Thursday, September 27, 2018

ALL-NEW KIA TELLURIDE MAKES TEXAS-SIZED STATEMENT ON BRANDON MAXWELL’S RUNWAY AT NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

2020 Telluride

Kia’s Largest and Most Refined SUV Confirmed for U.S. with Production in West Point, GA1
  • Influenced by fashion designer Brandon Maxwell’s latest Texas-inspired runway collection, a ranch-ready Telluride with saddle-like leather accents debuted at New York Fashion Week2
  • Penned at Kia’s U.S. design studio, the Telluride production model is scheduled to arrive in showrooms in early 2019
  • Together with Maxwell, Kia is donating substantial funding to the public school system of Marfa, Texas, where Maxwell designed his SS’19 collection
IRVINE, Calif., September 8, 2018 – Breaking new ground, a bespoke version of Kia Motors America’s largest and most refined SUV – the all-new 2020 Telluride – made its first public appearance today at fashion designer Brandon Maxwell’s New York Fashion Week show. Created by Kia’s U.S. design studio in Irvine, California, the customized Telluride that appeared on the runway drew influence from Maxwell’s inspiration for the Spring Summer 2019 collection: Texas.

“Telluride summits Kia’s SUV lineup and forged a surprising new path with its runway debut at New York Fashion Week,” said Saad Chehab, vice president of marketing communications, Kia Motors America. “Only a brand as forward-thinking as Kia could collaborate with Brandon Maxwell to launch the Telluride ahead of its official debut at the North American International Auto Show in January.”

The eight passenger Telluride production model – which will be assembled at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – will provide a new, V6-powered option that is several inches longer and wider than Kia’s award-winning, seven passenger Sorento midsize SUV.          

For Brandon Maxwell, the combination of childhood nostalgia and an exclusive preview of Kia’s largest and most refined SUV provided an opportunity to give back to the Marfa, Texas, community.

“My Mom drove me to school in East Texas in a Kia Sedona, and my adoration for the brand runs deep,” said Maxwell. “When I left Marfa, Texas, where I designed my SS’19 collection, I started talking with Kia. I wanted a partner who could help fill a need in Marfa’s public school system and Kia was looking to create a unique integration for their new Telluride. It was a natural fit as Kia has a long history of philanthropic initiatives that support education. Kia is not just funding necessary technological purchases and educational programming to give the children of Marfa the quality education they deserve, but also providing a vehicle for local teachers’ use. I am honored to collaborate with Kia Motors.”

The one-of-a-kind Telluride featured in the show provides a thought-provoking glimpse into the creative process that takes place when designers in separate industries collaborate. This specially tailored Telluride includes several nods to Maxwell’s Texas roots, including natural wood interior trim and saddle-inspired double-stitched leather adornments on the dash, door panels and grab handles. Similar leather details cover the outside rearview mirrors and door handles. Outside, the Telluride’s deep green paint reflects the color of the concept vehicle that debuted in Detroit two years ago. Custom front and rear bumpers, skidplates and sidestep sills exude a ranch-ready look that’s backed up with a hidden winch and a snorkel for deep-river fording. Burly 265/50R-20 off-road tires wrap around flat-black alloy wheels and the spare tire has been custom mounted to the rear hatch, which opens to a metal- and leather-trimmed cargo area. A custom wood and aluminum roof rack with a beautiful custom leather tow strap tongue provide the perfect finishing touches.
About Kia Motors America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand.   Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly built in West Point, Georgia.*
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.
* The Sorento and Optima GDI (S, EX, SX and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.


1 The Telluride will be assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
2 Custom 2020 Telluride with options and aftermarket features shown. Brandon Maxwell designed Telluride not available for purchase.

Monday, September 10, 2018

2018 SPORTAGE NAMED TOP PICK FOR TEENS BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

Compact Sport Utility Vehicle Scores High for Teenage Drivers
  • Sportage lauded for long list of tech and available driver assistance features
  • Top IIHS safety rating and predicted reliability also major winning factors

IRVINE, Calif., August 31, 2018 —U.S. News & World Report has awarded the 2018 Kia Sportage Best New SUV for Teens, $25k to $30k.
“The Sportage should be at the top of your list if you want to buy a safe and dependable SUV for your teenage driver,” says Jamie Page Deaton, executive editor, U.S. News & World Report.
Available Advanced Driver Assistance Features,1 including Blind Spot Detection System, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert were key contributors to the Sportage’s win. U.S. News & World Report was also impressed with Kia’s UVO technology2, which can be programmed to record when a teen keeps the Sportage out past an established curfew, exceeds a preset speed limit or strays outside geographic boundaries set by parents.3
Safety and reliability ratings were also major factors in earning Sportage the top spot. Sportage holds a five-star overall crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, as well as a 2018 Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety4. And, U.S. News & World Report awards the Sportage an excellent predicted reliability rating, scoring 4.5 out of five, among the highest in the compact SUV class.
“It’s fantastic Sportage is rated best for teen drivers,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA. “Young and new drivers face many challenges on the road and we’re pleased Sportage offers the right combination of technology, safety ratings and reliability to be rated best in class by U.S. News & World Report.”
For more information on the award, visit https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/best-cars-for-teens                
About Kia Motors America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand.   Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly built in West Point, Georgia.*
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.
* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.