Kia Motors, the best-selling car brand in Bermuda, has celebrated the export of its one millionth vehicle to the Latin American market, which includes Bermuda, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

The Korean company surpassed the one million unit accumulated export mark to Latin America (excluding exports by overseas plants) with its latest shipment of ethanol-gasoline powered Soul Flex vehicles to Brazil.

The feat comes 33 years after Kia made its first shipment to the continent of 353 Brisa passenger sedans to Costa Rica in 1977. By 2003 it had shipped 500,000 vehicles, but doubled that figure in the last seven years.

Bermuda Motors has been the exclusive local distributor for Kia since 1998. Models like the Sportage, Soul, Rio and Picanto have made Kia the best-selling brand on the Island since 2007.

According to Transportation Control Department figures, Kia cars accounted for 30 percent of new private car sales in the first half of 2010 with 193 units. In 2009, Kia captured 26 percent of the market with 391 units - more than 200 more than its nearest rival - and was also the top-selling brand in 2007 and 2008.

Kia Motors celebrated the million milestone with a special commemorative ceremony at its main domestic shipping base in Korea, Pyeongtaek Port.

Senior executive vice-president and chief operating officer, Thomas Oh, said: "This amazing accomplishment of reaching one million vehicle exports to Latin America is the result of our ceaseless efforts to elevate the level of quality and styling of our product line-up, while tapping into new markets and satisfying the needs of local customers."

Michael Butler, general manager of Bermuda Motors, said: "We're proud to be part of the Kia success story in Latin America. The sales figures in Bermuda speak for themselves and reflect the fact that Kia has consistently produced vehicles that offer top quality engineering and value for money across several market segments from compacts to SUVs."