Another way to roll

Kia Motors America today rolled out the first special addition of its all-new mini people hauler, the Soul. Dubbed the 2010 Denim Kia Soul, it signals the second salvo from the Koreans for the hearts and minds of the Gen-Y’ers in its intended audience.

According to the PR blurb, the new special edition is “a unique iteration of the popular urban passenger vehicle that further emphasizes Soul’s cutting edge style and youthful, fun character.” In addition, “the special-edition Denim Soul provides consumers with even more personalization options.” So what does it offer over more plebian editions?

Special features

It turns out that the Denim edition is based on the Soul+ model and, as such, offers keyless entry, privacy glass, body-color door handles, power mirrors, 16” alloys, cruise and Bluetooth along with the uplevel 2.0 liter 142 hp 4-banger.

Other standard features include such amenities as air conditioning, tilt wheel, power locks and windows, ABS, stability and traction control, Electronic Brake Distribution and brake assist.

Inside, other plus features also include an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with SIRIUS capability (including a 3 month complimentary subscription) and USB and auxiliary input jacks with full iPod® controllability via the head unit and steering wheel controls with an optional iPod cable.

To this mix, the Denim version adds a unique “denim” (what else?) exterior color, white side-view mirrors, 18” alloy wheels and front fender turn signal indicator lights, a wing-type rear spoiler and a white off-set racing stripe that extends from just below the front grille back to the rear bumper. Also included is the Audio Upgrade Package (a $400 stand alone option on the plus) that adds a center speaker, subwoofer, external 315 watt amp and “speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music.” Rock on.

Pricing

Pricing for the Denim starts at $17,995 for the 5-speed manually-equipped version and $18,945 for the automatic (representing a $2,350 premium over the standard Soul+).

According to Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing at Kia Motors America, the new Denim version “illustrates our commitment to fresh design, even on a vehicle that’s been in the marketplace only a few months, and it’s the first of more special editions to be offered in 2010 for the recently introduced Kia Soul.”

2009 Kia Rondo

(SEOUL) March, 2009 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the 2009 Kia Spectra, Rio5 and Rondo have been included in two MSN Autos Editors’ Top Pick lists in the USA.  Kia Spectra (LX) and Rio5 are named to the “Top 10 Cars for Less Than $15,000” list and Rondo is a top pick for “Best Family Cars for Downsizing.”  The three vehicles are lauded for offering attractive pricing on top of an impressive combination of quality, space, comfort, value and warranty.

“These days, consumers are looking for ways to make their money go further and the Kia Spectra, Rio5 and Rondo models are just a snapshot into Kia’s full line of vehicles that make economical sense,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA.  “By offering high-quality vehicles with wide-ranging amenities and comprehensive safety features, Kia vehicles are continuing to be recognized by top industry automotive review sites like MSN Autos.”

Spectra, noted for its front and back passenger space, audio system and comprehensive warranty, meets the needs of consumers looking for the total package at a significant value.  While Rio5 is the “hip younger sibling” to the Kia Spectra, according to MSN Autos, it is recognized for SIRIUS Satellite Radio, standard CD/MP3 capabilities, air conditioning and 60/40 split-folding rear seats that give way to its large hatch area.

Both vehicles also achieve impressive gas mileage, Spectra with a mpg of 23/30 (when equipped with the manual transmission) and 24/32 (when equipped with the automatic transmission) (city/highway), while Rio5 offers a frugal fuel economy of 27/32 (manual transmission) and 25/35 (automatic transmission).

Recognized in the “Best Family Cars for Downsizing” category that identifies those vehicles with a starting price lower than $25,000 and offers the best mix of cargo capacity, safety, reliability, features and value, Rondo is noted for its seven-passenger seating capacity along with top safety features, solid reliability, interior space and “impressive fit and finish.”  Fuel economy for the 2.4-liter engine is 20/27 (automatic transmission) (city/highway), while the 2.7-liter V6 is 18/26 (automatic transmission).

MSN Autos developed the Editors’ Pick lists by collecting feedback from industry analysts and conducting test drives.  It is the largest global network of online automotive sites, providing consumers with comprehensive research, buying and ownership services.

Editor’s notes: Standard equipment and specifications based on U.S. model and may vary depending on country.

IRVINE, Calif. – Kia Motors America (KMA) announced its best June ever with record sales of 28,292 units, an increase of 7.6 percent over the same period last year, and year-to-date sales of 157,619 units, an increase of 2.1 percent over the same period last year.  For the just completed quarter, the company reported sales of 89,405 units.

Kia Spectra

Kia’s June record sales were led by Spectra and Optima, with 7,131 and 6,865 units sold respectively.  Small car Rio and family vacation favorite Sedona also had strong sales with 3,337 units and 3,719 units respectively, both increases over the same period last year.

Kia Optima

“As the economy continues to fluctuate, consumers are turning to vehicles that are known for value and quality,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG).  “Thanks to a strong marketing plan and the hard work of the Kia dealer network, Kia continues to have success during this difficult economic time.”

Kia Rio

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.

IRVINE, Calif., June 30, 2008 – The 2008 Kia Sorento has been given the top ranking in the midsize SUV segment in AutoPacific, Inc.’s 2008 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA).  These awards are considered quantitative gauges that measure how closely a vehicle matches to an owner’s expectations.  Sorento received a higher rating than the Jeep Liberty, Nissan Xterra, Dodge Nitro and HUMMER H3.

“Having Sorento recognized yet again by AutoPacific is a tremendous honor as these awards directly reflect the satisfaction of Kia owners,” said Tom Loveless, vice president of sales, Kia Motors America (KMA).  “We are pleased to know that Sorento’s characteristics and overall appeal are recognized and appreciated by our customers.”

Based on survey responses from more than 33,500 vehicle owners, the 2008 IVA measure the combination of trust, anticipation, expectations and reality within specific product segments by having respondents rate 15 attributes concerning whether they would change them after having owned their vehicle for 90 days.  An “ideal vehicle” is one that meets the owner’s expectations based on how few attributes they would change.  Sorento received a score of 1,250 out of a possible 1,500.

Recently, the 2008 Kia Sorento also achieved a top ranking in AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA), was recognized as a “Best Bet” in the Midsize SUV category by The Car Book and received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) five-star crash safety rating in all four seating positions.

In addition to Sorento being named best-in-class in its segment, Kia Motors also ranked among the top 10 in the 2008 IVA Mainstream Brand segment, as did the 2008 Kia Spectra and Kia Rio in the Compact Car and Economy Car segments, respectively.

About Kia Motors America

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.”

IRVINE, Calif., June 30, 2008 – Kia Motors America’s consumer Web site, www.kia.com, was recognized as the highest ranked automobile manufacturer Web site in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Manufacturer Web Site Evaluation StudySM – Wave 2 (MWES) released today.  Kia Motors ranked highest overall among manufacturer Web sites in terms of usability, comprising speed, navigation, appearance and information/content.

The top ranking marks the fourth time Kia has had the highest ranked Web site in the MWES.  All four award-recognized sites were prepared by Animated Designs, LLC., Kia’s interactive agency based in Westlake Village, Calif.
Kia.com is critical to our marketing strategy,” said Tim Chaney, director, marketing, Kia Motors America.  “We strive to provide consumers with a Web site that values their time and allows them to quickly and efficiently find all the up-to-date information they need to assist with their car-buying decision.”
Acknowledged for being one of the most credible and recognized studies ranking manufacturer web sites, the MWES surveyed 11,434 new-vehicle shoppers who intend to purchase a new vehicle within the next 24 months.

About Kia Motors America

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.”

IRVINE, Calif., June 3, 2008 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced its best sales month ever for the second consecutive month with record May sales of 31,047 units, an increase of nine percent over the same period last year, and year-to-date sales of 129,327 units.

May’s record sales were led by the Kia Spectra and Kia Optima, which both had their best months ever with 9,407 and 8,197 units sold respectively, increases of 10.5 and 120.8 percent over same period last year. The Kia Rio also continued with strong sales in its best month of the year at 4,474 units, a 28.6 percent increase over the same period last year.

“With gas prices continuing to rise, record sales of the fuel-efficient Spectra and Optima are proof that consumers are recognizing Kia’s value now more than ever,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). “Achieving the best month ever for two months in a row is the result of enhancement efforts to Kia’s brand image and the Kia dealer network’s total endeavors in a difficult market environment to sell more vehicles.”

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.”

IRVINE, Calif., May 29, 2008 – The 2008 Kia Sorento is the top ranking midsize SUV in AutoPacific, Inc.’s 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA), an industry benchmark for objectively measuring owner satisfaction of new vehicles. In this competitive segment, Sorento received a higher rating than the Hummer H3, Jeep Liberty, Dodge Nitro and Nissan Xterra.

“Sorento’s recognition by AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards shows that you don’t have to spend a lot to be satisfied with your new vehicle purchase,” said Tom Loveless, vice president, sales of Kia Motors America (KMA). “In these difficult economic times, it is good to know that you can still purchase an SUV with great amenities, options and standard safety features, and be satisfied with your decision.”

The 2008 VSA are based on survey responses from more than 34,000 vehicle owners who purchased a new 2008 model year car or truck between September and December 2007. Respondents rate 46 attributes for importance in the purchase decision and satisfaction after purchase.

The 2008 Sorento was recently recognized by The Car Book as a “Best Bet” in the Midsize SUV category and received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) five-star crash safety rating in all four seating positions.
About Kia Motors America

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.