KIA STINGER NAMED TO AUTOTRADER’S 2018 10 BEST CAR INTERIORS UNDER $50,000

Stylish Gran Turismo Lauded for Impressive Quality and Spacious Accommodations

• Stinger’s outstanding quality reflects our development mantra that no detail is too small
• With enough room to comfortably seat five, Stinger doesn’t sacrifice room for luggage

IRVINE, Calif., March 12, 2018 — The 2018 Kia Stinger recently was named one of Autotrader’s 10 Best Car Interiors under $50,000 for 2018.  The honor is just the latest accolade in a long string of acknowledgments for Stinger as it continues to redefine the sport sedan segment previously occupied by much more expensive offerings from Germany.  Taking into account the amount of time today’s drivers spend in their vehicles, Autotrader’s list aims to help shoppers go beyond the sheet metal and selects cars that make transit more enjoyable through thoughtfully laid out, comfortable and spacious interiors.



“A finely appointed interior coupled with standout performance makes Stinger the perfect companion for road trips, running errands or a daily commute,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, Kia Motors America.  “Generous space for passengers and luggage add to Stinger’s appeal.”

Brimming with power, passion and performance, the 2018 Kia Stinger is a sport sedan dedicated to the thrill of driving while cossetting occupants in luxury.  A strong horizontal plane across the dash presents the driver with a thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters.  Occupants feel a sense of intimacy balanced by warm and inviting available multi-color LED ambient lights that softly illuminate the interior.      

“What’s on the inside of a car is arguably as important as what’s on the outside, since drivers and passengers spend all their travel time here,” said Tara Trompeter, managing editor for Autotrader.  “The Kia Stinger’s interior offers a great-looking cabin with upscale materials and intuitive controls.  There's also a surprising amount of rear-seat room for a sport sedan -- and we're impressed with the impressive quality of the door panels, which is something you’d typically find in a more expensive vehicle.”

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.*

LIMITED PRODUCTION 2019 STINGER GT “ATLANTICA” BRINGS UNIQUE FEATURES TO KIA’S FASTBACK SPORT SEDAN

500-unit Production Run Promises Quick Sell-Out

• Exclusive metallic blue paint, wheels and luxurious interior add to Stinger’s stunning appearance
• Unique  badging make Kia’s Stinger GT Atlantica a one-of-a-kind vehicle
• New tech and luxury features previously not offered on the U.S. Stinger provide an added level of convenience

IRVINE, Calif., March 6, 2018 – The Stinger sport sedan has ushered in a new era for Kia and has redefined driving enthusiasts’ opinions of the brand since going on sale in late last year.  Continuing that excitement and arriving this summer, the limited-edition Stinger GT Atlantica celebrates the cross-Atlantic collaboration between the U.S. and the vehicle’s Germany-based development roots and introduces exclusive features not previously offered. With only a 500-unit limited-production run, the Atlantica edition is guaranteed to sell out quickly.  The Atlantica edition includes unique paint, wheels and Nappa leather interior.  Exclusive numbered badging inside and out, along with a bevy of technology and luxury features, make this 2019 Stinger truly something special.
“We recognize Stinger is something special and wanted to commemorate the 2019 model year with a stand-out variant,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, Kia Motors America (KMA).  “Out of the box, the Stinger is a tried-and-true sport sedan with much of its development taking place on Germany’s grueling Nürburgring race circuit.  The Atlantica edition introduces more European flare while distinguishing itself with exclusive badging and features not previously offered by Kia in the U.S. market.”



Based on the Stinger GT2 AWD, the Atlantica edition is immediately recognizable with its Deep Chroma Blue metallic exterior paint.  The aggressive 19-inch alloy wheels come direct from the European Stinger and the large-font Stinger badge¹ across the rear deck lid harkens from the Korean-spec vehicle.  An exclusive Espresso Brown Nappa leather interior complements the exterior and a rich black suede-type headliner adds a premium touch to an already well-equipped cockpit.  Unique features to the Stinger GT Atlantica include a Surround View Monitor², a wireless phone charger³, and heated rear outboard seats.  Three tasteful Stinger Atlantica badges, one on the front center console and two that flank both front fenders, round out this exclusive and limited package.  Final pricing hasn’t been determined and will be available closer to the Atlantica edition’s on-sale date this summer.       
   

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.*

* 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.

KIA SOUL SALES SURPASS THE ONE MILLION MARK IN THE UNITED STATES

 

 Iconic Urban Passenger Vehicle Ushered in Kia’s Design-Led Transformation

• Funky look, unique personality and a little help from a trio of music-loving hamsters have made the Kia Soul a phenomenon since bursting on the scene in 2009
• The Kia Soul is a five-time segment winner in J.D. Power’s annual Initial Quality Study1

IRVINE, Calif., March 5, 2018 –  Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the one-millionth sale of the Soul urban passenger vehicle in the U.S. As the first production vehicle in Kia’s design-led transformation under the watchful eye of president and chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, the one-of-a-kind urban runabout has stood out from the crowd and provided a fun and funky approach to everyday driving since 2009.

“When the Soul first arrived in 2009, everyone at Kia believed we had a hit on our hands, but the Soul’s ongoing popularity and influence on pop-culture has taken the Kia brand to places we could only dream of back then,” said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, Kia Motors America. “From the beginning, the Soul has attracted new customers to the Kia brand by projecting the kind of individuality and optimism that appeals to both the young and the young-at-heart, and with Kia’s overall U.S. sales climbing nearly 150-percent since Soul entered the lineup, its impact cannot be overstated.”

In addition to confidently standing out on the road, the Soul success story also includes some of the most memorable and effective automotive advertising of all-time. Cruising in a Soul, Kia’s posse of hamsters have always brought people together through music, dance and positivity while tapping their paws to a playlist ranging from Black Sheep’s classic hip-hop track "The Choice Is Yours" and LMFAO's smash hit "Party Rock Anthem” to Maroon 5’s “Animal,” Lady Gaga’s “Applause and, most recently, Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades.” Over the years, the hamsters have become advertising legends with the 2011 spot generating more than 20 million online views alone. In addition, the hamsters were recognized by the Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame and named the first-ever "Rookie of the Year" after being chosen the "Automotive Ad of the Year" for two straight years by Nielsen Automotive.

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.

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1 The Kia Soul received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles reflecting higher quality among compact multi-purpose vehicles in the J.D. Power 2015-2017 U.S. Initial Quality Studies. 2017 study based on 77,419 total responses, evaluating 189 models, and measures the opinions of new 2017 vehicle owners after 90 days of ownership, surveyed in February-May 2017. Your experiences may vary. Visit www.jdpower.com/cars.

KIA MOTORS’ “STINGER EXPERIENCE” TEST DRIVE EVENTS PUT CONSUMERS BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THE HIGHEST PERFORMING VEHICLE IN COMPANY HISTORY

Performance-Oriented Non-Retail Environment Will Allow Consumers in Nine Markets to Compare Stinger GT with Lauded Sport Sedans from Germany

• Kia’s “Stinger Experience” provides hands-on driving experience, including a 0-60 mile per hour sprint and an autocross-inspired driving course
• Consumers can register at KiaStingerExperience.com 1 to put Kia’s all-new Stinger to the test back-to-back against vehicles from Audi, BMW and Porsche

IRVINE, Calif., February 23, 2018 – Over the last month the all-new Kia Stinger has been named “Vehicle of the Year” by Roadshow by CNET, “Best of the Year” by MotorWeek, and urged people to “Feel Something Again – a State of Mind” in in Kia Motors’ Super Bowl ad.  Now, Kia is ready to show consumers and enthusiasts what all the hype is about with the performance-oriented “Stinger Experience” test drive events in select cities nationwide.  Accompanied by professional driving instructors, Stinger Experience participants will take on several dynamic challenges in the Stinger GT, as well as in the Audi A5, BMW 640i Gran Coupe and Porsche Panamera, through various dynamic exercises, including a 0-60 MPH acceleration run, cornering tests and a slalom course.

“With a faster top-speed and 0-60 time than a six-cylinder Porsche Panamera, the Stinger GT is like nothing anyone has ever seen from Kia before and must be driven to be fully appreciated and understood,” said Saad Chehab, vice president, marketing communications, Kia Motors America. “The Stinger Experience gives people an opportunity to see and feel for themselves just how far Kia has come, and that the Stinger can hold its head high against some of the best that Germany has to offer.”

The Stinger Experience tour schedule includes stops in Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C. While there are no direct sales opportunities at the Stinger Experiences, on-site specialists can refer those interested in purchasing a Stinger to one of Kia’s nearly 800 dealerships nationwide.

Designed in Frankfurt and developed on Germany’s famed Nürburgring under the watchful eyes of two auto industry legends – Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors’ chief design officer, and Albert Biermann, president and head of vehicle test and high-performance development – the Stinger delivers head-turning design, premium amenities and heart-pounding power at an incredibly value-packed price. Available in both rear- and all-wheel-drive, the Stinger GT trim, with its twin-turbo V6, produces 365 horsepower and pushes the sports sedan to a top speed of 167 miles per hour and from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.7 seconds2.

* 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.

KIA STINGER NAMED AS BEST OF THE YEAR IN MOTORWEEK 2018 DRIVERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

 Hot-blooded Gran Turismo Also Takes Top Honor in Best Sport Sedan Category

Stinger lauded for bringing innovation and value to the market

MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Awards examine vehicles from a buyer’s point of view

IRVINE, Calif., February 9, 2018 – The Kia Stinger has been named as Best of the Year in MotorWeek’s 2018 Drivers’ Choice Awards, the top honor given amongst the 14-category program.  The accolade is just the latest in a long string of acknowledgments for Stinger, which went on sale late last year and is redefining a staid sport sedan segment previously occupied by more expensive offerings from Germany.   The awards, now in their 36thyear, recognize vehicles for bringing innovation and value to the car-buying public.

“What’s innovative about Stinger isn’t its extraordinary handling, drop-dead style or eye-popping performance; that’s expected in this segment and Stinger delivers on every front,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, Kia Motors America (KMA).  “What’s innovative is that we brought this car to market at such a tremendous value and it’s an honor to be recognized by the MotorWeek editorial staff for this accomplishment.”  The Stinger has a base price of just $31,900 (not including destination charges of $900).1

The MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards are consumer focused and the winners represent the best automotive picks within a large range of lifestyles.  As television’s original automotive magazine series, MotorWeek's editorial staff evaluates more than 150 cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles per year, and winners are chosen based on driving dynamics, performance, technology, practicality, fuel efficiency and dollar value.

“Our annual Drivers’ Choice Awards look at vehicles from a buyer’s point of view.  We are aware of trends and innovations, and they play a large part in our selection process,” said MotorWeek host, John Davis.  “We also understand that consumers want value and reliability and that’s where we believe the Kia Stinger hits the sweet spot.  It’s practical, great to look at, and can be a performance car or an everyday driver, depending on who’s behind the wheel.  Our aim is to produce a list of winners that makes sense, and can be used as a practical guide for car shopping.”  MotorWeek is a production of Maryland Public Television and is seen nationwide on the PBS broadcast network and on the Velocity cable network.

About Kia Motor 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.

1 MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges.  Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.

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Kia makes reasonable efforts to ensure that information contained in its press releases is accurate at the time of posting. However, Kia makes no guarantees or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the accuracy of the content presented. Kia may, from time to time, update its press releases, issue new releases, or publish other information to reflect new information.

2017 KIA FORTE EARNS TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS RATING FROM INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY

Award Cements Forte as a Leader in the Compact Sedan Segment

• Forte earned “Good” rating in IIHS small overlap test and met all other crashworthiness requirements
• Compact sedan received “Good” rating for headlights with HID Dynamic Bending Light

IRVINE, Calif., July 20, 2017 —The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded its best rating possible, Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+), to the 2017 Kia Forte built after March 2017 when equipped with optional front crash prevention and high intensity discharge (HID) headlights with Dynamic Bending Light. This top safety award came right on the heels of the Forte being named highest-rated compact car in the 2017 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS), which measures consumer satisfaction and the least number of issues in the first 90 days of ownership.¹




“Kia Forte is one of our most popular and best-selling vehicles,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, Product Planning KMA. “The new distinction of TSP+ rating from the highly-respected IIHS reconfirms the high priority we place on safety for our customers and why Forte remains a favorite in the compact sedan class.”

To qualify for TSP+, the IIHS testing parameters require each vehicle to earn “good” ratings in five crashworthiness tests – small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength and head restraints – as well as an “advanced” or “superior” rating for front crash prevention and an “acceptable” or “good” rating in headlight testing.

About the 2017 Forte
Refreshed for the 2017 model year, the Forte features sophisticated and sporty styling, new powertrain components and advanced driver assistance systems, including: Autonomous Emergency Braking; Rear Cross Traffic Alert; Forward Collision Warning;² and Dynamic Bending Light (adapts the headlights depending on vehicle speed and steering angle to deliver improved illumination).

Now available in three trims, a new sporty S trim sits in between the entry-level LX trim and the top-trim EX model. Replacing last year’s 1.8-liter inline-4 cylinder engine is a standard 2.0-liter Atkinson I-4 that makes 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 lb-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. The new base engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, though a second-generation six-speed automatic transmission is available. Delivering efficiency and smoother shifting, the newly engineered six-speed automatic is also matched to the 2.0-liter GDI I-4, which produces 164 hp at 6,200 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

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.

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1 The Kia Forte received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles reflecting higher quality among compact cars in the J.D. Power 2017 U.S. Initial Quality Study based on 77,419 total.

2 These features are not substitutes for safe driving, and may not detect all objects surrounding vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.

KIA MOTORS’ MUSIC-LOVING HAMSTERS WELCOME A NEW MEMBER TO THE FAMILY IN MARKETING CAMPAIGN FOR THE TURBOCHARGED SOUL

• “The Arrival” debuts online and in-cinema on Friday, June 30
• Motörhead’s ‘Ace of Spades’ serves as the soundtrack for Kia’s eighth hamster commercial

IRVINE, Calif., June 29, 2017– Over the last eight years, the Kia Soul and a trio of paw-tapping, music-loving hamsters have stood apart from the competition and captured imaginations.  So how did Kia go about improving an icon? By turbocharging it. Now available with a 201-horsepower engine, Kia has upped the ante on its funky crossover, and the latest installment of Kia’s award-winning ad campaign finds the ever-present hamsters welcoming the new addition to the Soul family in “The Arrival.”



Set in a hospital, the spot opens on a young nurse making her rounds in the maternity ward when she happens upon an empty bassinet. Bursting into the hallway, she is joined by other staff members in a futile attempt to catch the nimble newborn hamster and minimize the chaos he leaves in his wake. Emerging on the rooftop helipad, the youngster makes a dramatic leap off the building, and utilizes a make-shift parachute to safely float to the street below where a Turbo Soul is waiting.

“Turbocharging gives consumers a new and more powerful way to experience one of Kia’s most popular vehicles, and we are announcing its arrival by infusing Kia’s iconic hamster campaign with newfound speed and aggressive style,” said Saad Chehab, vice president, marketing communications, Kia Motors America. “The Kia Soul has never had any trouble standing out from the crowd, and with Motörhead’s ‘Ace of Spades’ as the soundtrack, ‘The Arrival’ delivers hard-charging swagger and a healthy dose of mischief and chaos.”

Created by David&Goliath, Kia's advertising agency of record, “The Arrival” will debut online and on more than 25,000 movie theater screens nationwide this weekend through the National CineMedia and Screenvision movie networks. Kia’s latest hamster campaign includes :90, :60, :30 and :15-second versions for both general and Hispanic markets across in-cinema, digital and online channels. An extended cut of “The Arrival” is available now at YouTube.com/Kia.
A pop-culture phenomenon since bursting onto the scene in 2009, Kia’s hip posse of hamsters have always stood out from the crowd and brought people together through music, dance and positivity. Previously, the hamsters utilized popular songs ranging from the Black Sheep’s classic hip-hop track "The Choice Is Yours" and LMFAO's smash hit "Party Rock Anthem” to Maroon 5’s “Animal” and Lady Gaga’s “Applause,” to spread the word that the Kia Soul offers “a new way to roll.” Most recently, a universal take on the classic riff “Dueling Banjos” was created for 2016’s “Soul Jam,” which incorporated more than 20 different musical instruments. Over the years, the hamsters have become advertising icons with the 2011 spot generating more than 20 million online views alone. In addition, the hamsters were recognized by the Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame and named the first-ever "Rookie of the Year" after being chosen the "Automotive Ad of the Year" for two straight years by Nielsen Automotive.

About Kia SoulThe popular 2017 Kia Soul is available in three trim levels, including Base with manual or automatic 6-speed transmission, Soul Plus with a 6-speed automatic and the new 201-horsepower turbocharged Exclaim¹. Prices start at $16,100². With options³ for desirable features such as premium touch points, an 8-inch scrolling capacitive touch screen, LED mood/music lighting and a panoramic sunroof, the Soul continues to provide value to loyal fans of the funky people mover.

For the third consecutive year, the Soul was the highest ranked, compact multi-purpose vehicle in initial quality by J.D. Power and Kia was the highest ranked brand overall in initial quality overall for the second consecutive year.

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.

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* 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.

¹ Quantities are limited.
² MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.
³ Not all optional features are available on all trims.