Kia Motors America Announces Record June Sales and Best-Ever Quarter in Company History

Kia Motors America's (KMA) unprecedented sales growth continues as the brand reports the best quarterly sales performance in company history – 140,330 units – on the strength of all-time record June sales. The June total of 45,044 vehicles represents a 41.2-percent increase from the same period a year earlier. KMA's year-to-date sales are up 44.1 percent over 2010 thanks to solid sales performances by the U.S.-built(1) Sorento CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle and the Optima midsize sedan. The results mark the sixth-consecutive quarterly sales record for Kia in the U.S. Kia's funky Soul remains tremendously popular and posted its best-ever sales of 11,314 units in June.

"Kia has experienced extraordinary momentum and by achieving our sixth straight quarterly sales record it is clear that our fresh lineup continues to attract new consumers to our showrooms as a result of Kia's aggressive product-led transformation," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). "Soul's best-ever monthly sales result and the launch of Kia's first hybrid in June further validates Kia's strategy of bringing the most innovative, functional, and fuel-efficient products to market. These products are designed to meet and exceed the expectations of today's consumers at a tremendous value, and with exciting new products like the significantly enhanced 2012 Soul coming this summer and two all-new Rios this fall, we are well positioned to continue our growth into the future."



[Source: Kia]

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Hyundai, Kia Upgrade U.S. Sales Target

Hyundai Motor Group (consisting of Hyundai and Kia) said yesterday that it aims to raise its U.S. auto sales in 2011 to 1.06 million units or by 18.2 percent. That figure is up from its previous target of 1.01 million vehicles. Chairman Chung Mong-koo made the announcement during his visit to the United States.

Hyundai is now targeting sales of 624,000 units in the U.S., while Kia is targeting 433,000. In 2010, both companies sold 894,496 units in the United States last year.

Hyundai and Kia are one of the fastest-growing automakers in the U.S. market. They have a combined market share of 10.1 percent as of May, up from 7.7 percent in 2010.

Hyundai will launch a new Veloster while Kia will launch its new Rio to keep the sales momentum going.

[Source: Reuters]

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Hyundai, Kia Combined for Largest Share in Mid-Size Class for May

Long considered the bread and butter of the United States new car industry, the midsize segment was until recently forbidden fruit for Korean automakers. Sure, Hyundai and Kia offered midsize cars, but it wasn’t until their latest models that either brand was taken seriously enough to sell in big numbers.

The tides have changed, with last month marking the biggest milestone yet: The platform-mate Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima combined for 30,155 units, enough to take home the largest slice of the midsize segment. That’s 22,754 Sonatas and 7,401 Optimas. Together, the Korean twins captured the largest share of the midsize sedan segment in March. And it’s likely that this trend will continue through the summer as inventory levels for Japanese-branded cars like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry continue to be low.

Last month’s best-selling midsize sedan was the Chevrolet Malibu, but with the discontinuation of the Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura, the Malibu is the only GM product to still ride on the automaker’s Epsilon architecture. Second in line was the Nissan Altima, but it too doesn’t share a platform with any other North American-market midsize sedan. That leaves the Optima and Sonata, both of which share powertrains, suspensions and platforms.

Certainly, it takes some number twisting to consider the Sonata and the Optima as the combined market share leaders for the midsize sedan segment. But that’s not stopping Korean media from jumping all over the story.

“The ranking signifies that U.S. consumers no long consider Hyundai and Kia to be low-end car brands,” an unnamed Hyundai spokesperson told the Yonhap wire service earlier today.

[Source: Yonhap News Agency]

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Hyundai-Kia Remains Top Asian Carmaker in Europe for Fourth Month

Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group cemented its reputation as the top-selling Asian carmaker in Europe for the fourth consecutive month in May.

The Korean automaker sold 58,585 units to 28 countries from the EU and the European Free Trade Association last month to claim a 4.7-percent share of the market and rank 9th overall on the continent, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association said on Monday. Toyota sold 41,626 units to control 3.3 percent of the market, while Hyundai shifted 34,508 vehicles and Kia moved 24,077.

In terms of aggregate sales from January to May, Hyundai-Kia (283,506 sold) maintained a healthy lead over Japan's Toyota (256,935) to keep Hyundai Motor Europe Vice President Allan Rushforth in good humor. Rushforth said in a recent interview that the company aims to claim 5th spot in Europe by 2013 based on overall sales of 500,000 units a year.

Volkswagen currently claims pride of place in Europe, having sold 299,841 vehicles there last month for a 23.9-percent share. It was followed by PSA Group of Peugeot-Citroen, which sold just over half as many cars for a 13.5-percent share. Renault Group was third (8.9 percent) and GM fourth (8.8 percent).

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Kia Reunites Joyride Characters for 2012 Sorento Ad (w/VIDEO)

Though not as successful as their music-loving hamster counterparts, Kia’s oddball cast of life-size children's characters from last year’s Joyride commercials are back for a new advertising campaign.

Muno, Sock Monkey, MR. X, the vintage robot and teddy bear will star in two new 30-second TV spots for the 2012 Sorento CUV. As with the original campaign, "Joyride 2" was created by David&Goliath, KMA's advertising agency of choice. The first commercial begins airing today and will be followed up by the second spot next month.

"The Sorento has been Kia's best-selling vehicle in the U.S. every month since arriving in showrooms in January 2010 thanks in large part to the immense popularity of the original 'Joyride Dream' campaign," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, KMA.

"In just its second model year, the 2012 Sorento delivers significant performance and efficiency improvements as well as new convenience features that meet the ever-changing needs of today's consumers, and bringing back the popular 'Joyride' crew allows us to continue our momentum in a fun and entertaining way," Sprague concluded.



[Source: Kia]

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Kia Optima Outscores the Honda Accord in Consumer Reports Test

The redesigned Kia Optima outpointed the high-selling Honda Accord in a face-off between the two family sedans conducted by Consumer Reports. The Optima now ranks among the top 10 of all four-cylinder family sedans tested by the organization.

The Optima now ranks sixth among the four-cylinder family sedans tested by Consumer Reports, ahead of the Honda Accord and behind the Suzuki Kizashi. The Optima edged out the Accord by just one point in CR’s testing. Both vehicles achieved “Very Good” overall scores.

Top-scoring four-cylinder family sedans include the Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry, in that order.

Kia’s Optima drew praise from Consumer Reports’ engineers for its handling, transmission, controls, fuel economy (25 mpg overall in CR’s own tests) and its crash-test results. Its lows included road noise, low rear-seat height, and limited rear visibility.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

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Kia Recalls 58K Units of 2004-07 Spectra for Fuel Tank Issue

Kia is recalling 58,322 2004-'07 Spectras, primarily in Midwestern and northeastern states, because corrosion from road salt could cause the fuel tank to fall off the vehicle, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

NHTSA said prolonged exposure to road salt could cause corrosion of the straps that hold the tank.

"As a result of the corrosion, one or both straps may separate, allowing the fuel tank to contact the ground and possibly disrupt the integrity of the tank," the agency said. As a consequence, the agency said, "the fuel tank can fall from the vehicle and strike the ground, which could cause a fuel leak," creating a fire hazard.

Kia dealers will replace the fuel-tank straps and attaching hardware with new zinc-coated parts. The recall is expected to begin in June. Owners can contact Kia at (800) 333-4542.

[Source: Inside Line]

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Kia to Unveil Refreshed 2012 Soul Alongside New Rio Sedan in New York

Kia will unveil an updated version of its popular Soul hatchback at next week’s New York International Auto Show. The updated 2012 Soul (2010 model pictured) will debut alongside Kia’s all-new 2012 Rio sedan.

Although Kia is keeping most of the Soul’s changes a secret, we know the 2012 model will arrive with new LED projector headlights that are “slightly bulged giving the overall shape of the Soul a smoother, more streamlined silhouette.”

But most of the changes to the 2012 Soul will focus on the car’s drivetrain. Kia says the 2012 Soul will feature increased power and dramatically improved fuel economy, which should reach 35mpg on the highway.

Although we don’t have word on what engines might power the 2012 Soul, Kia will replace the car’s four-speed automatic and five-speed manual gearboxes with six-speed units.

[Source: Automotive News]

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Kia's Chief Designer Schreyer Confirms Roadster in Plans

A veritable avalanche of rumours has beaten down on the net these last few weeks about Kia’s plans for marketing a roadster shortly. Today, Peter Schreyer, the Korean manufacturers chief designer and man behind the Audi TT, confirmed his desire to develop such a model – but not for another year.

He says he wants to create “some sort of roadster or convertible” but “a car like that needs to make money, and this is not so easy,” hinting at the monumental task ahead of him.

Before embarking on this adventure, Schreyer says he needs to “do his homework” and revamp the Sedona and Rondo, the only two models that haven’t undergone his brand of shock therapy that is in part responsible for the company’s recent success.

[Source: Automotive News (Image: Auto Express)]

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Kia Most Improved Brand in ALG Perceived Quality Study

ALG, a company best known for predicting residual values on vehicles in its automotive lease guides, also conducts ‘Perceived Quality’ studies. And the findings of its most recent one (Spring 2011); indicated that of all automakers that sell cars and trucks in the U.S., the most improved in the mainstream category was Kia Motors.

“For Kia, the consumer quality recognition is the payoff for a recent revolution in product quality and design supported by aggressive marketing campaigns,” declared Eric Lyman; ALG’s Director of Residual Value Solutions.

Other brands that reported notable gains in perceived quality included Land Rover; largely fueled by the growing popularity of the Ranger Rover Sport and new Evoque models.

In terms of the top five automakers in the mainstream category, there were few surprises: Honda, Toyota, Ford Trucks, Subaru and Nissan were ranked in that order as delivering the best in perceived vehicle quality. In the luxury category Lexus ranked first, followed by Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche and Acura.

[Source: Kia]

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New Spy Shot of 2013 Kia K9

News has been rather hum surrounding Kia's upcoming flagship "K9" sedan. Thus, we welcome the latest spy shot of the K9 with open arms. Not much we can see, but those LED taillights do look gorgeous.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL YOUR KIA K9 NEWS!

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Kia Considering Rio Hot-Hatch to Spice Up Brand Image

Kia‘s new designs are helping brand the Korean automaker in a more positive light, particularly here in North America with the stylish new Optima. But in other parts of the world mid-size sedan’s don’t hold the same cache, nor do they sell all that well, so Kia is looking at alternative ways to create a boost in brand image.

In a recent interview, Kia product boss Benny Oeyen commented on three such methods, including a hot hatch, convertible or coupe. While the coupe idea, along the lines of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, may seem like the obvious choice, it’s the hot hatch the is the most likely. The reason for this is the importance of small hatchbacks in other parts of the world, like in Europe were sub-compact models, like Kia’s new 2012 Rio, make up the majority of sales for automakers.

A Rio hot-hatch is also the easiest to bring to market, as it would be based on the existing new car. Plus, it helps put the brand focus exactly where Kia wants it to be.

Exactly what a juiced-up Rio might bring to the table is unclear, with standard models in Europe getting 1.4-liter gasoline and diesel engines as well as a tiny 1.25-liter gas engine. One possibility is the 138-hp 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that’s expected to come standard in the North American model, although for a ‘hot hatch’ we’d like to see more.

[Source: Autocar]

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Kia Recalls 70,000 Units of 2006-2008 Optima Over Rollaway Concerns

Kia Motors is recalling 70,000 units of the 2006-08 Optima over concerns some shift cables were improperly assembled, which could allow parked vehicles to roll away.

In March 2007, Kia identified certain Optima vehicles had been manufactured with the shift cable connection improperly attached to the shifter assembly and changed its manufacturing procedures to improve installation. In June 2007, Kia added positioning clips in vehicles produced to ensure correct assembly. KMA issued bulletins in August 2007 to advise service technicians how to reconnect the shift cable in case they were presented with a vehicle which had a disconnected cable.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into rollaway concerns on the 2007 Optima in November. NHTSA said it had received three complaints concerning automatic transmission shift cable detachment and inability to select and engage the gears — park, drive and reverse — in model year 2007 Kia Optima vehicles. One of the complaints also reported a rollaway incident after parking the vehicle.

As a result, Kia conducted a new evaluation of technical and field data regarding cable detachment issues and "concluded that this condition has not been creating real world safety incidents. However, it has concluded that under extraordinary circumstances a significant vehicle rolling event could potentially occur and has thus decided to conduct a recall," the company said.

Kia will notify owners later this month. The recall covers 70,115 Optima vehicles assembled between September 2005 and June 2007. Dealers will reinspect the shift cable and replace if necessary.

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Kia Shelves Plans to Enter Indian Market

At a time when a number of global car makers are searching for ways to enter the rapidly growing Indian market, Kia Motors has shelved its plans to start operations in India.

According to a statement given by a senior official of the company, the company will continue to concentrate on developed markets like Europe, US and China where it has local production facilities.

"Our hands are full right now. Currently we are not looking at India but concentrating on other overseas markets where we aim to produce over 1 million cars this year. We will, however, continue to monitor the Indian market as it holds sizeable potential and may be on our future radar," said company spokesman Michael J Choo.

Kia had been vying for the Indian market for the past decade, particularly after the success of Hyundai Motor which is now the second largest car company in the country in terms of unit sales. Kia had earlier roped in consultancy company Synovate to conduct a feasibility study for the Indian market. However, despite a positive report due to a line-up mainly consisting of small cars that would appeal to Indian buyers, Kia has decided not to enter the local market.

[Source: The Economic Times]

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2011 Kia Sportage SX with GDI Turbo Makes U.S. Debut, Pricing Announced

Kia Motors America announced the launch of the 2011 Sportage SX today. The SX models come with a more powerful four-cylinder turbo engine with direct injection, as well as exterior and interior styling enhancements. The Sportage SX arrives in showrooms later this month with a base price of $25,795 for the front-wheel drive (FWD) model and $27,295 for the all-wheel drive (AWD) model, both excluding a $695 destination charge.

This is Kia’s second vehicle in the U.S to feature the Theta II 2.0-liter Turbo GDI engine, following the 2011 Optima Turbo. The unit produces 256 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of peak torque, while delivering an estimated 22 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway.

On the outside, SX models receive unique 18" alloy wheels, a signature SX grille, dual exhaust, and special side sill moldings. Exterior updates are complemented by SX-specific interior enhancements, including standard aluminum door sills and a sleek new supervision gauge cluster.

In addition, the Sportage SX employs sport-tuned suspension featuring firmer shock and strut rates for improved handling and dynamic performance over non-SX models.

Available exclusively on the Sportage SX are the Orange and Blue interior color packages. The Orange Color Package includes orange stitching on the steering wheel, center console, and seats coupled with orange accents on the door panels and air vents. A unique blue patterned cloth seat and blue interior accents are included as part of the Blue Color Package.

Sportage LX and EX trims come standard with a 176 horsepower 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT).



[Source: Kia Motors America]

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2012 Kia Cadenza Spotted on U.S. Soil!

A reader of Carscoop recently spotted an undisguised example of the Kia Cadenza (K7) on U.S. soil and kindly took a quick snapshot of the prototype. "Saw this Kia Cadenza with Michigan plates going 55 North in Orange County, California," the reader told the website.

Already on sale in South Korea as the K7 and various Middle Eastern markets, the Cadenza will fill the void in Kia's line-up left by the Amanti it will replace when it goes on sale next year. A Kia Canada executive confirmed to us at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show that the Cadenza will hit North American showrooms in "early 2012." We're left to wonder why Kia is delaying its release and we can only hope it's for good reasons.

[Source: Carscoop]

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Kinetic and Kia Excited About Kia 200 at Homestead Miami Speedway

BUFORD, March 2, 2011: Coming off a podium finish in the 2011 GRAND-AM Continental Tires Sports Car Challenge season’s inaugural race at Daytona International Speedway, Kinetic Motorsports and Kia Motors America are looking forward to the second race of the season at Homestead Miami Speedway on Saturday, March 5, 2011. The “Kia 200” is a two-and-one-half hour race, and will feature Kinetic Motorsports’ two Kia Forte Koups in the ST class, including the # 10 entry with drivers Nic Jönsson and Michael Galati, and the # 12 entry with drivers Adam Burrows and Trevor Hopwood.

For the full press release, CLICK HERE.

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2011 Kia Optima Earns Five-Star Rating from NHTSA

The 2011 Kia Optima has already made a splash in the midsize sedan market with its far-from-bland looks. It turns out that Kia’s midsizer has some substance to its style: it was already rated a top safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and has now received a five-star overall crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Optima earned a five star rating in each of NHTSA’s frontal impact, side impact, and rollover tests – the highest possible score from the government agency. This marks the first time a Korean-built car has received the top rating under NHTSA’s more stringent testing methods that went into effect for the 2011 model year. Joining the 2011 Honda Accord and 2011 Mazda 6, the Optima now sits at the top its class in terms of safety.

Click here for the official press release.

[Source: NHTSA/Kia]

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Kia Rio EcoDynamics will be UK's Lowest Emission Car

It's a grim day for all hybrid-electric cars out there as Kia has proven with the all-new 2012 Kia Rio that sipping fuel no longer requires swallowing a hefty "hybrid" premium price tag beforehand.

Full article and more images after the jump!

That is the case for the Rio "EcoDynamics" ,powered by an all-new 1.1-liter three-cylinder CRDi diesel engine that, according to Kia, will make it the greenest car on the road and will achieve an impressive 88 miles per gallon (73 U.S. MPG). The tiny engine produces 69 bhp, but who cares about horsepower here? The magic number, as inscribed on the showcar in the pictures, is 85. Precisely, 85g/km of CO2 emission output, thereby "out-cleaning" the Smart fortwo (86g/km of CO2), the current title-holder of the cleanest car in the U.K., and certainly all hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius (89g/km of CO2).

The 3-cylinder diesel Rio EcoDynamics achieves its amazing emissions figures with the help of Kia’s ISG stop start system. The car will also be available with 1.4- and 2-litre petrol engines as well as a 1.4-litre diesel.

We'll have more information on the 2012 Kia Rio later in the day. We just thought you might be as impressed as we were with the Rio EcoDynamics when we read the specs of this beauty.




[Source: Kia]

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Even More Spy Shots of the 2013 Kia K9!

There's not much to see in these latest spy shots of the upcoming Kia "K9" full-size sedan, but we do get our first good look at the C-pillar design of the car.

Click here for our original post on the Kia K9.

More images after the jump!

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