Kia Motors UK has passed its 2003 total sales figures of 21,177 units.

After six reporting days in the month Kia has pushed its sales for the year so far to 21,408 and the company says its 2004 target of 33,000 vehicles is on track.

September is a key month in the retail market because of the plate change and Kia is expecting total sales of more than 6,000 units.

Kia Motors managing director Paul Williams says: "We set ourselves some very tough targets for this year – especially off the back of an outstanding 2003 when we increased sales by 71% – but we have been very happy to see that discriminating and demanding UK buyers agree with us about the good value of our products.”