Kia Motor Soul`s global sales to soon top 1 million mark

Kia Motors` Soul, whose profile was elevated after Pope Francis used it as "popemobile" in his Korea visit, is expected to soon top 1 million units in cumulative global sales. According to Kia Motors Monday, more than 999,000 of this compact car have been sold until last month since being released in September 2008. Since an average of over 19,000 units have been sold on monthly average this year, unit sales are highly likely to top 1 million during this month.

Soul also contributed Kia Motors` cars to generate its record semi-annual sales (297,413 units) in the U.S. in the first half of this year. Soul sales hit 74,999 units in the U.S. this year until June, ranking second to K5 that was sold 82,813 units. A Kia Motors source said, "Soul was able to succeed in the U.S. thanks to its outstanding design and creative advertising. The model was won three global design awards while receiving favorable response by consumers."

More recently, Soul is gaining much attention from Europe. Catholic believers are also showing affinity for the car thanks to it being "popemobile."