Kia Motors America had its best February ever, boosted by its most popular vehicle, the Georgia-made Sorento, the Korean company announced March 2.

Kia sold 24,052 vehicles in the U.S., a 9 percent jump over the same month last year and topping its previous February record of 23,512  set in 2007, the company said in a news release. Kia sold 8,207 Sorentos last month, the small SUV manufactured in a newly opened factory in West Point. The Sorento is the only Kia model made in the U.S.

"In addition to being our best-selling vehicle for the second month in a row, the all-new Sorento also is bringing new, more affluent customers into our showrooms and indicates the growing interest in the Kia brand," said B.M. Ahn, group president and CEO of Kia Motors America, in a news release. 

Strong Sorento sales validate the company's investment in the U.S., Mr. Ahn added.

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