IRVINE, Calif. -

Kia Motors America's certified pre-owned vehicle sales program achieved a record-high first quarter, having sold a total of 19,453 units.

Along with several other automakers, last year was also a best-ever CPO year for Kia, selling a total of 76,224 units in 2016.

"Kia's sales boost is reflective of the confidence that comes with buying a vehicle that has passed a rigorous inspection and helps consumers establish a long-term relationship with the brand," the Seoul-based automaker said in a news release.

According to Autodata’s March CPO retail sales report, Kia continues to outdo the industry with an overall notable 17.3 percent increase year-over-year for Q1.  

In an Auto Remarketing report from January,  Maria Williams, Kia's senior CPO retail support manager, said Kia's certified sales have climbed each year since the automaker partnered with JM&A Group to help build its certified pre-owned program.

Kia’s program administered by JM&A Group only accepts vehicles up to five years in age with fewer than 60,000 miles on the odometer and every vehicle undergoes a 150-point Quality Assurance inspection by certified Kia technicians.

According to Williams, the program with JM&A Group was launched in 2008, and is targeting another growth year in 2017.

Additionally, Kia's CPOs also come with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty as well as 12-month/12,000 mile-Platinum Coverage, according to KMA.

"Certified pre-pwned vehicle programs tap into the best attributes from both the new and used worlds," Edmunds executive director of industry analysis Jessica Caldwell said in a news release. "For consumers who might be uneasy about buying used, CPO vehicles offer lower prices than a new car coupled with a warranty that provides peace of mind about wear and tear."