KIA PLACES MORE VEHICLES ON NADAGUIDES’ “MOST VERSATILE 2012 NEW CARS UNDER $20K” LIST THAN ANY OTHER AUTOMAKER
Fastest-Growing Car Company1 in the U.S. Tops Three Categories on Top Ten List That Emphasizes Fuel Economy, Versatility and Value
IRVINE, Calif., May, 7 2012 – On the heels of achieving 20 consecutive months of year-over-year sales growth, Kia Motors America (KMA) has been recognized by NADAguides, a leading provider of vehicle pricing and information, by having three of its vehicles Rio 5-Door SX, Forte SX and Soul + — named to the publication’s “Most Versatile 2012 New Cars Under $20K” list. Kia placed more vehicles than any other automaker on the top ten list, which is intended for new car shoppers in the market to find fuel-efficient vehicles that are feature-rich and highly-versatile for the needs of everyday driving while also being budget-friendly.
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Kia Racing seeks third-straight podium finish and points lead at the Kia 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.–>
“Having three of our vehicles named to NADAguides’ ‘Most Versatile 2012 New Cars Under $20K’ list validates how far our brand has come in terms of quality, packaging and features development in such a short period of time,” said Orth Hedrick, director of product planning, KMA. “With the presence and eye-catching style of Rio, Forte and Soul, Kia’s complete vehicle line is comprised of a wide breadth of capable offerings at very affordable price points.”
The NADAguides’ vehicle selections were based upon specific versatility criteria important to automotive consumers including cargo space, passenger capacity (specifically third row seating), legroom and all-wheel drive capabilities. Also factored into consideration were each vehicle’s standard and optional equipment, creature comforts and unique amenities. In handing out the honors, NADAguides’ analysts called the Kia Rio 5-door a value-packed subcompact with class-leading horsepower1, and described the Kia Forte as having a robust powertrain, excellent fuel economy and a long list of standard convenience features. The award-winning Kia Soul was lauded for its unique styling and technology enhancements, among other characteristics.
“Rising energy prices and economic concerns have instilled a greater sense of frugality in today’s car shopper,” asserted Troy Snyder, director of product development at NADAguides. “However, young professionals, families and empty nesters alike still need transportation that will support a wide variety of lifestyle activities and something beyond just going from point A to B in the most inexpensive manner possible. What has been compiled by NADAguides is our recommendation for those budget-minded car shoppers that want a little of everything from features and fuel efficiency to versatility and value.”
For more details on NADAguides’ “Most Versatile 2012 New Cars Under $20K” list, please visit: www.nadaguides.com/mediaroom.
Kia’s Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the one of the world’s fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America’s full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality4 and the industry’s highest brand loyalty ranking5. Kia’s U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia KMMG is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company’s best-selling vehicles in the U.S. the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan*. Kia’s value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.
Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.
About NADAguides
NADAguides.com (http://www.nadaguides.com/) is the largest publisher of the most market-reflective vehicle pricing and information available for automotive, classic cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and manufactured homes. NADAguides.com offers in-depth shopping and research tools including a broad range of data, products and services, informational articles, as well as tips and advice. NADAguides.com also produces software, mobile applications, raw data, web services, web-syndicated products and print guidebooks. NADAguides.com is an alliance partner of NADA Services Corporation.
* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally-sourced parts.
1 Based on 5-year cumulative growth between 12-month retail sales for periods ending April 2007 and April 2012 of all U.S. automotive brands.
2 Class-leading horsepower claim for 1.6L GDI engine based on comparison of 2012 subcompacts as of April 2012.
3 Class-leading fuel economy claim for 1.6L GDI engine based on comparison of 2012 subcompacts as of April 2012. 2012 EPA fuel economy estimates are 30 mpg/city and 40 mpg/hwy with 1.6L GDI engine. Actual mileage will vary.
4 Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study
5 Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis