Kia, the South Korean car manufacturer, is targeting to reach the U.S. market share of around four percent this year. This target is the highest ever set.
Kia Motors America saw sales of cars has increased over the last two years. Over the past 24 months, sales have reached record levels. Michael Sprague, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Communications at Kia Motors, said the target is higher than the previous year by 3.8 percent.
Kia plans to introduce seven new car models in 2013. The Forte model will be redesigned and Sorento types that have been updated will appear in the event Los Angeles Auto Show. "It's going to be a very busy event," said Tom Loveless, Executive Vice President Sales of Kia Motors America.
Jim Hall, an analyst at 2953 Analytics LLC, said the new products that have been updated will help Kia improve existing perceptions about the brand. "Kia need to determine why Kia is a Kia and Hyundai is not," said Hall.
Hall called compact cars Kia Soul named to compete in a slim car segment with Scion xB and Nissan Cube. Kia Soul launches every year since its debut in 2009. This year Kia Soul will launch the latest type and exploit its popularity to sales growth.
Soul sales in 2009 reached 31,621 units. This year, targeted sales will grow to 112 thousand units. This compact car not only attract young consumers, but also consumers of all backgrounds and ages.
