Kia Motors Corporation announced that it has continued to gain market share in China, general markets and Korea posting sales growth of 39.3%, 13.1%, and 5.8%, respectively. By region, Kia posted year-on-year sales increases in China (18,169 units sold, a 39.3% year-on-year increase), general markets (23,902 units sold, a 13.1% year-on-year increase), and Korea (29,010 units sold, a 5.8% year-on-year increase). 128,272 Kia vehicles were sold globally in April. Available video includes exterior and interior shots of Kia Motors

Outperforming the overall market, Kia’s new car sales in Western Europe achieved significant increases in April, seeing major improvements in eight countries. Sales rose by 91% in Slovakia, 51% in Austria, 42% in Germany, 32% in Poland and Czech Republic, 18% in Sweden, 14% in France and 5% in Portugal. Total sales in April were 20,500 units, raising Kia’s market share in the region once again. The best-selling Kia models included the cee’d family, followed by the Picanto and the Rio. Available material includes driving footage of the cee’d as well as still images.

Forte Koup (known as ‘Cerato Koup’ in many markets), unveiled last week during the 2009 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), has been chosen by the editors at MSN Autos, a reputable automotive Web site in the U.S., as a ‘Best in Show’ pick. Vehicles that made the list offered impressive style, value and overall potential to help move the automotive industry forward. Available material includes video footage from the Kia press conference at the 2009 NYIAS showcasing the Kia Forte Koup as well as still images of the vehicle.

Kia Motors announced that its cee’d ranked in first place in the Driver Power’s Compact Family category to beat out Volkswagen, Toyota, Fiat and other notable competitors in the segment. Driver Power is Auto Express’s car owner reliability and satisfaction survey which presents the frank and honest views of drivers in the UK. In its Driver Power debut, cee’d jumped straight into the top ten and is ranked as the 6th best model overall. Highest ranked in the C-segment class, Kia cee’d’s closest rival, the Volkswagen Golf, found itself in 22nd place

For all your car info check out www.therideshowtv.com.  Kia Motors America globally debuted the 2010 Forte Koup (to be known as ‘Cerato Koup’ in some countries) production vehicle at the 2009 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Joining the Forte family in the Kia lineup, the company’s first-ever two-door coupe embodies the brand’s current bold design direction first seen on the concept version of the Soul urban passenger vehicle in 2006. Available material includes still images of the Forte Koup. Press Conference…

Kia Motors introduced the new Forte LPI Hybrid at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show, under the environmental sub-brand ‘Eco Dynamics’, to add to the company’s comprehensive vehicle line-up. The Forte LPI Hybrid will be sold only in the Korean market. The new sub-brand communicates Kia’s unique strategy and vision for vehicles with a reduced environmental footprint. Kia also took the wraps off its KND-5 concept car, which features an exterior with a newly interpreted line and the striking LED headlamps of a luxury sedan. Also introduced was the all new Kia Sorento CUV which will make its European premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this fall. Available video includes shots of the models unveiled, soundbites from Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer for Kia Motors and still images of the models.

Kia Motors announced today that its all-new 2010 Kia Soul urban passenger vehicle was named as having the ‘Grooviest Interior’ on the Ward’s AutoWorld ‘Interior of the Year’ list. Recently launched in the U.S. and on sale now in dealerships worldwide, Soul was one of only 11 vehicles honored for offering great looks and great value along with extensive safety features, comfort and convenience features.

Good Morning World.  Here are the fun and interesting topics for the day. 

Portland: Portland Latest to Join M.L.S. From a boy who lived football all his life, this is a smooth home coming.  Oh, when I say football I mean Soccer http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/20/portland-latest-to-join-mls/ and it’s all about March Madness.  You have no idea how many people (Most of Whom I only talk to once a year) have E-mailed me asking me to join their Pool.  It’s Madness I tell you.  It makes it even madder since some of the games are being played here in Portland!

Not The News, News: This was the first story to catch my eye.  Disney Kills — Lawsuit Claims http://www.tmz.com/2009/03/20/disney-kills-lawsuit-claims/ Magical, Only in Hollywood baby.  This is NOT funny I tell you, NOT at all funny: Cover your ex-girlfriend’s car in silly string, syrup, oatmeal, toilet paper, and plastic wrap … then key it, write nasty stuff all over it and pee in the vents? Your better believe THAT’S a felony http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/orl-bk-teens-prank-arrests-032009,0,3559779.story are people going madd.  What was this next woman thinking : Woman Gives Ohio Cruiser the Boot http://www.officer.com/online/article.jsp?siteSection=1&id=45891 Crazy People!

Star Power:  Well, as you may get from reading today’s blog I am into Top 10 lists and twitter in a big way.  So lets combine.  Top 10 stars that you would follow on twitter Top 10 Stars We’d Follow on TwitterNow onto Americas Nest Top Model.  As many of you know by now we had a casting call in Portland.  All the 700 Girls who showed up wanted to be Americas Next Top Model.  We ll we processed 251 girls and posted the best pics on line.  http://www.portlands32.com/pages/antm  I have to tell you that today my Favorites are Emily Galash who is just too cute and Lauren Olson because she rocks and her friends was so cool.  But who do you think should be in the next Americas Next Top Model?  Go to the site and Vote

Food: With Lunch time always less than 24 hours away it’s always good to have your Top 10 sandwiches list ready to go.  What is your top Sandwich pic?  Let me know at nik.j.miles@gmail.com  And with Summer just around the corner what about your Top 10 BBQ or Grilling food.  Top 10 foods for grilling that list is right here on my blog too.  Now I want to know a cool place to get dinner this week?  Ideas?  And Check out Portland Cooks Sunday at 4:30 on Portland’s CW or at www.Portlandcookstv.com.  And if you want a good food deal try this http://krcw.incentrev.com/ I have to say that I am in love with More than the Food at Gracies at the Hotel Deluxe.  If you go to that website you can get $50 gift certificate for $25.  Deal or Big Deal!!!!

Cars:  This is not my list but it sure got me thinking.  What would your list be? Top 10 car makes of all time.  Lets Turn to Kia.  I have to say I love the new SOUL and Kia Motors announced that the all-new 2010 Kia Soul and 2009 Borrego (known as Mohave in some markets) LX have been included in the US’ Kelley Blue Book’s weekly ‘5 Great Deals’ list at kbb.com. The two newest vehicles to join Kia Motors’ ever-expanding lineup were lauded for offering attractive pricing on top of an impressive combination of capabilities and value. and the 2009 Green Car of the Year Finalists are: http://www.portlands32.com/pages/photo_gallery_landing/?galleryID=3766#48974

E-mail me what you are thinking at nik.j.miles@gmail.com