(August 12, 2011) TACOMA, Wash. (PRNewswire) — The one millionth Kia vehicle to come into the United States through the Port of Tacoma — a 2011 Optima Hybrid, still covered in protective wrap — rolled off a ship at the Port's Blair Terminal on Aug. 11.

"We congratulate Kia Motors on reaching this milestone at our port," said Connie Bacon, commission president, Port of Tacoma."

Since February 1995, Auto Warehousing Company and its 200 employees have processed every Kia imported through the Port of Tacoma.

"This tremendous milestone demonstrates the strength of a long-standing partnership between Kia Motors America and the Port of Tacoma," said Tom Loveless, vice president of sales, Kia Motors America.  "Kia's commitment to the U.S. market is reflected in our growth and long list of critically acclaimed products, including the all-new Optima Hybrid that is now arriving in dealer showrooms."

KMA's market share has grown each year since the company entered the U.S. in 1994, and last year the company eclipsed the 350,000 unit sales mark for the first time. Kia Motors has undergone a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share.