With 2010 total sales reaching 56,114, Kia Motors Ltd has smashed its previous best performance as well as recording a new market share record of almost 2.8 per cent.

Sales director Yaser Shabsogh said: "2010 has been another astounding year for Kia and its dealers - despite the ending of the Government-backed scrappage scheme in the spring. It is clear that good value and quality products have bucked the trend and that has allowed us to pass 2009's record total of 50,636 vehicle by a very strong margin.

"Increasing our total sales volume by 11 per cent compared to 2009 is astounding in itself, but to do that when the overall UK market is only up by nearly two per cent is even more remarkable.

"With strong performances from our core models of cee'd and Picanto plus the attraction of the all-new Sorento and Venga the number of new customers coming to our dealers' showrooms has surged. And since the introduction of the all-new Sportage in the late summer and autumn we have seen phenomenal demand from both existing customers and people new to the brand - so much so that we have an extensive waiting list for new Sportage," he added.

According to Michael Cole, managing director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd., the next year also promises to maintain the upward growth.

He commented: "During 2011 we have another three all-new models due to arrive in showrooms - all benefiting from our new design-led DNA and that unmatchable warranty.

"Although we don't expect quite the same rate of growth in the year ahead we are confident that Kia will continue to challenge the mainstream brands and I am certain that we will be looking at a new record total this time next year."

Kia's total 2010 sales were led by Picanto which found 16,451 new homes during the year. The European-built cee'd range recorded 13,408 sales. The company's top five was completed by old and new Sportage with sales of 5,618, the new Venga with 3,796 units sold and 3,704 Sorento models registered.