One Millionth Kia Vehicle Arrives in the US via Port of Tacoma

A 2011 Optima Hybrid is responsible for marking an important milestone in Kia’s history by becoming the one millionth Kia vehicle to come into the United States through the Port of Tacoma. The car, still covered in protective wrap – rolled off a ship at the Port's Blair Terminal on August 11.

The Optima Hybrid is Kia's first-ever hybrid vehicle in the U.S. market and was introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2010.

"We congratulate Kia Motors on reaching this milestone at our Port," said Connie Bacon, commission president, Port of Tacoma. "Over the years, the Kia business in Tacoma has meant thousands of longshore hours for our International Longshore Workers Union Local 23 workers who drive the vehicles off the ships, and hundreds of jobs at AWC and throughout our community. We look forward to continuing this long-standing relationship with Kia Motors."

Since February 1995, Auto Warehousing Company (AWC) and its 200 employees have processed every Kia imported through the Port of Tacoma.

"This tremendous milestone demonstrates the strength of a long-standing partnership between Kia Motors America and the Port of Tacoma," said Tom Loveless, vice president of sales, Kia Motors America (KMA). "Kia's commitment to the U.S. market is reflected in our growth and long list of critically acclaimed products, including the all-new Optima Hybrid that is now arriving in dealer showrooms."

KMA's market share has grown each year since the company entered the U.S. in 1994, and last year the company surpassed the 350,000 unit sales mark for the first time.