2011 Kia Optima & Sportage Named "Best New Model"
IRVINE, Calif, February 2, 2011 - Already the recipients of several awards and accolades, the all-new 2011 Kia Optima and 2011 Sportage were both honored recently as "Best New Model" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. The Optima was named "Best New Car" in the $25,000-$30,000 category, while the Sportage was designated the "Best New Crossover" in the Small Crossovers category. In addition, Kia Motors' funky urban passenger vehicle, the 2011 Soul, received a "Worth a Look" mention in the cars under $20,000 category.
"Earning 'Best New Model' awards from Kiplinger's Personal Finance. for both the 2011 Optima and Sportage, as well as the 'Worth a Look' honor for Soul, reinforces the tremendous impact Kia Motors' design led transformation has had on our brand and product lineup," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "With each new product launch Kia is adding world-class styling and emotion to our award-winning vehicles while remaining true to our core principles of design, quality, safety, technology, fuel efficiency and value."
Kiplinger's Personal Finance's annual Car Buying Guide recognizes vehicles in 11 categories, ranked by price, performance, safety, roominess and driving impressions. Kia Motors' stylish and performance-oriented midsize sedan, the 2011 Optima, was selected as "Best New Car" in the $25,000 - $30,000 category for its stunning design, standard safety features, upscale amenities as well as its comfy, classy interior. The Optima was also selected for providing consumers with a choice of three powerful and efficient powertrains, including the brand's first hybrid (available later this year). Meanwhile, the 2011 Sportage compact CUV was selected "Best New Crossover" in the Small Crossover category for its sporty design and long list of standard convenience and safety features. The Sportage was also selected for its combination of fun-to-drive performance and easy-on-the-wallet fuel economy. In addition, the Soul's standout styling, interior space and overall value led to "Worth a Look" status in the cars under $20,000 category.
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Kia Named "Most Improved Mainstream Brand"
IRVINE, Calif., January 19, 2011 - Following an historic year for Kia Motors America (KMA), including important milestones such as the company's best-ever full-year sales of 356,268 units; a 16th consecutive year of market share growth to an all-time high of 3.1 percent; and the launch of the company's first U.S.-built vehicle1 the Sorento CUV KMA now has been recognized as the "Most Improved Mainstream Brand" in the ALG Residual Value Awards brand rankings outlined in the latest ALG Industry Report , moving four spots from 14th place in 2010 to 10th in 2011. Driven by the wildly successful launches of the 2011 Sorento and Sportage and the all-new 2011 Optima recently named the "Best of 2011" by Cars.com this recognition indicates a continued rise in consumer confidence in the Kia brand and future improvements to brand value.
"We have introduced seven new models in the past two years and throughout this aggressive launch cycle we have maintained Kia's commitment to offering stylish and fun-to-drive vehicles with the technology, convenience and safety features consumers desire, and this recognition from ALG is another example of the continued rise in consumer awareness and confidence in the Kia brand," said Michael Sprague, vice president, communications & marketing, KMA. "We are committed to staying ahead of the curve and challenging the industry with our new product offerings, as evidenced by the launch of the all-new 2011 Optima and upcoming launches of our first-ever hybrid and turbocharged vehicles in the U.S.."
"Improvements in quality ratings and sales strategy have helped set the stage for stronger consumer confidence in the Kia brand," said Eric Lyman, director, residual value solutions. "This strategy has allowed it to expand its presence in the mainstream market, and earn it the most improved mainstream brand in the ALG 2011 Residual Value Awards brand rankings."
The 2011 Sportage compact CUV offers a class-leading residual value of 62 percent of the original manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for 36 months of ownership, while the all-new 2011 Optima offers a residual value of 52 percent, up 19 percentage points from the 2010 Optima and better than the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. Both vehicles express Kia Motors' current design language while offering an impressive array of standard features, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service2 , an auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players3 , and Bluetooth®3 wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones.
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2011 Kia Sportage Named International Truck of the Year
DETROIT, January 11, 2011 - Presented during the 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit during a presentation sponsored by Bridgestone Tire, the 2011 Kia Sportage compact CUV has been honored with the "International Truck of the Year" (ICOTY) award by Road & Travel Magazine. Launched in summer 2010 as part of Kia Motors America's dramatic design-led transformation, the Sportage quickly earned a 2010 "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and was chosen by the ICOTY jury for its head-turning style, emotional appeal, and overall performance.
"The 2011 Sportage is an eye-catching CUV that appeals to a wide audience with its unique combination of breathtaking design, value, quality, technology and standard safety features," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "Since its debut last summer, Sportage's popularity and consumer appeal has outpaced supply in our showrooms."
To be eligible for the ICOTY award, vehicles must be sold in the U.S. and be either all-new or significantly changed from the previous generation in design and/or technology. Winners are judged based on lifestyle compatibility, with jurors considering a number of lifestyle attributes, including appeal to men and women, head-turning ability, environmental friendliness, style and performance, being affordable and practical, grocery-getting potential, safety and dependability, being fun and cool, ability to be considered a status symbol and a vehicle consumers would be proud to drive and be seen in.
The ICOTY jury consists of 12 diverse automotive writers and editors who represent respected automotive publications, including Kelley Blue Book, AutoWeek, Consumer Guide® Automotive, MSN Autos, Truck Trend, NewCarTestDrive.com and Cars.com. Completed voting ballots are sent to J.D. Power and Associates for final tabulation to ensure accuracy and credibility.
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2011 Kia Optima & Sorento "Best Buys"
IRVINE, Calif., December 20, 2010 - Following a year of sales records and notable awards and accolades, Kia Motors America (KMA) added to the brand's trophy collection this week with Consumer Guide Automotive's "Best Buy" designations for the 2011 Optima in the midsize car category and the 2011 Sorento in the midsize SUV category. In addition, the 2011 Sportage received the Consumer Guide Automotive "Recommended" designation. Each vehicle was evaluated on price, features, performance, accommodations, fuel economy, reliability records and resale value.
"Receiving three awards from Consumer Guide Automotive reflects Kia's growing presence in the U.S. market and is a direct result of the brand's ongoing design led transformation," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "Continuing into 2011 with the arrival of the brand's first turbocharged and hybrid vehicles in the U.S., Kia will continue to meet consumer's evolving needs and deliver on the company's philosophy of delivering vehicles with high levels of style, quality and value."
Before selecting the "Best Buy" and "Recommended" picks, editors at Consumer Guide Automotive test drive more than 150 new vehicles each year. The annual list is designed to make car buying easier for any consumer and represents the best overall value in 18 distinct vehicle categories. A team of 10 editors evaluates vehicles to ensure that recommendations are based on experiences that best reflect the settings and conditions that car buyers encounter every day. The vehicles are tested to reflect a typical car buyers' daily needs, including driving through the city, highways, rural areas, long trips and picking up the kids at school.
The all-new 2011 Optima, which stars as the Official Vehicle of the NBA, advances Kia Motors' design-led transformation with completely new and stunning design characteristics, highlighted by a dynamic and streamlined profile that conveys elegance and athletic confidence from every angle. The all-new Optima's three new powertrains including the brand's first-ever turbo and hybrid engines (available next year) in the U.S. deliver a class leading combination of power1 and fuel economy2 while the sedan's spacious cabin is outfitted with the latest technology features and luxury amenities. Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, the 2011 Optima features a starting price of MSRP of $18,9953.
The 2011 Sorento, the first vehicle to roll off the line at Kia's new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia*, encompasses both the brand's signature design cues as well as its distinct combination of value, safety and style. The 2011 Sorento, which has been Kia's best-selling vehicle each month since going on sale in early January, offers consumers a well-equipped, well-appointed CUV, suited perfectly for the fun, dynamic and discerning driver. Available in LX, EX and SX trim levels, the 2011 Sorento features a starting MSRP of $22,3954.
The all-new 2011 Sportage CUV, Kia's dynamic compact CUV, offers image-, safety- and value-conscious consumers increased levels of performance and efficiency, comfort and convenience, the latest in-vehicle technologies incorporated into all of Kia's latest new vehicles and an abundance of standard safety features. Retaining the functionality and versatility of the previous generation model, the 2011 Sportage also offers a sleek, modern and boldly styled package with new proportions and a completely new look. "2010 Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the all-new CUV received top ratings from IIHS for front, side, rollover and rear impact protection. Available in Base, LX and EX trims, the 2011 Sportage features a starting MSRP of $18,2955.
For more information about the Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy and Recommended Awards, visit http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2011-best-buy-and-recommended-awards.htm.
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2011 Kia Optima Most Considered Car After LA Auto Show
IRVINE, Calif. December 3, 2010 - Following the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, leading online automotive resource Edmunds.com reported the all-new 2011 Kia Optima received the highest increase in online car shopper consideration of any other vehicle or brand at the show. The Optima, which arrived in showrooms in late November, saw a boost in consumer interest and consideration from 3.2 percent prior to the show to as high as 15 percent following Kia Motors America's (KMA) press conference on November 17. The numbers represent the percentage of shoppers considering cars in the midsize category who researched a vehicle's information on Edmunds.com.
"The all-new 2011 Optima has been highly anticipated since its debut earlier this year its design distances it from the rest of the midsize sedan category and its impressive list of standard features and powerful and fuel efficient powertrain choices continue one of the most aggressive new vehicle introduction cycles in the industry," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. "Our new generation of vehicles are really resonating with consumers, and Optima's dramatic increase in shopper consideration following the Los Angeles Auto Show is further evidence of the impact our design-led transformation is having in terms of increased awareness and consideration for the Kia brand."
Edmunds.com's analysis examines the daily consideration data on the models highlighted at the Los Angeles Auto Show's press days on November 17 and November 18 as consumers shopped for more than 400 models listed on the site. Consideration data indicates the effectiveness of marketing, including presence at auto shows, and may suggest future sales.
Design-Led Transformation and Product Line
Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology such as the soon-to-come UVO powered by Microsoft®1 in-car hands-free entertainment system. The launches of the 2011 Sorento CUV, the first vehicle to be assembled* at Kia's first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, the dynamic 2011 Sportage compact CUV, sophisticated 2011 Optima midsize sedan and versatile 2011 Forte 5-door hatchback further enhance the lineup.
Kia's model year 2011 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback and Sedona minivan.
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Kia Electric Pop Concept Car
IRVINE, Calif., November 18, 2010 - Making its North American debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show alongside Kia Motors' first-ever hybrid for the U.S. the 2011 Optima Hybrid (arriving early next year) the all-electric Kia POP concept vehicle provides a glimpse into the future of urban transportation and takes its inspirations from outside the world of automobile design. Less than 10 feet in length, the chrome-colored three-seater was created by Kia's European Design Center in Frankfurt under the direction of Peter Schreyer, chief design officer, Kia Motors Corporation and can travel up to 100 miles on a single charge. The POP comes to the U.S. shortly after the "Ray" plug-in hybrid concept, which was developed at Kia's Southern California design studio and introduced at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, and is the result of Kia Motors' expanding green car investments and research and development efforts around the world.
Born from Kia's EcoDynamics philosophy, the POP concept is the result of a global collaboration between designers and engineers to bring ultra efficient vehicles to life and symbolizes Kia's dedication to creating a sustainable future through vehicles with significantly reduced environmental impacts.
Conceived as a stylish city car, the ultra-compact Kia POP requires little more than three yards of parking space and features unique oblong windows that reflect the designers' wish to give the driver a wide and unencumbered view of the surroundings, like the cockpit of a helicopter.
"The POP doesn't point at the style of the next generation of cars, but looks even further into the future," said Schreyer. "There are many never-before-seen design elements on POP, for example the side-window graphic is like a signature, unique with its own character."
Efficient Power
Driving the POP concept are highly efficient compact lithium polymer gel batteries created in partnership with LG Chem, which are lightweight and require little space. The batteries offer the same power performance as a lithium ion battery but with a 20-percent reduction in battery size and reduced manufacturing complexity. Capable of reaching a top speed of 87 miles per hour and completely recharging in six hours, the fully-electric, zero-emissions concept vehicle with a 50kW, 190Nm motor offers a range of up to 100 miles.
Striking Exterior
With its oblong-shaped side windows and full-length glass roof, the POP concept is a smart blend of form and function and its eye-catching design distinguishes it from all electric car concepts that have come before it. POP's unique characteristics are enhanced with the high-tech feel of the dot-pattern grille and taillights and the simplistic, clean look of the wheels. Continuing the POP's high-tech, high-style theme, the trademark Kia signature grille illuminates at night and the protrusions at the bottom corners of the doors are actually rear-view cameras that relay images to small screens in the cabin.
Intriguing Interior Style
Inside, the POP is more modern sculpture than small car, with a flowing front seat influenced by sleek modern furniture and a color scheme that is atypical, sporting a purple hue for a calm and peaceful environment. Breaking from automotive tradition, a dashboard is absent from the cabin and in its place is a transparent organic LED panel for speedometer and battery charge gauges, while traditional buttons and dials are replaced by a single touch screen.
Design-Led Transformation and Product Line
Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology such as the soon-to-come UVO powered by Microsoft®1 in-car hands-free entertainment system. The launches of the 2011 Sorento CUV, the first vehicle to be assembled* at Kia's first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, the dynamic 2011 Sportage compact CUV, sophisticated 2011 Optima midsize sedan and versatile Forte 5-door hatchback further enhance the lineup.
Kia's model year 2011 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback and Sedona minivan.
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Kia Soul+ "Best New Car For Your Teen"
IRVINE, Calif., November 9, 2010 - The 2010 Kia Soul, Kia Motors America's (KMA) value-laden and uniquely styled urban passenger vehicle, recently added another award to its trophy case with Kiplinger's Personal Finance's designation of "Best New Car for Your Teen" for the Soul+ (plus) trim. The award-winning five-door was selected for its "cool factor," wide variety of standard technology and safety features as well as its funky design.
"The Soul's high style and wide array of personalization options connect with consumers that are young and young-at-heart," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "Since going on sale last year, Soul has proven to be a game changer for the brand as evidenced by its impressive list of awards and consistent position in Kia's top-three best-selling vehicles each month."
Kiplinger's Personal Finance editors considered all 2010 compact sedans under $20,000, including small hatchbacks, before selecting their top new car. Editors selected Soul+ as the best new car for its 56-percent resale value after three years, $15,890 sticker price3 as well as the low cost of vehicle insurance and maintenance.
A 2009 and 2010 "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2010 Soul has earned an impressive list of awards and accolades, including AAA's "Top Vehicle Pick for Dog Owners," "Best Family Cars for 2010" by Edmunds.com and Parents Magazine, "Best Hatchback of 2010" by Cars.com, "2010 Top Cars for Families" by Motherproof.com, "Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" and "Top 10 Back-to-School Cars" for 2010 from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.
Soul stands out from the crowd with modern, unique styling aimed toward the young and young-at-heart and offers a distinctive combination of style, value and personalization options. Soul is available in four trims Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul Sport. An available Audio Upgrade Package includes speaker lights that can pulse to the beat of the music or add mood lighting to the interior cabin, enhancing the overall personal lounge feeling. The Soul+ offers funky black cloth seats with "glowing" Soul logo inserts while the Soul! trim comes with a distinctive sand-black interior with houndstooth-patterned inserts, and the Soul Sport presents a bold red-black interior trim with red-trimmed cloth seats and metal-finish interior accents.
All four Soul models also offer consumers the same exceptional level of standard safety equipment as all Kia vehicles, including front seat active headrests, dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted and full-length side curtain airbags, an Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, an impact-absorbing steering column and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system also come standard. Pricing for the versatile five-door begins under $14,0004.
In 2010, Kia released four special edition Souls5 based on the Soul+ model: Ghost Soul, Ignition Soul, Denim Soul and Shadow Dragon Soul. Ghost Soul offers consumers a unique light gray-blue exterior and gray side-stripe; Denim Soul offers a unique denim exterior color with striking white side-view mirrors and matching white 18-inch alloy wheels; Ignition Soul provides a scorching ignition orange exterior color, prominent wheels and rally-inspired skin, while the Shadow Dragon Soul wears black dragon graphics over its sinister black-on-black color scheme. Two all-new Special Edition Souls will be released in the coming year.
Design-Led Transformation and Product Line
Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology such as the soon-to-come UVO powered by Microsoft®6 in-car hands-free entertainment system. The launches of the 2011 Sorento CUV, the first vehicle to be assembled* at Kia's first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, the dynamic 2011 Sportage compact CUV, sophisticated 2011 Optima midsize sedan and versatile Forte 5-door hatchback further enhance the lineup.
Kia's model year 2011 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback and Sedona minivan.
- A Bluetooth wireless technology-enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth wireless technology. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license. Other trademarks and tradenames are those of their respective owners
- SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries. SIRIUS Radio requires a subscription, sold separately after 3-month trial subscription included with vehicle purchase. Prices and programming are provided by SIRIUS and are subject to change. Subscriptions governed by SIRIUS Terms & Conditions available at sirius.com. SIRIUS Radio U.S. service available only to those at least 18 years of age in the 48 contiguous United States, D.C. and Puerto Rico (with coverage limitations).
- Starting MSRP for Soul+, includes $695 destination and handling fee, and title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.
- Starting MSRP for base Soul excludes $695 destination and handling fee, and title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.
- Soul Special Edition vehicles have very limited availability, while supplies last, and are not available in all regions. See Kia dealers for details.
- Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
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