Berlin City Kia NH

Adding to Kia Motors' growing award shelf, the Kia Rondo (known as Carens in some markets) and Soul have recently won awards in Australia and the UK respectively.





In Australia, an expert panel of Wheels Magazine judges have given a Gold Star Car award to the Kia Rondo EX for the second consecutive year! In the People-Mover segment, Rondo beat out the Citroën C4 Grand Picasso HDI, Subaru Exiga 2.5i, Nissan Dualis_2 ST and the Mitsubishi Grandis VRX. The article cites several reasons for Rondo's victory, not the least of which are value, fuel economy and Kia's "industry leading" five-year warranty.

In the UK, the Kia Soul  is turning heads yet again as Auto Express Magazine recently announced it as the winner of their Crossover Comparison Road Test, finishing above entries from Toyota, Nissan and Skoda. We know Soul oozes style and Auto Express UK recognized that by citing its distinctive look as a primary reason for the victory. They also listed Soul's great value, features and warranty as key factors. With this latest designation, Soul has now received over 15 separate global awards in just its second year of production! With accolades like this, there's no stopping this stylish crossover.

DETROIT, Jan. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 2010 was 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; the launch of the company's first U.S.-built vehicle - the Sorento CUV; and extending and expanding the brand's marketing partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA).  KMA's 2010 sales represents a staggering 18.7-percent improvement over 2009, due in large part to the introduction of four new vehicles - Sorento, Sportage, Optima and Forte 5-door - that attracted new and more affluent customers to its showrooms and began changing the perception of the brand with their combination of dramatic styling, fun-to-drive performance, advanced technology features and outstanding value.
 
"Kia Motors' design-led transformation has resulted in unprecedented growth over the past few years, delivering a wave of new products that have redefined the Kia value story and are attracting new customers to our brand every day," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG).  "Our significant sales milestones in 2010 demonstrate Kia's growing brand significance in the U.S. market.  As we begin 2011, we are well positioned for continued success with the help of our dynamically styled new and recently introduced products such as Soul, Forte, Forte Koup, Forte 5-door, Sportage and Optima, and more all-new vehicles will be arriving later this year."

With several new vehicle introductions and additional key initiatives planned for 2011, Kia Motors is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, technology, quality, value and safety features.

KMA 2010 Milestones:

Sales:  KMA surpassed its previous full-year sales total in just 11 months and sold more than 350,000 vehicles in the U.S. for the first time in company history.  KMA's annual sales of 356,268 new vehicles was highlighted by nine monthly and four quarterly sales records and the sale of the three millionth Kia vehicle in the U.S. in March.  In addition to outstanding sales performance, Kia-brand residual values continued to increase in 2010, improving to 42 percent, up from 37 percent a year ago(1).  The 2011 Sportage compact CUV received Kia's highest ever residual value at launch from ALG, leading the class, while the all-new 2011 Optima experienced a 66 percent increase over the previous generation vehicle - Kia's best-ever new model residual value increase in the U.S.

Furthering the company's rapid expansion and bringing a comprehensive and convenient shopping experience to consumers, in November 2010, KMA and eBay Motors created a nationwide new vehicle online shopping experience, the first for a major OEM brand on eBay, with a unique online store front - www.kia.ebay.com - to market new Kia vehicles.  Through the program, more than 445 Kia dealers or 61 percent have signed up to list their entire stock of new Kia vehicle inventory online.
 
KMMG/Sorento:  The 2011 Kia Sorento CUV, the first Kia vehicle to surpass 100,000 units in a single year, is the first vehicle built at KMMG in West Point, Georgia.  Accounting for 30 percent of Kia vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2010, the 2011 Sorento combines the brand's distinctive design language with standard features, value and safety.  In addition, the 2011 Sorento was named a 2010 "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shortly after its debut in January.

Beginning production in November 2009, KMMG is a state-of-the-art facility utilizing the latest in vehicle assembly technology and standards.  In 2010, the team at KMMG grew to 2,500 team members with an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles.  A $1 billion investment by Kia, KMMG is built on 2,200-acres and includes a main assembly plant, body stamping facility, a transmission shop, and a two mile test track.

Marketing:  KMA kicked off 2010 with the biggest vehicle launch in company history for the Sorento, including the company's first-ever billboard in Times Square and Super Bowl ad - a 60-second spot titled "Joyride Dream" ? which resulted in 196,000 visits to Kia.com and 108,000 visits to Sorento.com the Monday after the Super Bowl.  The commercial gained significant attention and features a colorful cast of characters, including Muno from the popular YO GABBA GABBA! television program.  Building on the momentum of the Super Bowl ad, Kia was the presenting sponsor of the Kia Motors Presents YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE'S A PARTY IN MY CITY! tour, which ran from August - December.

In 2010, KMA celebrated the award-winning (see accolades section) original Kia Soul Hamster ad spot by bringing back the loveable Hamsters in "Hamstars," a spot featuring the song "This or That" that was first seen in movie theaters nationwide before airing on major networks.  KMA also allowed consumers to show "how they roll" through Soul-themed user generated creative videos as part of the "Who's Next" Internet talent contest.  The contest generated more than 1,000 submissions and ran through end of September with "The Receptionist" entry selected by celebrity YouTube judges as the winner.  In 2011, KMA will continue with innovative initiatives in both the digital and mobile spaces.

KMA also renewed its multi-year NBA league sponsorship in 2010 and marked its fourth year as the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.  KMA continues partnerships with 13 NBA teams for the 2010-2011 season for individual marketing and community relations efforts, and the 2011 Optima is currently the "Official Vehicle of the NBA."  Supporting local communities through programs that promote youth education and benefit residents is a priority for KMA and efforts will continue in 2011.

As part of KMA's strategic marketing plan, the company announced two major sports marketing partnerships in the U.S. with Michelle Wie and the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) in early 2010.  As official golf ambassador and spokesperson for Kia Motors, Michelle Wie participated in the inaugural Kia Classic golf tournament in March in La Costa, California.

Going on its fourth year as Exclusive Automotive Partner of the Vans Warped Tour, a national summer music festival that traveled to 42 cities nationwide, KMA became fully integrated with the Tour's online advertisements, on-site vehicle displays, activities and two consumer sweepstakes to drive traffic to all elements of the campaign to successfully reach key youthful audiences.
 
Accolades During 2010:
 
-    2010 Soul named "Small Car of the Year" by FAMA Magazine

-    2010 Soul named "Best Hatchback of 2010" by Cars.com

-    2010 Soul named to "2010 Top Cars for Families" list by MotherProof.com

-    2010 Soul named one of "The Best Family Cars for 2010" by Edmunds.com and Parents Magazine

-    2010 Soul named to "2010 Top 10 Back-to-School Cars" list by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com

-    2010 Soul named one of AAA's "Top Vehicle Picks for Dog Owners"

-    2010 Soul named one of "Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com

-    Soul "Hamsters" commercial named "Automotive Ad of the Year" at Nielsen Automotive Advertising Awards

-    2010 Soul+ named "Best New Car for Your Teen" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance

-    2010 Soul and Sedona named "Top Recommended" vehicles for 2010 by Edmunds.com

-    2010 Sedona named to Edmunds.com's "Top 10 Best Dark-Horse Cars of 2010" list

-    Soul "Hamsters" commercial honored with 2010 Silver EFFIE Award

-    Soul "This or That" commercial named "Top Spot of the Year"

-    2010 Forte named to About.com "Best New Cars of 2010" list

-    2010 Forte Koup selected to "Top 10 Cars for 2010" list by PregunteARicardo.com

-    2010 Forte given Edmunds.com Consumers' Top Rated® Vehicle award

-    2010 Forte named to MSN Autos' "Top 10 Cars Under $15,000" list

-    2010 Forte awarded 2010 "Top Safety Pick" by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

-    2010 Rio and Rondo named 2010 Consumer Guide® Automotive "Recommended Vehicles"

-    2011 Sorento awarded 2010 "Top Safety Pick" by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

-    2011 Sportage receives best-in-class residual rating by Automotive Lease Guide

-    2011 Sportage awarded 2010 "Top Safety Pick" by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

-    2011 Sportage named "Best Crossover" by Ruedas ESPN

-    2011 Optima receives record residual value increase from Automotive Lease Guide

-    2011 Optima and Sorento named Consumer Guide® Automotive "Best Buys"

-    2011 Optima named 2010 "Top Safety Pick" by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

-    Kia.com topped J.D. Power and Associates' ranking as highest among automotive manufacturer Websites for usefulness in new-vehicle shopping

-    2009 Borrego given "Best Bet" distinction by The Car Book 2010

All-New Midsize Sedan Receives Highest Recognition from IIHS

• Optima receives top ratings for front, side, rollover, and rear impact protection
  
• Stunning midsize sedan becomes fifth new-generation Kia vehicle to be named "Top Safety Pick"

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.

Consumer Confidence Increases Following Launches of 2011 Optima, Sportage and Sorento

• Kia Motors' ongoing design-led transformation contributes to rise in brand residual values
  
• 2011 Sorento, Sportage and Optima bring outstanding design, value and safety features to respective segments

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.