(January 10, 2012) DETROIT — Last year was record-shattering for Kia Motors America. Kia saw record sales every month, more awards and accolades for its vehicles and the Kia brand than ever before, and the 17th straight year of increased market share to an all-time high of 3.8 percent as the company broke its annual sales record with 485,492 units sold.

Additionally, Kia achieved several important milestones, including a 36.3-percent increase in year-over-year sales; the start of U.S. production of the popular Optima midsize sedan; creation of 1,000 new jobs and the addition of a third shift at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG); winning the brand's first-ever motorsports championships in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge; and expanded brand visibility through a partnership with basketball all-star Blake Griffin.

One of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S., Kia's growth is the direct result of the company's design-led transformation, which delivered nine new vehicles in less than three years — more than any other automaker — and was capped in 2011 with the debuts of the all-new 2012 Rio 5-door and the Optima Hybrid.

In September, Kia's first hybrid in the U.S. set a new Guinness World Record for lowest fuel consumption by a gasoline hybrid car traveling through all 48 contiguous U.S. states, achieving more than 64 miles per gallon over nearly 8,000 miles.

With several key initiatives planned for 2012, Kia Motors is poised to continue to drive increased consumer interest and will continue to expand its brand presence with new and enhanced partnerships while continuing to deliver world-class design, cutting-edge technology, modern conveniences and amenities, and outstanding safety features in all its vehicles.