ALL-NEW KIA TELLURIDE WINS SUV CATEGORY AT INAUGURAL TEXAS OFF-ROAD INVITATIONAL

Big and Bold Utility Vehicle Beats All Comers for Top Honors

• Its prowess in the muck and its luxurious and refined ride wins over voters

IRVINE, Calif., May 15, 2019 — The all-new Kia Telluride won first place in the SUV category at the first-ever Texas Off-Road Invitational held by the Texas Motor Press Association. More than 30 truck and sport-utility media evaluated the all-new mid-size SUV at General Sam’s Offroad Park in Huntsville, Texas. After comparing it to more than a dozen other SUVS, many of them legendary off-roaders and luxury utility vehicles, the Telluride was voted best.

“Jurors were impressed by the Telluride’s off-road prowess, which rivaled that of traditionally rough-and-ready SUVs in muddy, steep, rocky, and sandy terrain,” says Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, vice president, Texas Motor Press Association. “It also took on the challenge of driving through hub-high water with ease. For Texans, it is important to be able to easily transition from urban to suburban to ranch lifestyles, including off-roading scenarios. It’s also important that a vehicle be priced right for its abilities and build quality. The Telluride proved to Texas Motor Press Association jurors that it is the best combination of those qualities of all the vehicles tested during two days of competition.”

This is the third best-in-show award the Telluride has received in May. The other two coming from the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) “Mudfest” and the Texas Auto Writers Association “Texas Auto Roundup”.

“The Telluride continues to rack up the awards and accolades” said Michael Cole, chief operating officer, Kia Motors America. “It’s particularly impressive that this award comes from a group of experienced off-road and truck media. The Telluride was conceived of, designed and developed in, and is being assembled in this country—it’s a SUV for America, so it’s perfect that it’s being so well received in America.”*

KIA TELLURIDE PICKS UP AWARD AT ANNUAL NORTHWEST AUTOMOTIVE PRESS ASSOCIATION’S “MUDFEST”

Big and Bold Utility Vehicle Gives It Everything On- and Off-Road

• All-new CUV wins “Mid- and Full-Size Family” utility vehicle category
• Telluride also named runner up as NWAPA’s 2019 Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year

IRVINE, Calif., May 9, 2019 — After two days of driving more than 20 vehicles through a mix of on-road handling and off-road courses at The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Wash., member journalists of the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) named the Telluride as the “Mid- and Full-Size CUV” category winner at the association’s 25th annual Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year event, also known as “Mudfest.” 

“We’re honored to hear the Telluride continued its award-winning streak following NWAPA’s Mudfest, especially as it comes on the heels of being crowned the ‘CUV of Texas,’” said Michael Cole, chief operating officer and executive vice president, KMA. “Given the mountainous landscape in the Pacific Northwest, NWAPA member journalists know what to look for in adventure vehicles, and we are beyond proud that the Telluride’s capable performance and rugged luxury surpassed this adventurous group of journalists’ expectations.”

Mudfest’s on-road portion of evaluations tested acceleration, handling, braking, and more on a track complete with elevation changes, sharp corners, and sweeping curves. The vehicles were also evaluated on an off-road course that challenged vehicles with plenty of loose dirt, deep ruts, and steep climbs and descents.

“With bold styling and an attractive interior, Kia’s all-new Telluride easily sets itself apart from the crowd,” said Perry Stern, co-chair of NWAPA Mudfest. “There’s plenty of power on tap and Telluride stays comfortable no matter what the terrain serves up which helped put this new Kia at the top of its category at this year’s Mudfest.”

KIA TELLURIDE NAMED “CUV OF TEXAS” BY THE TEXAS AUTO WRITERS ASSOCIATION

Kia’s Biggest and Boldest Utility Vehicle Also Tops “Mid-Sized CUV” Category at the 2019 TAWA Auto Roundup

IRVINE, Calif., May 1, 2019 – After two days of driving and evaluations, journalist members of the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) named the all-new 2020 Kia Telluride “CUV of Texas” as well as the “Mid-Size CUV” category winner at the association’s recent Auto Roundup event. The results were based on the assessments of the 44 journalist members of TAWA who attended the event and evaluated 29 vehicles across a wide variety of criteria.

“The Telluride was designed in California, assembled in Georgia, and has now been honored in Texas with two awards from this distinguished group of journalists,” said Michael Cole, COO and executive vice president, Kia Motors America. “TAWA members know automotive, especially utility vehicles, and Telluride being crowned not only the ‘CUV of Texas’ but also ‘Mid-Sized CUV’, is further proof of Kia’s ‘Give It Everything’ credo. It’s true what they say: Everything, even Telluride, is bigger in Texas.”

After driving each vehicle on predetermined street and track courses, TAWA members voted on the top vehicles in a variety of categories. Journalists were encouraged drive the vehicles as they would if they were simulating their own day-to-day driving conditions.

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.”

KIA REVEALS NEW SUV CONCEPTS AT THE 2019 SEOUL MOTOR SHOW

• World premiere for rugged Kia ‘Masterpiece’ concept
• New ‘Signature’ concept previews upcoming compact SUV
• Asian debut for fully-electric ‘Imagine by Kia’ concept
• Exhibition of latest tech innovations from the brand, including R.E.A.D, Kia’s Real-time Emotion Adaptive Driving system

 

Kia Motors has revealed a trio of new concepts at the 2019 Seoul Motor Show today, previewing the brand’s future design direction.

Two of the three concepts make their international debut in Seoul, with the rugged Kia ‘Masterpiece’ taking center stage, combining a large SUV body with a luxurious, high-tech cabin. The Masterpiece is accompanied by the Kia ‘Signature’, a new concept model which previews the design and layout of an upcoming compact SUV from the brand.

 

The cars are joined by the ‘Imagine by Kia’ concept car, an all-electric sports sedan which embodies Kia’s desire to create exciting low-emissions passenger cars.

 

While each of the concepts hint at the direction Kia’s designers could take in future, each also illustrates different elements of the brand’s future model strategy. An expanding range of SUVs and crossover models has provided the impetus for Kia’s long-term sales growth around the world. The Masterpiece and Signature both provide an insight into how Kia could develop its model line-up in future, in terms of design, layout and use of technology. The ‘Imagine by Kia’ concept also previews how the brand plans to excite drivers with electrified vehicles in future, creating stunning exterior and interior design, with intelligent packaging and cutting-edge technologies.

 

Kia Masterpiece – a rugged and robust large SUV concept

The Kia Masterpiece concept makes its first public appearance, with a rugged and robust large SUV. The Masterpiece hints at how the brand could adapt its latest designs and features for the large off-road SUV segment.

 

Like other recent Kia models, the exterior of the car is characterized by sculpted bodywork and bold lines. Combined with a purposeful SUV stance and raised body, and a powerful all-wheel drive system, its rugged looks are matched by true ‘go-anywhere’ capability.

 

The front of the car features a new incarnation of Kia’s iconic grille, the ‘tiger nose’ – yet, extended outwards across the whole front section of the concept, with no clear boundaries between grille and LED headlamps. The design of the front of the car is echoed in the rear of the car, with signature lines at both ends of the vehicle giving the car a consistent design all round.

 

New Signature concept previews upcoming Kia compact SUV

Following the launch of the Kia SP Concept at the India’s Auto Expo 2018 in Delhi, Kia today reveals an evolution of the design, with the international debut of the Signature concept.

 

Driven by advanced technology, the Kia SP Concept hints at the company’s plans to introduce a new small SUV for its global markets. Bold and stylish, the Signature combines sophisticated beauty, breakthrough technology, and high functionality in a smart, compact package.

 

With a wide grille and long hood at the front, and a rear design which emphasizes stability with wide rear lamps and body lines, the Signature stands out on the road. At the front, its lamps are connected to the ‘tiger nose’ grille, with integrated daytime running lamps. Its strong shoulder line, with a glasshouse which tapers towards the rear of the car, lends the compact SUV an air of understated sportiness. The exterior is completed with a series of distinct styling features, contributing to the car’s contemporary, technical design. These include thin LED lamps at the front and rear, sharp lines pressed into the bodywork, and precise metallic details.

 

As eye-catching as the latest Kia production cars, the Signature heralds the forthcoming arrival of a model for young trend-setters. The concept previews a production-ready compact SUV from Kia, due to be revealed for the first time later in 2019. The concept’s design will also influence future models destined for Kia’s global markets.

 

Asian debut for fully-electric ‘Imagine by Kia’ concept

The ‘Imagine by Kia’ concept, revealed recently at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show, now makes its Asian debut in Seoul. The fully-electric sports sedan concept has been designed at Kia’s European design center in Frankfurt, Germany.

 

Gregory Guillaume, Vice President of Design for Kia Motors Europe, comments: “We imagined designing an all-electric car that not only answered consumer concerns around range, performance, recharging networks and driving dynamism, but one that also gave you goose bumps when you looked at it, and made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up when you drove it. That’s why our all-electric concept is designed to not only get your pulse racing, but to also signpost our holistic and emotional approach to electrification.”

 

A visual embodiment of the brand’s desire to move forward into the exciting world of electrification, this concept is Kia’s first pure electric four-door passenger car. Intentionally designed to sit outside the industry’s predefined vehicle categories, it coherently draws together elements of a muscular sports utility vehicle, a sleek and athletic family saloon and a versatile and spacious crossover. The ‘Imagine by Kia’ concept represents a more progressive Kia design language for the future, with intelligent reinterpretations of existing Kia motifs and a bodywork characterized by a blend of tautly-drawn sheet metal, crisp lines, and efficient aerodynamics.

 

Kia’s European design team fully exploited the chassis architecture of the powertrain’s all-electric layout to maximize cabin space and create an airy and spacious interior. In a humorous riposte to the industry’s current obsession with ever increasing dashboard screens, the concept features 21 individual ultra high-resolution screens. These curve across the top of the dashboard in a layout that is at the same time both casual and coordinated.

 

While not immediately destined for production, the ‘Imagine by Kia’ concept hints at interior and exterior design elements that could be adapted for future production models from the brand.

 

Kia R.E.A.D. – Seoul debut for Real-time Emotion Adaptive Driving technologies

Kia will exhibit a range of its latest technologies at the Seoul Motor Show, with a series of innovations developed for the post-autonomous driving era.

 

First revealed at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the United States, Kia’s Real-time Emotion Adaptive Driving (R.E.A.D.) system looks to a future when autonomous driving is the norm and priority is given to improving the human mobility experience.

 

The world-first technology optimizes and personalizes the cabin, 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 enjoyable mobility experience. AI deep-learning technology enables the system to establish a baseline in user behavior, and then identify patterns and trends to customize the cabin accordingly.

 

The R.E.A.D. system is featured alongside V-Touch, a world-first virtual touch-type gesture control technology which employs a 3D camera to monitor users’ eyes and fingertip. V-Touch allows occupants to manage several in-car features using simple finger gestures, adapting cabin lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) and entertainment systems. The system potentially eliminates the need for buttons or a touchscreen interface.

 

Another feature of the innovative R.E.A.D. system is Kia’s music-response vibration seat technology, where occupants ‘feel’ their favorite songs as they listen to them. The sensory-based signal processing technology adapts seat vibrations according to music sound frequencies. The vibration seats also feature a ‘massage’ mode to increase comfort, and can enhance safety with haptic warnings linked to advanced driver-assist systems.

 

Visitors to Kia’s Seoul Motor Show booth can experience the R.E.A.D. system for themselves with guided tours around the technology.