Sunday, October 19, 2014

Kia Climbs Quality Ladder


Kia Motors is one of the big winners in two recent surveys of vehicle quality.

The Kia brand has been one of the big movers in the J.D Power 2014 Initial Quality Study (IQS) rankings in the United States, as a focus on improving the quality and appeal of vehicles pays off.

Two of Kia’s exciting model range lead their respective segments in the quality study; the Kia Sportage is tied for first in the Small SUV category, and the Kia Cadenza is the best Large Car. It’s the second year the Sportage has topped its class, and this achievement comes just weeks after the model topped a similar J.D. Power study in Germany.

Kia has also moved up four places overall to now be placed sixth in the annual survey by J.D. Power out of a total of 32 car brands.

Meanwhile, in the 19th annual quality survey by US-based Strategic Vision, Kia was the leading manufacturer among non-luxury brands.

Strategic vision says Kia has posted “significant quality improvements” in recent years and is now leading non-luxury brands. It highlighted the Kia Soul as being the stand-out model in its segments and also praised the quality of the Optima, which finished a close second in the Mid-Size Car category.

“These results are important markers for anyone who is shopping around for a new car and wants to be re-assured about quality,” says Todd McDonald, General Manager of Kia Motors New Zealand.

“Many of the vehicles that Kia models compete against in the US are also sold in New Zealand, so the findings from this study are comparable. It’s an extremely good result and clearly demonstrates how Kia’s long-term strategy of concentrating on quality strengthens the brand and elevates ownership experience.”

The annual report by J.D. Power analysed responses from 86,118 buyers in the US, covering 239 vehicle models across 23 segments, and is one of the most comprehensive of its kind in the world. Vehicles were evaluated on driving experience, engine and transmission performance, and a broad range of quality problem symptoms reported by vehicle owners.

Mr McDonald says the quality and reliability of Kia vehicles was behind the move to provide New Zealand buyers with a 5-year/100,000 kilometres warranty programme, bringing peace of mind to the new buyer and any subsequent owners within that period.

For the same period of time, new Kia buyers are also provided with complimentary Kia Roadside Assistance in the unlikely event of a breakdown, or to help change a flat tyre or assist with a flat battery.

“Kia Motors was the first to offer this long-term protection in New Zealand, and it has been a source of comfort and peace of mind for thousands of Kia owners,” adds Mr McDonald.


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