Overall global sales of Kia's passenger cars, recreational vehicles and commercial vehicles through the first six months of 2010 managed to breach the 1 million mark for the first six months of this year, with 1,004,724 units shifted. The increase is a 34.1% improvement over the previous year.

The biggest market increase in percentage came from China, where Kia managed to sell 170,977 cars during the first half of the year, an increase of 75.6%. For the rest of the world, Kia recorded a 26.7% increase in Europe with 194,664 units sold, 18.5% rise in South Korea with 228,189 units sold and 16% increase in North America with 196,575 units sold.

For other general markets, including regions of Central and South America, the Caribbean, Asia (excluding China and South Korea), the Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Kia managed to clock an increase of 57.3%, with 214,319 units sold.

Hyoung-Keun Lee, President of Kia Motors Corporation, said: "I am encouraged to see sales of Kia vehicles around the world eclipse the 1 million unit annual mark faster than ever before in our company's history.

All of our major markets are now gearing up for retail sales of the completely redesigned and re-engineered Sportage CUV, which will certainly add to our momentum and help continue strong sales for the brand in the second half of the year."