Kia’s market share in June reached a record 1.51% with sales exceeding Suzuki, Rover, MINI, Jaguar/Daimler, Hyundai, MG and Seat.

Kia sales in the UK in the first half of the year are 48% up on 2003 in a market up just 2.2%. Paul Williams, managing director of Kia Motors UK says: "Kia has shown in 2004 it can consistently exceed 1% market share. The fact that our market share exceeded 1.5% in June ahead of some well known names shows where the brand is heading. Our confidence has been boosted by the response to our recently launched Picanto as well as the imminent launch of Cerato.

"Our sales strength is based on a balanced product portfolio rather than relying on one or two models. This gives our brand broader appeal as well as contributing to the profitability of our network. Sedona MPV and Rio are our star sellers followed by Sorento and Carens. Although we expect Picanto to be challenging for one of the top two positions later in the year."

While the UK is the star performing market in 2004, Kia achieved a record 1.3% market share across Europe in June. And with sales of 77,815 cars in the first half of the year, Kia achieved a rise of 25% over the same period in 2003.