Kia Soul May sales reach record high in U.S. market

Monthly sales of Kia Motors Corp.'s Soul urban crossover vehicle hit record high levels in the U.S. market last month thanks to positive performance and safety reviews from the local media, the South Korean carmaker and industry sources said Sunday.

Kia Motors and car industry insiders said sales of the Soul reached 6,134 units, the highest since the vehicle arrived at dealerships across the United States in March 2009.

May's solid sales figures also marked the fourth consecutive month that the Soul held onto the number one seller slot in the small, boxy-type car market against competitors such as the Nissan Cube and Toyota Scion xB.

Sales of the Cube reached 2,295 vehicles in the same month, with numbers for the Scion xB standing at 1,879 units.

"The popularity of the crossover vehicle is due in part to good reviews it received from the local media," a Kia spokesman said. He added that the unique design and roomy interior also helped attract U.S. consumers.

The Soul has been tapped by the World Car of the Year committee as a finalist for its prestigious World Car Design of the Year awards early this year.

It has also been recognized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the U.S. and given a 2010 Top Safety Pick award in the small-car category.