February was a record setting month of Kia for sales

The automotive industry is in a slump, right? Well, Kia Motors America certainly hasn’t heard the news. Recently the automaker announced its best February sales ever, totaling 24,052 units. The amount represents a 9% increase over the same period’s sales last year. Also, it signifies a 2.3% increase over the previous February sales record of 20,513 units, set in 2007.

Definitely not a bad way to begin the year. However, the automaker’s success was well deserved.  Sales were propelled by the new 2011 Kia Sorento CUV, which debuted in early January. Posting sales of 8,207 units, an 11% increase over January, the Sorento led sales for the second consecutive month.

The 2011 Sorento continues the automaker’s full fledged design and vehicle lineup transformation, which began with the Kia Soul and new Forte. Bloomington Kia enthusiasts applaud the streamlined appearance and unibody design of the Sorento, which attracts a wider range of customers. Additionally, it has increased head and leg room, enabling it to comfortably seat seven passengers.

The Sorento offers plenty of customization options including two engine types. One is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine outputting 172 horsepower. The second is a larger, 3.5-liter V6 providing an unparalleled 273 horsepower. Both are coupled to a new six-speed automatic transmission.

Other features include voice-activated navigation, rear sonar back-up cameras, air ionization purification technology, steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls, and satellite radio capabilities–all of which complete the high-tech driving experience.

In Bloomington, Kia Optima owners recognize these record sales figures come at an excellent time for Kia, which recently opened its first U.S.-based manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia.

The 2011 Sorento is the first model to undergo production at this facility. Its impressive sales demonstrate the success of the automaker’s redesign campaign and its growing customer base in the U.S. market.

In the months ahead, sales are expected to remain strong. If the automaker continues to build upon the success of the 2011 Sorento and new Forte, Bloomington Kia dealerships better prepare themselves for the increased consumer demand that’s likely to follow.