NIRO EV NAMED CAR OF THE YEAR BY POPULAR MECHANICS

Performance, Practicality, Packaging—All Factors in Win

• “Amazing, Fantastic, Totally Normal Electric Car,” says revered magazine
• From road trips to running around, Niro EV impresses PM editors

NEW YORK, April 18, 2019 — Kia Motors America (KMA) is pleased to announce that the Niro EV was selected “Car of the Year” by Popular Mechanics magazine.

“We picked the Niro EV for Car of the Year because it’s an electric car that would be appealing even if it weren’t electric,” says Ezra Dyer, Popular Mechanics automotive editor. “But it is electric, and it delivers the usual EV benefits without much in the way of EV sacrifices. It’s smooth, quick and quiet, with plenty of range and an affordable price. The Niro EV feels like a preview of the near future, when cars like this are the norm. But right now it’s the exception."

The magazine praised the crossover Niro EV for its design, style, performance and practicality, citing its comfort on the highway during a long road trip as well as its functionality as an everyday runabout.

“We’re thrilled by this award,” says Michael Cole, COO and executive vice president, KMA. “When a publication with the storied reputation of Popular Mechanics selects your vehicle over the competition, it’s a momentous event. We’re proud of the Niro EV and its place in our fleet of all-electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles At Kia we strive to provide the best vehicles possible and this reward validates our efforts.”

NIRO PHEV RECEIVES GOOD HOUSEKEEPING 2019 BEST NEW CAR AWARD

Niro Plug-In Takes Top Honors in Hybrid Category

• Niro PHEV gains attention for attractive, thoughtful design and convenience features
• Vehicle testing and analysis conducted in partnership with Car and Driver magazine

IRVINE, Calif., April 15, 2019 – The 2019 Kia Niro plug-in hybrid received Good Housekeeping’s 2019 Best New Car Award in the Hybrid category, marking the first time a Kia has earned the accolade from the esteemed publication.

“We’re honored that the Niro PHEV has been recognized by Good Housekeeping magazine,” said Orth Hedrick, Executive Director of Car Planning and Telematics, Kia Motors America (KMA). “Consumers who are intrigued by the Niro hybrid’s fantastic versatility and design, but want the ability to drive only using electric power, will find more to love in the Niro Plug-in Hybrid.”

The Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI) collaborated with Car and Driver magazine, evaluating all of this year’s new vehicles. Together, they narrowed the count down to 50, racking up more than 5,000 miles on a mix of test tracks, city roads and highways. The GHI experts and consumer testers rated the cars and SUVs based on safety, value, handling, design, and technology.

The Niro PHEV’s spacious interior was among the factors that made it stand out in addition to being offered in hybrid and all-electric versions. “It was great to see that you get almost the same amount of trunk storage in all three models, which is impressive from a design perspective,” said Rachel Rothman, Good Housekeeping Chief Technologist & Engineering Director.

GHI also praised the Niro PHEV for its use of innovative features designed with efficiency in mind. “We liked that it has two-zone automatic climate control, with controls for the driver and front-seat passenger,” added Laurie Jennings, Good Housekeeping Institute Director & Lead Consumer Tester. “There's even a button to turn the passenger-side climate control off if that seat is empty, which could save energy in hot summer months when hybrids traditionally forfeit efficiency because of increased load from the air conditioner.”

Stemming from the award-winning Niro hybrid, the Niro PHEV adds the ability to go all-electric. Rated at an EPA-estimated 0-to-26 miles of All-Electric Range, the Niro PHEV can help some drivers consume less gasoline in many everyday driving conditions and in all-electric mode it produces zero emissions. And with the total driving range rated at up to an estimated 560 miles, it offers fantastic versatility.

For more information on Good Housekeeping’s 2019 Best New Car Awards, visit: www. goodhousekeeping.com/2019carawards.

KIA STINGER RECEIVES FIRST-EVER J.D. POWER ENGINEERING AWARD FOR HIGHEST RATED ALL-NEW VEHICLE

Award Focused on Excellence in Automotive Engineering Bestowed on the Highest Performing Vehicle in Kia’s History

IRVINE, Calif., April 15, 2019 -- After ushering in a dynamic new era for Kia Motors, the 2018 Stinger sportback has been awarded the first-ever J.D. Power Engineering Award for Highest-Rated All-New Vehicle. Based on combined consumer evaluations included in the J.D. Power Initial Quality and APEAL Studies, Kia is the first OEM to be recognized by J.D. Power for delivering the highest-rated new entry into the market for a model year.

“The Stinger is the result of years of hard work and dedication from the industry’s top designers and engineers. We turned what was once considered a dream car into a startling and enthralling new reality,” said Michael Cole, chief operating officer & EVP, Kia Motors America. “Being the first auto manufacturer to receive this prestigious award from J.D. Power, an organization known for excellence in research, is a true testament to Kia’s ‘Give It Everything’ philosophy.”

The J.D. Power Engineering Award for Highest-Rated All-New Vehicle combines the results of two well-known J.D. Power studies, the Initial Quality Study (IQS) which measures new-vehicle quality by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) as reported by consumers during the first 90 days of ownership; and the J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) award, which measures new-vehicle owners’ overall satisfaction with their vehicles within the first 90 days of ownership. Categories evaluated include exterior, interior, storage, audio, seats, heating and ventilation, driving dynamics, powertrain, visibility, and fuel economy.  

“This is the first time J.D. Power has analyzed customer data in order to identify a remarkable achievement by a vehicle development team,” said Doug Betts, senior vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power. “This is feedback on both the quality and the performance of the vehicle taken straight from the owners of the vehicle. What we are seeing is a team of designers, R&D engineers and a manufacturing team that are working very effectively together to launch something quite exceptional.”