Kia Motors reaches historic milestone with the overseas global export of 15 millionth vehicle shipped to the Middle East

Kia Motors is celebrating the global export of its 15 millionth vehicle, an all new Sorento being shipped to the Middle East in August, 2015. This occasion takes place 40 years after the brand’s first overseas vehicle export, when a shipment of 10 Brisa pick-up trucks were transported to Qatar in 1975, underlining the Middle East as a region of great significance for Kia.

Kia achieved the historic milestone of 10 million overseas vehicle exports in March 2011 and it has taken only a further four years to increase exports by a further 50 per cent to reach 15 million. The past decade has seen rapid growth expansion for Kia Motors globally, as it took 30 years to surpass the 5 million overseas export marker.

Mr. Alex Chung, President of Kia Middle East and Africa, said: “This achievement is just the beginning of many more feats to come due to the strategic opportunities available in the Middle East, a dynamically unique market. Kia’s first ever export was to the Middle East when 10 Brisa pick-up trucks were shipped to Qatar back in 1975 and this 15 millionth export signifies our continuing legacy in the region. Today, 40 years later, Kia Motors Middle East and Africa have existing operations across more than 50 countries. Kia exported more than 320,000 new vehicles to the Middle East and Africa last year and we expect this number to increase in 2015. We are excited to share the honour of receiving the 15 millionth overseas vehicle with our regional distributors and customers as it is a testament to Kia’s global growth and the brand’s popularity in this region. With exciting launches such as the brand new Sorento and Grand Carnival models, we look forward to reaching 20 million exports in the next few years.”

Mr. Chung added: “Kia invests heavily in research and development to design and conceptualize cars with pioneering advances in technology, performance and safety. Each shipment of Kia vehicles promises the latest world-class automotive features that meet the needs and desires of our regional customers. The credit for our success has to be attributed to or loyal customers, dedicated employees and award-winning distributors as our 15 million success stories would not have been possible without them.”

Kia, the ninth largest global car manufacturer, sold 3.04 million vehicles worldwide in 2014, making it the first year in the brand’s history where more than three million cars were sold. The Middle East market accounts for eleven per cent of global sales volume. Kia will launch 26 all new or new replacement vehicles and 46 model derivatives and upgraded models between 2015 and 2018, accompanied by aggressive product launch plans in order to enter new segments as well as reinforce current offerings.