While some vehicle brands and models were disappearing over the last 20 years, we were busy establishing Kia, as, first, a viable brand, and later, as a preferred brand in one of the most competitive industries on earth.
Celebrating our 20th anniversary last year, our rise in the market has been no less than meteoric. Last year we sold our five-millionth vehicle in the U.S. and delivered the best first half, third quarter, fourth quarter, and full year sales totals in our history. By doing so, Kia has beecome the 8th largest auto brand in the U.S. by sales volume. Sales were led by the U.S.-built Optima, which established a single-nameplate record of more than 159,000 units sold, and the Soul, with sales increasing for the fifth year in a row.
Committed to anaggressive launch cycle strategy, we launched more than 20 all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles since 2009. In 2014 alone we launched the K900, the brand's first rear-wheel drive luxury sedan, the all-new Sedona multi-purpose vehicle and the Soul EV, the centerpiece of Kia's clean mobility program. Additionally, the launch of the completely redesigned 2016 Sorento CUV shook up its segment with unmatched refinement, capability, and value.
We believe our success is unprecedented. For example, take Interbrand's ("the world's leading brand consultancy") list of 100 "Best Global Brands," which indicates that Kia's brand value has risen 480-percent since 2006. To put that in perspective, that means Kia has outpaced the average growth rate of all 11 other auotmakers on the list for the last eight years.
Other 2014 recognitions are equally impressive. Kia ranked 6th in the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Initial Quality Study, which is our second Top 10 ranking; achieved the highest-ranked mainstream brand in Strategic Vision's Total Quality Index Study; was named "Best Value Brand" by Kelly Blue Book; and ranked 35th by Interbrand as a Top 50 Green Brand.
Our plan going forward is much like the plan that got us to this point: to keep topping ourselves. We will continut to challlenge the status quo with our inspired designs, attention to quality, and the pursuit and practice of advanced technology.
What we think this means for you is that our success will be your success because Kia vehicles will be available for your maintenance and repair services for many years to come. And we will be there to assist you in every way we can.
