Kia Motors Corp. saw its overall global sales of passenger cars, recreational vehicles and commercial vehicles through the first six months of 2010 surpass the 1 million unit mark, recording an increase of 34.1% over the same period last year and reaching 1,004,724 units.

Percentage-wise, the highest gain came from China where sales increased by 75.6 per cent to 170,977 vehicles.

In the rest of the world, Kia posted a year-on-year increase in the first half of 2010 of 57.3% (214,319 units sold) in general markets that include the regions of Central and South America, the Caribbean, Asia (excluding China and South Korea), the Pacific, Middle East and Africa; 26.7% in Europe (194,664 units sold); 18.5% in South Korea (228,189 units sold) and 16.0% in North America (196,575 units sold).

Hyoung-Keun Lee, President of Kia Motors Corporation, said: “I am encouraged to see sales of Kia vehicles around the world eclipse the 1 million unit annual mark faster than ever before in our company’s history. All of our major markets are now gearing up for retail sales of the completely redesigned and re-engineered Sportage CUV, which will certainly add to our momentum and help continue strong sales for the brand in the second half of the year.”