KIA’S new Sportage crossover model has proved so popular in the few months since its launch that there is already an extensive waiting list for the stylish SUV.
The news comes as the progressive Korean car maker announces record UK sales for 2010, the figure of 56,114 smashing Kia’s previous best performance as well as recording a new market share record of almost 2.8 per cent.
The success is being put down to to a clutch of new models – including Sportage, Venga and Sorento - backed by a transferable seven-year warranty.
And in the retail-only marketplace motorists spending their own money flocked to the brand in even larger numbers enabling Kia to capture a 4.1 per cent share.
Sales director Yaser Shabsogh said: “2010 has been another astounding year for Kia and its dealers – despite the ending of the Government-backed scrappage scheme in the spring. It is clear that good value and quality products have bucked the trend and that has allowed us to pass 2009’s record total of 50,636 vehicle by a very strong margin.
“With strong performances from our core models of cee’d and Picanto plus the attraction of the all-new Sorento and Venga the number of new customers coming to our dealers’ showrooms has surged.
“And since the introduction of the all-new Sportage in the late summer and autumn we have seen phenomenal demand from both existing customers and people new to the brand – so much so that we have an extensive waiting list for new Sportage,” he added.
According to Kia’s UK chief Michael Cole, the next year also promises to maintain the upward growth.
He said: “During 2011 we have another three all-new models due to arrive in showrooms – all benefiting from our new design-led DNA and that unmatchable warranty.”
Kia’s total 2010 sales were led by Picanto which found 16,451 new homes during the year. The European-built cee’d range recorded 13,408 sales and the company’s top five was completed by old and new Sportage with sales of 5,618, the new Venga with 3,796 units sold and 3,704 Sorento models registered.