Kia Motors looks to 2010 with confidence

MANILA, Philippines - With 2009 left behind, Kia Motors is grateful for the growing number of consumers around the world who are taking a serious look at Kia products for their great value, reliability and safety, not to mention their vastly improved design and performance. Around the world, a number of organizations also took notice and bestowed more new accolades on Kia’s extensive line-up of vehicles.

In the US, the Kia Forte was named ‘Car of the Year’ by NADAguides.com, a well-respected online automotive source, for its attractive styling, value and extensive list of class-leading features. According to Michael Sprague, Vice President, Marketing of Kia Motors America, “Consumers as well as dealers have come to recognize the Kia Motors brand for having attractively designed and priced vehicles with impressive fuel efficiency and a long list of standard safety features all backed by an industry-leading warranty; the all-new Forte and Forte Koup are no exceptions.”

Kia’s all-new Sorento was a much anticipated vehicle for markets around the world and won its first award globally in New Zealand for its R diesel engine-equipped model. New Zealand’s Autocar Magazine was thoroughly impressed with the Kia Sorento, naming it SUV of the Year after its recent introduction to the market. Todd McDonald, General Manager for Kia Motors New Zealand, said, “The all-new Sorento is likely to be the first of many from the Kia stable to win top awards in the future.”

Meanwhile, the Chilean automotive media selected Kia Motors as “The Best Brand of the Year” while the Soul was recognized as “Best Car 2009.” Out of eight total categories, Kia was nominated for four and won the two most important. These latest accolades are proof-positive of the tremendous strides the Kia brand has made in Chile, where it now holds a 10% share of the local market.

With the complete regeneration of its product line-up continuing through 2012, Kia fans around the world can expect even better things in the New Year and beyond.