Kia Motors UK is claiming a new record for its March sales with the 7,000 unit barrier broken for the first time in the company’s history.

Although official figures were still to be confirmed by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders as AM went to press, KMUK’s internal monitoring shows more than 7,300 units were sold.

Managing director Paul Williams says: “This is a phenomenal performance for Kia – it is our best month ever and maintains the progress we have made during our short history in the UK as a subsidiary.”

“ The UK is the leading market for Kia in Europe and we want to keep things that way – especially as Europe has become a significant export destination.”

Since Kia Motor Company took over the UK business and established Kia Motors UK Ltd as a wholly owned subsidiary in August 2002 the brand has seen strong growth, climbing from around 12,000 sales that year to more than 33,000 in 2004.

Williams’ target this year is 45,000 units sold in the UK, and he says with first quarter sales passing 11,000 units that ambition is on target.