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Kia Press Release : SEVEN KIA MODELS GIVEN "BEST BET"

Posted by Underdog on 2008/5/8 21:47:46 (34 reads)

SEVEN KIA MODELS GIVEN "BEST BET" DISTINCTION BY THE CAR BOOK 2008
Safety and Performance Standards are Recognized in Kia’s Vehicles with Prestigious Honor

IRVINE, Calif., March 12, 2008 – Kia Motors America (KMA) has broken its all-time sales record, inked a major sponsorship deal as the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA and launched its all-new Borrego midsize SUV. KMA also is proud to announce seven models, including the Optima, Rio, Rondo, Sedona, Sorento, Spectra and Spectra5 have achieved The Car Book "Best Bet" distinction. Rio and Optima are recipients of the award for the third consecutive year, while the Spectra, Spectra5 and Sorento have achieved this award for the second year in a row.

"We are pleased to have several of Kia’s top-selling models distinguished as "Best Bets" by The Car Book," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). "As we continue to raise our brand profile, we are proud to receive these awards based on safety features and performance characteristics in our vehicles."

The Car Book 2008 is an updated and expanded guide to buying a new 2008 car, van, truck or SUV. It presents the latest safety ratings, dealer prices, fuel economy, insurance premiums, maintenance costs, tires, as well as a chart of state lemon laws, and is published in cooperation with the Center for Auto Safety, the nation’s leading auto safety advocacy group.

The Car Book’s "Best Bet" distinction, given annually, is based on objective information collected from government and independent sources that evaluate the safety and performance needs of the American consumer. Only cars that have ratings in all of the key Car Book categories – safety features, fuel economy, rollover, front and side crash tests, maintenance and repair costs, warranties, insurance costs, and complaints, with the greatest emphasis placed on crash test performance – are considered as potential "Best Bets."

"The Car Book has long been the consumer’s best guide to smart and sensible car buying," said Jack Gillis, author of The Car Book. "We appreciate the fact that Kia continues to make a significant contribution to improving the market choices for the American car buyer."

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record U.S. sales. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."

Kia Motors America is the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

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KMA : Kia Announces Record November Sales

Posted by STKIA on 2007/12/5 19:06:23 (780 reads)

IRVINE, Calif., December 3, 2007 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced record November sales of 24,177 units, an 8.9-percent increase over the same period last year. Leading the way for the brand were Optima, Spectra and Sportage, three popular models in the Kia lineup. KMA remains on pace for another annual sales record with year-to-date sales of 281,405 units, a 6.5-percent increase over the same period last year.

"As we close out November with the ninth month of record sales this year, Kia is well on its way to its 14th consecutive year of record sales," said Len Hunt, president and CEO of Kia Motors America.

Spectra sold 5,342 units, a 28.8-percent increase over the same period last year. Optima and Sportage sold 3,561 and 3,800 units respectively, both increases over the same period last year. November became the ninth month to produce record sales for Kia this year.

Kia Motors America – the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation in Seoul, South Korea – offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For more information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

MONTH OF NOVEMBER YEAR-TO-DATE
Model 2007 2006 2007 2006
Rio 2,591 3,363 30,460 25,545

Spectra 5, 342 4,149 66,786 63,282

Optima 3,561 3,364 37,666 34,574

Amanti 138 302 5,397 9,010

Sportage 3,800 3,126 44,284 32,171

Sorento 1,952 4,007 34,664 48,099

Sedona 3,223 3,710 38,000 51,432

Rondo 3,570 182 24,148 185

Total 24,177 22,203 281,405 264,298

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Kia Press Release : KIA Debuts KND-4 Concept Vehicle in Los Angeles

Posted by STKIA on 2007/12/2 21:12:23 (780 reads)

LOS ANGELES , November 15, 2007 - Kia Motors America (KMA) today unveiled the all-new KND-4 compact SUV concept vehicle at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. Having made its world debut at the Seoul Motor Show in April, the KND-4 concept was specifically designed to provide an idea of what next-generation Kia compact SUVs will be like. Conceived at the Kia Design Center in Korea, the new concept exhibits a powerful and strong character that corresponds with Kia’s philosophy of "Exciting and Enabling."

"The KND-4 compact SUV is a vital vehicle because it showcases dynamic and sophisticated styling cues that are strongly indicative of future Kia SUV models," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. "Designed with active and independent consumers in mind, KND-4 demonstrates Kia’s ongoing commitment to making vehicles that are both stylish and technologically advanced."

Athletic and Sleek Exterior

KND-4 appeals to consumers who crave freedom and an active lifestyle, while removing the boundary between the city and outdoors to allow the driver to express his or her unique personality. The swift, rounded front end features LED headlamps and a sleek radiator grille, which flows smoothly into flared wheel arches that wrap around 20-inch, low-profile tires.

The pronounced shoulder line and sweeping C-pillar give a dynamic flare to the compact SUV, while the large rear window highlighting the interior volume and uniquely-styled rear cluster lamps emphasize the overall sporty stance. Short overhangs and a high ground clearance ensure excellent off-road capabilities.

Future-Oriented Interior

KND-4’s interior provides a unique contrast to the strong character of the exterior. Designed to seat four passengers in individual, independent seats, future-oriented accents include floor, dash and door trim panels in a metallic finish, highlighted by indirect lighting that reflects in the metallic material and creates an exciting cabin ambience that will appeal to a passenger’s sentimental side. The cargo room in the back of the vehicle not only provides room for storage, but also is outfitted with a mobile hard case used for storage, as well as an emergency kit.

Equipped with the most advanced technology, KND-4 enables the driver to obtain information from both inside and outside the vehicle and use entertainment features conveniently. AMOLED (Active-Matrix, Organic, Light Omitting Diode), the next-generation high-quality display, has been applied to the top and bottom of the cluster and center fascia to provide a clear image regardless of the visual angle. This way, the driver can receive moving images from the navigation system, vehicle information, as well as mobile phones. KND-4 also offers the driver both Bluetooth and Blu-ray technologies, controlled by multi-function buttons on the steering wheel, plus a built-in hard disc for the audio player.

Efficient Power

KND-4 is powered by a 2.2-liter Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) diesel engine featuring Kia’s Active Torque Transfer (ATT) system, which, in severely slippery conditions, automatically distributes torque to the wheel or wheels with the best traction.

Kia Motors America – the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation in Seoul, South Korea – offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States.

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Posted by STKIA on 2007/12/2 21:05:24 (709 reads)

KIA MOTORS AMERICA DRIVES BOSTON CELTICS HOLIDAY ASSIST PROGRAM

Toy Drive at Holiday Season Home Games Benefits Children’s Hospital Boston

IRVINE, Calif., November 28, 2007 – Kia Motors America today announced a partnership with the Boston Celtics to bring holiday cheer to the kids at Children’s Hospital Boston, a community partner of the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation. A Holiday Assist toy drive will kick-off on Thursday, November 29 at the Celtics home game against the New York Knicks.

\"Kia Motors is proud to be an Official Partner and a community partner of the Boston Celtics,\" said Ian Beavis, vice president, marketing for Kia Motors America. \"We believe strongly in connecting with people on an individual level and we’re honored to play a part in bringing joy to those at Children’s Hospital Boston who cannot be home for the holiday season.\"

\"The Boston Celtics are thrilled to be partnering with Kia Motors to make the holidays more enjoyable for patients of Children’s Hospital Boston,\" said Sean Barror, senior vice president, corporate partnerships and business development for the Boston Celtics. \"With Kia’s support, the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation will continue its work to achieve the goal of providing assistance to local youth in need.\"

Patrons are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the TD Banknorth Garden drop-off locations prior to the Celtics home games on Thursday, November 29, Sunday, December 2, or Friday, December 7. Boston Celtics players along with Kia dealers in the area will distribute the gifts to patients at Children’s Hospital this holiday season.

Kia Motors America – the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation in Seoul, South Korea – offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For more information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

Kia Motors America is an Official Partner of the Boston Celtics.

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Kia Press Release : Sportage Earns 5-Star Crash Rating

Posted by Underdog on 2007/5/23 10:29:34 (1167 reads)

Kia Sportage Earns Five-Star Crash Safety Rating
From U.S. Government

Five-Star Crash Safety Rating for Entry SUV in Frontal and Side Impact Crash Tests

IRVINE, Calif., December 4, 2006 – The 2007 Kia Sportage earned a five-star crash safety rating, the highest possible, for all seating positions in the latest frontal and side impact crash tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“Having Sportage join Sedona and Optima this year in receiving five-star crash safety ratings from NHTSA is another big feather in our cap,” said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of Kia Motors America. “This is further proof of Kia’s commitment to building high quality vehicles with unprecedented levels of standard safety and convenience features.”

With its rugged, sporty styling, the Sportage was designed with the young-at-heart in mind but also appeals to value-minded consumers with its array of standard features. Sportage follows the Kia tradition of placing a heavy emphasis on safety and is equipped with six standard airbags (two advanced front airbags, two front-seat-mounted side airbags and two full-length side-curtain airbags), a four-wheel Anti-Lock Disc Braking System (ABS), a Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Stability Control (ECS).

Sportage combines exceptional value with the highest level of standard features and equipment. Available in two trim levels, the LX can be equipped with either a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or 2.7-liter V6 while the EX is equipped with a standard V6. All Sportage models feature rear privacy glass, power windows, power mirrors, a roof rack, an AM/FM/CD stereo system with six speakers and 16-inch alloy wheels. Cruise control comes as standard equipment on all V6 models. A Sport Package is available for LX V6 models. A Luxury Package is offered for EX models only. A full-time, electronic-control on-demand four-wheel-drive system as well as a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) are other options available for both trims.

Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov).

Like all Kia models, the Sportage is covered by the manufacturer’s comprehensive vehicle coverage program, which includes a 10-year/100,00-mile limited powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty. A 5-year/100,000-mile limited anti-perforation warranty and 5-years/60,000-miles of 24-hour roadside assistance are added benefits to consumers.

Kia Motors America – the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea – offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For more information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

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Kia Press Release : KMC - 18.2% increase in December overseas sales

Posted by Underdog on 2007/1/11 23:48:20 (1174 reads)

Kia Motors posts 18.2% increase in December overseas sales 2007-01-04 321
- 73,714 Kia vehicles sold overseas in December
- Sales in North America, Europe and general market post 57.5%, -6.4% and 8.7% year-on-year growth, respectively, in December
- Annual overseas sales in 2006 post 3.8% year-on-year gain

(SEOUL) January 3, 2007 -- Kia Motors Corporation announced today that its overseas retail sales of passenger cars and light trucks in December 2006 recorded 73,714 units, representing a 18.2% year-on-year increase.

By region, the North America posted a year-on-year sales rise of 57.5% in December with 32,380 units sold. Meanwhile, sales of Kia vehicles in Europe and the general market recorded 25,630 units (6.4% year-on-year decrease) and 15,704 units (8.7% year-on-year increase), respectively.

Cumulatively through the twelve months of 2006, Kia’s overseas sales have risen by 3.8% year-on-year to reach 842,526 units, with North America showing the largest gain at 6.8%. European sales have increased by 3.4% while general market sales have decreased by 0.4% for the year 2006.

Kia’s best selling model in export markets in 2006 was the C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Spectra’ in some markets) with 132,392 units sold, closely followed by the A-segment Picanto with 130,169 units sold. Meanwhile, Kia’s popular SUVs have performed well, with overseas sales of the Sorento mid-size SUV and Sportage compact SUV reaching 124,809 and 107,107 units sold, respectively. The all-new B-segment Rio has also been a steady seller with 103,360 units delivered through the end of 2006.

In addition to expanding sales worldwide, Kia Motors enjoyed a growing number of industry accolades and distinctions in 2006, including five-star safety ratings in the US for its Carnival MPV (known as ‘Sedona’ in some markets), Sorento mid-size SUV, Sportage compact SUV and Magentis D-segment sedan (known as ‘Optima’ in some markets). Kia vehicles also received high scores in various quality and customer satisfaction surveys (see attachment for list of accolades and distinctions in 2006).

Yong-Hwan Kim, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of Kia Motors Corporation, said, “Despite a prolonged downturn of the global automotive industry, Kia Motors continued to post steady growth in our major export markets in 2006, while our brand stature has also made considerable strides all over the world.”

“With full-fledged sales of the European cee’d family hatchback slated to get underway in the first quarter of 2007, we fully expect that Kia will resume its dramatic growth in this region. Meanwhile, we anticipate a healthy return on our recent aggressive marketing activities in North America and other regions of the world in the form of stepped up demand for our vastly improved line-up of vehicles,” he added.

Editor’s notes:

1) Figures do not include domestic sales and KD (knock down) exports assembled at overseas plants including China.
2) “General market” includes the regions of Central & South America, Asia & Pacific, and Middle East & Africa.

Kia Motors Corporation (www.kiamotors.com or www.kia.com) -- one of the fastest growing automakers in the world -- was founded in 1944 and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world’s premier automotive brands. Kia’s 14 manufacturing and assembly operations in 9 countries produce more than 1.3 million vehicles a year that are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 160 countries. Kia today has over 32,500 employees and annual revenues of almost $16 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open and an official worldwide sponsor of the Davis Cup. From 2007 to 2014, Kia will be an official automotive partner of FIFA -- the governing body of the FIFA World Cup. Kia Motors Corporation’s brand slogan -- “The Power to Surprise” -- represents the company’s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.

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Kia Press Release : Kia-Kue-concept - Detriot

Posted by Underdog on 2007/1/10 18:58:53 (1495 reads)

Kia Kue concept arrives in Detroit

Kia today unveiled the all-new Kia Kue crossover concept vehicle at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The Kia Kue "employs a different approach to the crossover utility vehicle segment by taking elements of what makes a CUV to a new level, namely performance," the company said. "Kue is designed first and foremost as a driver’s vehicle. While possessing SUV characteristics and capabilities, the Kia Kue focuses more on giving the driver an exhilarating driving experience on the way to the home improvement center than on how much it can haul."

Fitted with a 400-horsepower, DOHC, supercharged 4.6-liter V8 that twists out 400 lb-ft of torque, Kue aims to be a true performance crossover. The Kia Kue has a monocoque platform that sits on 22-inch wheels with a wheelbase of more than 114 inches, packaged in an overall length of 186 inches. Though purely a concept, the Kia Kue does hint at future styling directions for the company.

"We’ve instilled confidence and integrity in our consumer base with vehicles that provide value, quality and safety," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. "Kue embodies the next phase of our brand evolution, which will instill pride and passion in our customers through great design." Gallery after the jump…

Source

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Kia Press Release : 2007 Kia Rio & Rio5

Posted by Underdog on 2006/11/21 19:39:31 (1388 reads)

2007 Kia Rio & Rio5

SX Four-Door Model Added to Kia’s Award-Winning Subcompact Lineup

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 31, 2006

– The completely redesigned Rio sedan and Rio5 five-door made quite a splash during their first year on the market, receiving Autobytel’s “Editor’s Choice for Most Improved New Car,” and ranking highest for initial quality in the subcompact segment in the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Initial Quality Study SM (IQS)¹. Rio has also been recognized as one of the most fuel efficient vehicles on the market by the Environmental Protection Agency and JD Power and Associates.

For 2007, Rio and Rio5 will continue to offer the same combination of engine performance and fuel economy, one of the largest interior volumes in their class, and six standard airbags, including full-length side-curtain airbags. Building on the success of the Rio5 SX, a new SX four-door model will be added to the Rio lineup. The SX four-door includes front fog lights, 15-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, metal-finish interior trim, metal pedals, unique black mesh sport fabric inserts with red highlights and red accent stitching on the door panels and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Additional refinements for 2007 include revised 15- and 14-inch alloy wheel designs, new manual and automatic transmission shift knobs and the addition of an illuminated ignition surround. For SX models, a new 16-inch alloy wheel is available, and chrome accents have been added to the instrument panel air vents.

The Rio model lineup includes three trim levels for the four-door sedan – Base, LX and SX – and the Rio5 SX five-door.

With six standard air bags, Rio and Rio5 follow Kia’s brand philosophy of providing best-in-class safety technology and Rio continues to be one of the lowest priced cars in the U.S. to offer full-length side curtain airbags as standard equipment.

The 2007 Rio and Rio5 are equipped with standard front-wheel disc brakes. Antilock brakes (ABS) with four-wheel disc brakes are available as optional equipment for Rio LX and SX four-door models as well as Rio5 SX.

With a total interior volume of 92.2 cubic feet, the Rio and Rio5 have one of the roomiest cabins in their segment, and more interior space than the larger Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. The Rio5’s 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space is larger than that of the Chevrolet Aveo five-door and the Scion xA.

Rio’s 1.6-liter DOHC engine, which incorporates Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), produces 110 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque and can be mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission (available for Rio LX, SX and Rio5 SX).

Fuel economy ratings are 32 mpg city/35 mpg highway with the manual transmission and 29 mpg city/38 mpg highway with the automatic transmission.

Rio and Rio5 feature an independent front suspension and semi-independent rear suspension for responsive, athletic handling and long-travel ride comfort. Using MacPherson struts with gas shocks and coil springs in the front, and a torsion beam axle with coil springs in the rear, Rio’s suspension is carefully tuned to be fun-to-drive while offering maximum comfort. A front stabilizer bar is standard on all Rio models, and Rio LX, SX and Rio5 SX variations employ a precise rack-and-pinion steering system, equipped with engine-speed-sensitive power assist to aid in handling.

Inside, all Rio models feature a standard full cloth interior with sporty mesh fabric, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat with a fold-down armrest, tachometer and rear defroster. In addition to the user-friendly ergonomics of the interior, there are also several thoughtful touches throughout the cabin, including numerous storage areas for cell phones and PDAs, a slot in the center stack for parking passes or toll tickets, dual 12V power outlets and a convenient shopping bag hook on the back of the front passenger seat.

The Rio LX sedan offers additional standard equipment, including: air conditioning, AM/FM/CD audio, power steering with tilt, 60/40 split folding rear seat and larger 14-inch tires and full wheel covers.

Rio SX and Rio5 SX models feature the same standard equipment as the LX sedan and add: 15-inch tires and alloy wheels, fog lights, rear spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and metal finish interior trim and metal pedals.

Optional equipment for the Rio LX, SX and Rio5 SX includes a four-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission, a Power Package and antilock brakes (ABS) with rear disc brakes. A rear spoiler is also available for the LX four-door sedan. The optional Power Package for the Rio LX, SX and Rio5 SX includes power windows, power door locks with keyless entry, power heated outside mirrors and tweeter speakers for the audio system.

The Base four-door sedan is equipped with 14-inch steel wheels and 175/70R14 tires, while the LX sedan features 14-inch wheels with full wheel covers and larger 185/65R14 tires. Rio SX and Rio5 SX are equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels with 195/55R15 tires.

Like all Kia models, Rio and Rio5 are covered by Kia’s comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in the package are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

Kia Motors America – the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea – offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For more information visit www.kiamedia.com.

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