2019 FORTE NAMED BEST SMALL CAR BY MOTORWEEK

Forte Named Best All-Around Compact

• Smart, sporty and exceptionally engineered, says long-running television automobile show
• Excellent value and reliability additional factors

IRVINE, Calif., February 7, 2019 — Kia Motors America (KMA) is pleased to announce that the 2019 Forte has won a 2019 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award for “Best Small Car.”

“With the 2019 Forte, Kia has taken an already excellent small car approach and added more space, more technology, and dynamic styling,” says John Davis, creator and host of MotorWeek, television's longest running automotive magazine show. “The end result is a great looking, highly affordable car that we think is also the most enjoyable daily driver in its size class."

MotorWeek editors conduct upwards of 150 car and truck reviews annually, evaluating vehicles on an array of factors, including: price, features, performance, accommodations, fuel economy, reliability records, and resale value. The Drivers’ Choice awards are based on these thorough evaluations.

“The Forte was all-new for 2019. We built it with the goal of it being the best in its class,” says Orth Hedrick, executive director of Car Planning and Telematics, KMA. “So, it really validates the efforts of the entire Kia team when a body of respected auto experts like MotorWeek gives it their top rating.”

Drivers’ Choice Award winners are featured on Motorweek.org, and will appear on a special episode #3823 of MotorWeek airing on public television stations beginning February 9, and on cable’s MotorTrend Network beginning February 19.  

KIA MOTORS AMERICA POSTS BEST-EVER 2018 CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED AND BRANDED PRODUCTS PROGRAM SALES

Award-winning CPO Program Stands out From the Competition with 2.0-percent Increase        Year-over-Year

• Sportage and Forte set sales records with 9,420 and 9,233 vehicles sold, respectively
• Kia’s diverse lineup of vehicles continue to reach a broad segment of consumers

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 23, 2019 – Kia Motors America (KMA) announces record 2018 Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales with 76,895 vehicles sold. Kia’s F&I also soared to new heights with a record number of branded products sold. Kia’s popular Sportage and Forte helped drive the brand’s sales with double-digit gains.

“2018 was a standout year for Kia with sales of Sportage and Forte climbing to new heights,” said Bill Peffer, vice president, sales operations, KMA. “Kia’s CPO program continues to give consumers an added piece of mind when purchasing pre-owned.” 

Autodata’s 2018 CPO retail sales report confirms that when it comes to pre-owned vehicles Kia continues to stand out from the crowd with a 2.0-percent increase year-over-year.

“With transaction prices reaching all-time highs, CPO vehicles offer a great value right now for car shoppers who want something newer,” said Ivan Drury, Edmunds senior manager of industry analysis. “Dealers will have a record number of off-lease vehicles coming back to lots this year, which means buyers will have more CPO choices than ever.”

KMA’s CPO program accepts only Kia vehicles that are five years or newer with fewer than 60,000 miles on the odometer, and requires a meticulous 164-point Quality Assurance inspection by certified Kia technicians. CPO vehicles also come with a 10-year /100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and 12-month /12,000 mile-Platinum Coverage. Whether it’s the midsize Optima sedan, iconic Soul or the Sorento SUV that drivers dream of, customers get a great price matched with superb quality, bypassing the stress, risk and uncertainty that typically comes with buying a previously owned vehicle.

ALL-NEW 2020 KIA TELLURIDE OFFERS RUGGED LUXURY

 Big, Bold and Boxy, New Midsize SUV is Made for Adventures

• Largest Kia ever provides comfortable seating for up to eight occupants (includes the driver)
• Potent 3.8-liter GDI V6 with 291 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque
• Powerful exterior design and premium, well-appointed interior
• Loaded with technology to enhance comfort, convenience, utility and the driver and passenger experience

DETROIT, January 14, 2019 – Large, bold, capable and comfortable, the midsize Telluride SUV opens the door to exploring in a whole new way. Imagined in America, designed at Kia’s design studio in California, and assembled in Georgia, the Telluride is all about big skies, desert roads, mountain passes, shady forests, smooth highways, and long coastal drives. The largest Kia ever, it provides comfortable seating for up to eight, a powerful 291-hp 3.8-liter V6, available active          on-demand all-wheel drive, and an inspiring view of the world. In short, the Telluride offers potential for exploration and adventure every time it’s on the road.



Designed in America for America

Telluride is the first Kia designed specifically for the U.S. and is a product of the Kia Design Center in Irvine, CA. From the first pencil stroke it was meant to convey the kind of presence associated with the original legendary SUVs – big, bold and boxy – and the go-anywhere, do-anything attitude their square, burly-shouldered shapes suggested. The Telluride’s sophisticated exterior accents also hint at its interior luxury. Main design cues include:

• Long, broad hood and wide grille
• Bold, stacked headlamps convey power and stability
• Upright windshield and clean side profile conveys muscular tension
• Inverted “L” tail lamps with LED stripes (standard on EX and SX trims)
• Elongated nameplates on the leading edge of the hood and on the liftgate provide distinctive identity for flagship SUV
• Sculpted rear skid plate with integrated twin exhaust tips reference off-road ability and power (standard on S, EX and SX trims)

The Telluride interior is designed to continue the impression of upscale exploration:

• Grab handles integrated into the center console suggest journeys off the beaten path
• Wide console with emphasis on the horizontal through artistic use of premium trim features to convey spaciousness  - more “luxe living room” than “utility vehicle”
• Spacious cabin for generous hip, shoulder, leg and head room, including in the third row

Engineered to be Confident and Capable

Telluride is engineered to be capable in a variety of driving conditions and provide a driving experience that is enjoyable and confidence-inspiring. Among the many factors that contribute to the Telluride’s composed ride and performance:

• Atkinson Cycle LAMBDA II 3.8L V6 GDI engine producing 291 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,200 rpm
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• Four-wheel independent suspension
• Strong, stiff, and torsionally rigid body structure due to the monocoque shell that is composed of 59.4 percent advanced high-strength steel
• Self-leveling rear suspension. Ride height is automatically calibrated depending on vehicle load to optimize control and stability (optional on EX and SX)
• Choice of four drive modes – Smart, Eco, Sport and Comfort – each using different settings for powertrain, drivetrain, and steering effort mapping to provide the desired driving experience.  In addition to the four regular drive modes, drivers can select from two different settings, Snow and AWD Lock, for specific driving conditions. 
• Available active on-demand all-wheel drive helps provide enhanced driving performance by actively distributing torque between front and rear wheels depending on road conditions and driver input. The system utilizes electro-hydraulic AWD coupling to precisely activate the multi-plate clutch plate, constantly redistributing the amount of power transferred to the front and rear wheels. During normal driving, power is distributed according to the drive mode selected. “Eco” and “Smart” modes deliver 100 percent power to the front wheels. “Comfort” and “Snow” modes deliver 80 percent power to the front wheels and 20 percent to rear. Sport mode splits the power 65-35 percent between front and back. “Lock” mode delivers power evenly to all four wheels
• Standard towing rated up to 5,000 pounds
  
• Downhill Brake Control (DBC) maintains a controlled descent on steep roads

	TELLURIDE TECH – BELLS AND WHISTLES GALORE
	As Kia’s flagship SUV, the Telluride can be outfitted with an array of advanced technology and driver-assistance systems. The following is a list of the available features that are firsts for any Kia SUV. These are in addition to the long list of tech and ADAS features listed under the “Brimming with Technology” section of this release below. Please see that section for complete descriptions. Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear (BCA-R) Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA) Lane Following Assist (LFA) Safe Exit Assist (SEA) Highway Driving Assist (HDA) Head-Up Display (HUD) Driver Talk Quiet Mode Rear Occupant Alert

Born for Adventure in Luxury

Planning the Telluride interior, Kia designers set out to create an upscale cabin with an abundance of premium materials, attention to detail, and an array of convenient features including:

• Available double-stitched, quilted and extra-padded Nappa leather trim upholstery
• Simulated brushed metal and matte-finished wood
• Interior hooks to keep packs and bags off floor and away from feet
• Available heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats
• Ceiling-mounted second-row climate control
• HVAC diffusing ceiling vents provide wider spread of airflow for increased comfort
• Reclining third-row seats
  
• Leather-wrapped, tilt and telescoping steering wheel
• Available heated steering wheel

Brimming with Technology — Advanced Connectivity, Safety Features, and Driver Assistance Systems

Telluride is packed with high-tech, advanced automotive technology, including the “Kia Drive Wise” suite of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems, and a long list of standard and optional equipment, highlights of which are listed below:

• Available 10.25-inch color touchscreen with rear view monitor and parking guidance
• Available 630-watt, 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system (AM/FM/SiriusXM) with  Quantum Logic Surround Sound and Clari-Fi
  
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Available wireless smartphone charging
  
• Available six total USB charging ports – two in each row. Five ports is standard
• Available multi-Bluetooth wireless connectivity allows two phones to connect simultaneously
• 7 airbags (dual front advanced air bags, dual front seat-mounted side air bags, side curtain air bags with rollover sensor, driver's side knee air bag)
• Vehicle Safety Systems
  
  • Antilock braking
  • Vehicle stability management
  • Downhill brake control
  • Electronic stability control
  • Hill-start assist control
  • Tire pressure monitoring system
• “Kia Drive Wise” Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)
  
  • Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist  with pedestrian detection (FCA)
  • High Beam Assist (HBA) (available)
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
  • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
  • Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist-Rear (BCA-R) 
  • Blind Spot View Monitor (BVM) (available)
  • Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
    
  • Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
  • Parking Distance Warning – Forward (available) and Reverse
  • Surround View Monitor (SVM) (available)
  • Highway Driving Assist (HDA): Uses radar systems to interpret lane markings so the vehicle can control steering, acceleration and braking to automatically adjust distance from the vehicle detected ahead. HDA is also designed to recognize speed limits on federal highways and adjust speed accordingly (available)
  • Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear (BCA-R): A camera is designed to track vehicle lane changes and, if it detects an object in the intended path, the BCA-R system applies brake pressure to the front wheel of the opposite side to help maintain the previous course
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA): An extension of Rear          Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW), RCCA may apply brakes if an impending impact is detected
  • Lane Following Assist (LFA): When Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go is activated, LFA is designed to monitor lane markings to help keep the Telluride centered in its lane
  • Safe Exit Assist (SEA): In certain situations, if the system detects an object approaching from the rear, SEA will override attempts to deactivate Electronic Child Safety Lock until the detected object has passed
  • Head-Up Display: Added information makes this system especially useful. Provides turn-by-turn navigation, speed and local speed limits, smart cruise control and blind-spot warnings (available)
  • Driver Talk: Uses a microphone to enhance communication with second- and third-row passengers (available)
  • Quiet Mode: Cuts audio output in second and third row so the audio choices of the front occupants are only heard in that row (available)
  • Rear Occupant Alert: Uses ultrasonic sensors designed to detect child or pet movement in the second and third row after the car’s doors have been locked and then can issue audible alerts to the driver
• Telluride is equipped with the UVO telematics system featuring an embedded modem that allows Telluride drivers to monitor and control a number of vehicle operations, including:
• Remote start and door lock (standard)
• Pre-condition the vehicle cabin temperature prior to use (only on EX and SX trims)
  
• “Send-to-Car” points of interest (POI) and waypoints: If the vehicle is equipped with navigation, owners will be able to plan a road trip remotely and send it to the navigation system
• Rear Occupant Alert: Uses sensors designed to detect a passenger in the rear cabin. If a rear passenger is detected and the driver leaves the vehicle, the vehicle will follow a series of steps to notify the driver, initially through a vehicle cluster message, and then through vehicle alarm initiation and subsequent SMS/Push message to the owner’s smart phone if they are enrolled through the UVO app

Assembled in America

Telluride will be assembled at Kia’s manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia (KMMG) alongside certain trims of the Sorento and Optima. When it goes on sale this year (pricing will be announced near the on-sale date), Telluride will be available in four trims, LX, EX, S and SX with a choice of front-wheel or optional all-wheel drive.

KIA IS AMONG TOP THREE BRANDS WITH MOST 2019 IIHS SAFETY AWARDS FOLLOWING STRICTER CRASH STANDARDS

                     A Total of Eight 2019 Kia Models Meet More Stringent Requirements

• All-new 2019 Forte is among five Kia models to receive 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus designation when equipped with front crash prevention and specific headlights
• Three other Kia models with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights earn 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick status

IRVINE, Calif., December 21, 2018 — Kia Motors America (KMA) is proud to announce that a total of eight Kia models were included in the 2019 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Awards, making it  one of the top three brands to rack up the most safety awards following tougher IIHS requirements for 2019. The all-new 2019 Forte, which just went on-sale this past summer, is one of the five models to earn a Top Safety Pick Plus award – the IIHS’s highest designation possible – when equipped with front crash prevention and specific headlights.

“We are honored to receive so many IIHS safety awards across our lineup, especially considering these designations are much harder to achieve in 2019,” said Orth Hedrick, Director of Car Planning and Telematics, KMA. “The IIHS safety awards are highly regarded by today’s consumers, and we see these latest accolades as validation of Kia’s dedication to its customers and to the continuous efforts to build better and safer vehicles.”

The number of awards is especially impressive in light of the new testing standards implemented by IIHS this year. In order to achieve the TSP+ rating, vehicles now require a “Good” rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test versus an “Acceptable” or “Good” rating for the 2018 award. The IIHS testing parameters also require a vehicle earn “Good” ratings in all other crashworthiness tests and an “Advanced” or “Superior” rating for front crash prevention, as well as a “Good” rating in headlight testing. Kia IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus models when equipped with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights include: 

1. 2019 Forte
2. 2019 Niro
   
3. 2019 Niro Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
   
4. 2019 Optima
5. 2019 Sorento
   

An “Acceptable” or “Good” rating in the passenger-side test is also new criterion to earn a 2019 Top Safety Pick. To further qualify, a vehicle must earn “Good” ratings in all other crashworthiness tests, plus an “Advanced” or “Superior” rating for front crash prevention, and a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating in headlight testing. Kia Top Safety Pick models when equipped with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights include:

1. 2019 Rio (sedan only)
   
2. 2019 Soul
   
3. 2019 Cadenza
   

“Safety is a top priority for our vehicles,”  said Andy Freels, President of Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI), the research and development center for Kia. “Having earned eight of these prestigious safety awards reflects our commitment to consistently striving to improve the safety and integrity of our products.”

CES 2019: Kia prepares for post-autonomous driving era with AI-based real-time emotion recognition technology

• Kia to unveil new in-car tech for the future ‘emotive driving’ era at CES 2019
• R.E.A.D. System is the automotive industry’s first technology converging human senses-oriented in-cabin environment control and AI-based emotional intelligence

(SEOUL) December 20, 2018 – Kia Motors will preview a range of new technologies developed for the post-autonomous driving era at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) next month.

Kia’s interactive ‘Space of Emotive Driving’ exhibit looks to a future when autonomous driving is the norm and priority is given to improving the human mobility experience. Central to this concept is Kia’s new Real-time Emotion Adaptive Driving (R.E.A.D.) System – a world’s first technology developed based on a joint research collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab's Affective Computing group.

R.E.A.D. System can optimize and personalize a vehicle cabin space by analyzing a driver’s emotional state in real-time through artificial intelligence-based bio-signal recognition technology. The technology monitors a driver’s emotional state and tailors the interior environment according to its assessment – potentially altering conditions relating to the human senses within the cabin, creating a more joyful mobility experience.

Mr. Albert Biermann, President and Head of Research & Development Division of Kia Motors, said, “We have developed R.E.A.D. System to create an interactive future mobility in-cabin space by converging cutting edge vehicle control technology and AI-based emotional intelligence. Consequently, R.E.A.D. System will enable continuous communication between drivers and vehicles through the unspoken language of ‘emotional feeling’, thereby providing an optimized human senses-oriented space for drivers in real-time.”

Kia’s CES exhibit will also feature several other advanced in-car and mobility technologies focused on the brand’s ‘emotive driving’ concept, with more details set to be announced in the build-up to the 2019 event. For an enhanced visitor experience, Kia will operate 15-minute ‘Docent Tours’ at regular intervals at the booth throughout the duration of CES 2019. The tours will give attendees a more in-depth understanding of the new technologies on display.

RIO AND SOUL NAMED BEST BUY WINNERS BY CONSUMER GUIDE AUTOMOTIVE

Two Kia Subcompacts are Tops in Value

• Rio wins for exemplary ride and road manners in its class
• Soul is winner due to spacious cabin and value pricing

IRVINE, Calif., December 6, 2018 — Kia Motors America (KMA) is pleased to announce that the Rio and Soul have been named 2019 Consumer Guide® Automotive Best Buy Award winners.

"Kia's two 2019 Best Buy Awards demonstrate the brand's ability to build high-value vehicles that offer car buyers levels of comfort and refinement that are generally found in more-expensive offerings,” says Tom Appel, Publisher, Consumer Guide® Automotive. “The Kia Soul earns our Best Buy honors primarily for its excellent passenger and cargo accommodations and its value pricing and the Kia Rio warrants our Best Buy honors for its impressive value and refinement for the price. Rio is one of the best-riding and quietest vehicles in its class.”

According to Appel, Consumer Guide editors log more than 100,000 miles every year evaluating vehicles and use objective criteria such as price, features, performance, accommodations, fuel economy, reliability records, and resale value, to assess each vehicle in real-world driving experiences.

“It’s always rewarding for Kia and its employees when any of our vehicles receives an award,” says Orth Hedrick, executive director of Car Planning and Telematics, KMA. “But it’s doubly gratifying when it’s two vehicles, this time Rio and Soul, and even better when we’re recognized by a respected publication like Consumer Guide.”

New 2019 Cars

   What's New 2019

2019 Cadenza

Premium

·         Standard Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)

·         Standard power folding mirrors w/ puddle lamp and rear parking sensors

Technology (repositioned trim and replaces the Luxury Package)

·         Panoramic sunroof

·         19-inch wheels

·         LED headlights & LED fog lamps

·         AVN5 premium navigation

·         Harman/Kardon premium audio system

·         Wireless smartphone charger

·         Homelink garage door opener

·         Front door pocket lights

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2019 Niro

All trims – FE, LX, EX, S Touring, Touring

·         Minor color and trim combination changes

S Touring

·         Formerly named “Graphite Edition”

Navigation

·         AVN 5.0 replaces AVN 4.0

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2019 Niro PHEV

All trims – LX, EX, EX Premium

·         Minor color and trim combination changes

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2019 OPTIMA HYBRID 

New Standard Features for the 2019 model year:

·         10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support

·         60/40 split folding rear seats

·         Dual zone automatic temperature control with rear vents

·         Front USB charger & 12V power outlet and USB charger in rear console

·         Leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats

·         Single projection headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Advanced Driver Assistance  System (ADAS) technologies – Blind-spot Collision Warning (BCW), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision  Warning (RCCW), and Parking Distance Warning Reverse (PDW-R)

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2019 Optima PHEV

What’s new for the 2019 model year:

·         Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technologies are now standard – Blind-spot Collision Warning (BCW), Parking Distance Warning-Reverse (PDW-R), and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)

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2019 Rio

For 2019, the four-door Kia Rio is available in LX and S grades:

Rio Available Packages:

Tech Package

·         FCA (Forward Collision Avoidance)

·         LED Headlights and Positioning Lights

·         SuperVision Meter Cluster w/3.5" LCD Display

·         UVO3 eServices

·         Highline TPMS

SIRIUS® Satellite Radio Package (4DR only)

·         (Audio 4.0B AM/FM/MP3, 5" color screen)

·         Satellite Radio

·         Replaces 7" color touch screen

·         Deletes Android Auto/Apple CarPlay

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2019 Rio 5-Door

For 2019, the 5-door Kia Rio is available in S grade only:

Rio Available Packages:

Tech Package

·         FCA (Forward Collision Avoidance)

·         LED Headlights and Positioning Lights

·         SuperVision Meter Cluster w/3.5" LCD Display

·         UVO3 eServices

·         Highline TPMS

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2019 Soul

Base

·         Rear Camera now standard

·         Auto-on/off headlights now standard

·         Inferno Red now available on Base trim

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2019 SOUL EV

What’s new for the 2019 model year:

·         Soul EV

•          AVN 5.0 audio now standard

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2019 Sportage Small Crossover Utility Vehicle

Product Highlights:

LX 2.4L

LX Popular Package upgrades:

·         UVO3 7-in. touchscreen with Android Auto and eServices telematics

·         Full Auto Temperature Control

·         Auto Defogger

·         Air Ionizer

EX 2.4L 

·         Blind Spot Detection

·         Rear Cross Traffic Alert

·         Outside Mirror Turn Signal

·         Outside Mirror Power Folding

·         Heated Outside Mirrors

·         Piano Black High Glossy Trim

SX 2.0 T

·         Electronic Parking Brake w/ Auto Hold

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2019 KIA STINGER

What’s new for the 2019 model year:

Stinger:

·         Included 18-inch machined finish wheels as standard equipment

·         Standard Blind Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning

·         Sun & Sound package, includes sunroof, Harman/Kardon premium audio, 8-inch touchscreen navigation, LED headlamps

Premium & GT1:

·         Standard full suite of ADAS features, in addition to wireless charging and front ventilated seats

GT:

·         Mechanical limited slip differential added to all rear-wheel drive trims

GT2:

·         Surround View Monitor

·         Heated rear seats