IRVINE, Calif., - Building on the momentum of Kia's growing lineup of new generation vehicles, the all-new 2011 Kia Optima midsize sedan has received the highest possible crash safety rating of "Good" in all four tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and has been recognized as a "Top Safety Pick," the top award handed down by the organization.
"We are honored that the all-new 2011 Optima has earned the IIHS 'Top Safety Pick', joining five other Kia products and underlining the brand's dedication to the highest levels of vehicle safety and quality," said Michael Sprague, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "Kia's design-led transformation has been delivering stylish new vehicles that combine outstanding performance and innovative technologies and convenience features with a long list of standard safety equipment, and the highly anticipated Optima will further increase consumer awareness and consideration of Kia and attract new customers to the brand."
Arriving in showrooms now, the 2011 Optima joins five Kia products that were previously named Top Safety Picks including the 2010 Soul urban passenger vehicle, 2010 Forte compact sedan, 2011 Sorento compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV), 2011 Sportage CUV, and Sedona minivan. The Sedona was the first Kia vehicle to receive the IIHS "Top Safety Pick," along with the "Safest Minivan Ever Tested" distinction in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Ratings from the Institute are based on results from front, side and rear impact crash tests, as well as a new-for-2010 roof strength test to measure occupant protection in the event of a rollover. Each vehicle's overall evaluation was based on various measurements specific to each crash angle and overall impact on crash test dummies inside the vehicle at the time of collision. All vehicles must offer Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to be eligible.
The 2011 Optima comes equipped with a high level of standard safety features, as is the rest of the Kia line-up. This includes six airbags1 (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), ESC, a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard.
Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, the 2011 Optima offers a wide array of convenience and luxury as well as impressive technology features like UVO powered by Microsoft®2, an advanced in-car communications and entertainment system with rear-view camera3, AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service4, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks and available with three all-new and fuel-efficient engines, a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter GDI turbo or a 2.4-liter hybrid (available early next year). Pricing for the stylish and performance-oriented midsize sedan begins at $18,9955.
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® 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 facility 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.
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'' 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 service , an auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players3 , and Bluetooth® wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones.
2011 Kia Motors America Product Line
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.