KUALA LUMPUR: Kia Motors Corporation's global sales grew 49.2% in the first half of 2010, based on shipment volume of 990,000 units, compared to the same period last year.

In a statement on Friday, July 30, Kia said export market sales, as well as domestic sales, increased significantly due to the continuous launch of new models onto the global marketplace, including Kia Cadenza, Forte (Cerato), all-new Sorento and all-new Sportage.

Global sales of Kia Motors on a retail basis totaled one million units during the first half of 2010, an increase of 34.1%, compared to the previous year, it said.

US market sales increased by 15.4% thanks to the successful launch of the all-new Sorento, it said.

"Although the European market continues to be affected by the economic recession and the end of the government tax support in many countries, Kia has increased sales and market share with the introduction of the new Europe-only MPV, Venga, and the strong sales of its flagship models Picanto and cee'd.

"China market sales increased dramatically with 76.8% growth due to the market's booming automobile market and high sales of new Kia models," said Kia.