May 5, 2003

Nissan and Kia report best sales months ever

Mississauga, Ontario - Nissan Canada announced its best sales month ever in April, with a grand total of 6654 vehicles sold. This represents a 2.6% increase over April 2002, and a 5.9% increase over March, 2003.

In addition, Infiniti, Nissan's luxury division, smashed all previous records by having its strongest sales month ever. Infiniti Canada marked a 54% increase over April 2002 with 923 vehicles sold (which is a 4% increase over March 2003). Calendar year-to-date sales are up 73% over last year.

Driving sales for Infiniti was the stylish G35 Coupe and sedan. With 559 vehicles sold, the G35 had its best month's sales, and its best sales ever since being launched in February, 2002. April marked a 92% increase over last April's sales. Since its recent launch in February of 2003, FX45 has also bolstered Infiniti sales.

Nissan car and truck sales were up 6.15% over the month of March. Leading the way was Nissan's flagship sedan, the Maxima. With 1092 units sold, April 2003 was not only Maxima's best April ever, but its best month on record. The introduction of the all-new, 265 horsepower 2004 Maxima has amplified sales of this already popular model.

The 2003 Nissan Murano led Nissan's truck sales with 692 units. Voted 2003 Canadian Truck of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), the all-new, innovatively designed Nissan Murano is the first V6 application of a continuously variable transmission in an SUV.

The stunning 2003 350Z experienced its best month of sales since its introduction in August of 2002. Voted 2003 Canadian Car of the Year by AJAC, this passion-inspiring model sold 205 units in April.

The Nissan Sentra continued its legacy as the company's highest volume vehicle, contributing strongly to Nissan Canada's record-breaking month. Sentra broke the 1500 unit mark again in April, and May will see the launch of the revamped 2004 model.

Kia Canada also announced its best sales month ever with a grand total of 3,076 vehicles sold.

"Clearly, Kia Canada is a company on the move," said Bill Porter, Kia's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

The Rio had the highest monthly numbers (selling 1,223) breaking the previous record set back in June 2002 (1,105). The Sorento mid-size SUV posted its second highest month 431, since November 2002 and Magentis recorded sales of 326, the second highest month since May 2002.

Kia Canada Inc. is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corp. (KMC) in Korea that sells and distributes the Rio and Rio RX-V sub-compact sedan, Spectra and Spectra GSX compact sedan, Magentis mid-size luxury sedan, Sedona minivan, and the new Sorento intermediate sized SUV through 143 dealers nationwide.

More News....