Saudi Arabia imported 70,421 vehicles of Kia Motors Corporation in 2014, representing a 70 per cent year-on-year increase.
 

The Saudi tally was among more than 323,807 Kia units imported into the Middle East and Africa (MEA) during the year which the company said was 10 per cent up compared to 2013 and a record for its performance in the region.

Year-on-year growth in other states was 40 per cent in Egypt (17,213 units), 36 per cent in Bahrain (4,629 units) and 11 per cent in the UAE (16,466 units).

The most desired Kia vehicle in the MEA region during 2014 was the Cerato with 54,914 units. The Rio was the second best with 54,487 units delivered, while the Picanto and Sportage followed with 53,187 and 47,613 units respectively.

Kia’s sedan line up of Optima and Cadenza, specially configured to meet the regional demand for premium feel and extensive product features, showed a tremendous increase recording 67 per cent ( 29,070 units) for Optima and 83 per cent (5,413 units) for Cadenza. In the SUV segment, the recently launched Sorento created substantial interest and played a significant role in increasing traffic to showrooms.

“Our success in expanding the Kia brand in the Middle East region and Africa is important not just for the region but on a global scale as well” said Alex Chung, president of Kia Motors Middle East and Africa regional headquarters.

Chung added: “Our results speak for themselves and highlight the progress Kia is making in the delivery of its promise to surprise. 2014’s results have established a strong platform to maintain this growth in 2015, and with exciting new models being launched this year we hope to continue this success.”

Over three million Kia vehicles a year are produced at 10 manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries. Kia today has around 49,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of nearly $45 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA World Cup.