Power to Surprise” -- represents the company’s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.

Al Majid Motors Co. (www.kia-uae.com) is the sole distributor for Kia vehicles in the UAE. AMMC is a member of Juma Al Majid Group, one of the most reputed business groups in the Arabian Gulf. AMMC currently sells Kia vehicles in UAE through a network of 7 showrooms, 2 dealers and 3 more new showrooms expected to be added soon. AMMC currently have 4.7% market share in the UAE. To attend the ever growing KIA customers in UAE, AMMC has a total fleet of 12 service centres and 15 parts centres. Al Majid Motors Co is celebrating its 17th year of operation in UAE.

Media Contact (UAE):-
Premodu Abraham,
Head of PR & Corporate Communications
Tel: +971-4-269-5600,
Fax: +971-4-297-7153
e-mail: abraham@kia-uae.com