Kia Motors Australia has punched in a record monthly market share as the world’s fastest-growing manufacturer continues its month-on-month sales growth in a contacting Australian new car market.
Kia’s April market share of 2.71 per cent is the highest the company has recorded since the formation of the KMAu organisation in 2006.
“That is a wonderful result for Kia in what is, and is likely to remain, a difficult market,” KMAu Chief Operating Officer Tony Barlow said. “It is not only pleasing that we were able to maintain growth in a new car market that is down 8.8 per cent on the same month last year, but the growth was across almost every model in the range.
“There is no doubt the rest of the year will have its own challenges, but with an all-new Rio on the horizon and the promise of a slight freeing-up of supply for the second half of the year it augers well for Kia.”
Cerato was one of the stars of the month with demand for the new hatch pushing sales up more than 48 per cent year-to-date while buyers have also started to rediscover the Rondo compact people mover with a steady 22.7 per cent rise in year-to-date sales.
Kia’s Carnival, the perennial market leader in the large people mover segment, made it business as usual with a 41 per cent share of the market and a healthy 35.4 per cent year-to-date growth.
Other members of the Kia garage to punch above the market rate were Sorento (up 11.9 per cent), Sportage (up 9.3 per cent) and Soul (7.4 per cent increase).
Kia’s latest style hero, the mid-size Optima, continued with demand outstripping supply as has been the case since the car was launched to rave reviews in January.
“Increasingly we are seeing evidence of the purchase of Kia vehicles becoming desire driven rather than simply price driven,” Mr Barlow said. “That has been the case with Sportage, Sorento and Optima in particular _ and with the arrival of the all-new Rio in the second half of the year it is a trend we believe will only gather momentum.”
One of Australia’s most popular people movers, the Kia Carnival, will help one of Australia’s most popular heroes, Ben 10, move his famous time machine around the country.
Cartoon Network’s BEN 10 LIVE: Time Machine features the world’s favourite boy-hero Ben Tennyson on an adventure through time and space to keep the Omnitrix and the Ultimatrix safe from the clutches of his foes.
Keeping the tour staff and crew safe is a fleet of Kia Grand Carnivals and a Kia Soul. Over the next four months and 25 shows, the Kia vehicles are going to play a key role in shifting performers and staff around the country, travelling more than 20,000km in the process.
“Last year we helped Dora the Explorer. This year it’s Ben’s turn,” said Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer, Tony Barlow.
“These shows are so up-close and exciting and the stunts are spectacular. We are proud to be associated with such a professional outfit and understand the value in bringing these young kids and live theatre together in such an electronics dominated world,” he said.
With great special effects, awesome costumes and super-cool stunts, Cartoon Network’sBEN 10 LIVE: Time Machine sees Ben Tennyson on a mission to save the past, present and future of the universe!
The live tour which officially started on April 12 in Melbourne, will spend the next four months touring Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland and NSW.
Ben 10 is one of Cartoon Network’s most popular TV programs viewed in over 2.9 million homes in Australia and New Zealand.
(SEOUL) April 22, 2011 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today celebrated the world premier of the all-new 2012 Rio sub-compact sedan at the New York International Auto Show.
Scheduled to join the KMA line-up this fall – along with its 5-door hatchback sibling unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March and shown today for the first time in North America – the all-new Rio sedan ushers in the next chapter of Kia Motors’ ongoing design-led transformation with eye-catching design, advanced technologies and sophistication in the small car segment. With all-new ISG (stop-start) technology and class-leading horsepower and fuel economy up to 40 miles per gallon (5.8L/100km), Rio promises consumers impressive fuel efficiency without sacrificing power or fun-to-drive performance.
“The all-new Rio brings Kia’s successful combination of world-class styling, outstanding fuel economy, advanced technologies and tremendous value to the smallest and most economical vehicle in the Kia line-up,” said Michael Sprague, vice-president, marketing & communications, KMA. “With gas prices rising, sub-compacts are becoming increasingly popular and with more power, up to 40 miles per gallon fuel economy and stunning design, the all-new Rio sets the standard in the sub-compact class and becomes a vehicle that is not only affordable, but one that people will aspire to own.”
Class-Leading Fuel-Efficiency and Horsepower
Available in the USA with a choice of three trims – LX, EX and SX – the 2012 Rio is powered by a 1.6-litre GDI four-cylinder engine with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. One of only two vehicles in this segment to offer a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine, the 2012 Rio offers consumers that elusive combination of power and impressive fuel efficiency, achieving class-leading 135HP (100kW) power and class-leading fuel economy rating of 30/40 mpg city/highway (7.8-5.8L/100km). Rio also offers ISG technology, new to the Kia line-up, where the engine turns off when the vehicle is not in motion. The engine restarts automatically when the driver releases the brake pedal, resulting in lower levels of fuel consumption in stop-start urban traffic.
Sleek and Streamlined Exterior
Conceived at Kia’s design studios in Irvine, California, the all-new Rio sub-compact sedan and hatchback exhibit highly sculpted sloping shoulder lines and wedge-shaped exteriors, projecting an athletic profile that conveys power and agility. It also echoes the aggressive lines found on other recently launched Kia vehicles such as the 2011 Optima and Sportage. Both Rio models sport their own interpretations of Kia’s signature grille, slimmed down to connect to the dynamic headlamp design, providing a new twist on the Kia family look that includes a bigger air intake to exude a youthful persona.
Luxuriously Equipped Interior
Inside, the 2012 Rio envelopes driver and passengers in a bold and modern cabin, centred on Kia’s characteristic horizontal three-cylinder instrument cluster and finished in two-tone trim to emphasize a feeling of spaciousness and comfort. The extended wheelbase (2570mm) greatly enhances passenger and cargo capacity for additional comfort.
In addition to offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technology features also come standard throughout, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS®Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service and auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players. The range-topping SX trim offers consumers UVO powered by Microsoft® in-car hands-free communication and entertainment system, complete with rear camera display.
Presenting buyers of sub-compact cars with more choices than ever before, 2012 Rio will offer a selection of optional upgrades with numerous features collected into Convenience, Eco and Premium Packages.
All-New Advanced Platform
The 2012 Rio brings with it an all-new platform – longer, wider and lower than the previous generation. Its aggressive and playful stance is reinforced by an overall length of 4366mm (Rio sedan) or 4046mm (Rio5) with a platform measuring 1720mm wide and 1455mm high. Employing high-tensile-strength steel (63 percent), Rio’s lightweight design offers increased torsional stiffness for improved handling, ride quality and refinement, plus increased crash safety capabilities while reducing overall weight.
Safety-Minded
The 2012 Rio is equipped with a high level of standard safety features, including six airbags, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), which coordinates the car’s ESC and ABS to help the driver stay in control of the vehicle at all times.
Kia Motors America (KMA) today celebrated the world premier of the comprehensively upgraded 2012 Kia Soul at the New York International Auto Show.
The product that began Kia Motors’ design-led transformation returns to New York with a fresh and updated look, more power, and the same funky demeanour that consumers all around the world have come to love from this compact crossover. The hugely successful Soul is fine-tuned for 2012 with a significant number of technology and powertrain enhancements to deliver more power and improved fuel efficiency.
“After just two model years, we’ve given the 2012 Soul significant improvements in power, style and fuel economy, making this iconic vehicle the perfect package for consumers looking for something a little outside the box,” said Kia’s Michael Sprague. “The Soul has always stood out from the crowd and is responsible for bringing new customers to the Kia brand and positioning the company for a series of record-breaking successes. With gas prices on the rise, this refresh adds even more style and fun-to-drive performance, while also improving fuel economy by 10 percent.”
More Power, Less Fuel
The 2012 Soul will amplify the fun-to-drive factor with significant horsepower increases, new six-speed transmissions and the ability to deliver up to 34 miles per gallon on the highway. A new 1.6-litre GDI engine produces 135HP (100kW), an 11 percent increase from the previous engine). For buyers looking for a greater boost in power, a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission – advanced technology that is rare in this segment.
This engine, which produces 160HP (119kW), a 13 percent increase from the previous engine, and 143 pound-feet (194Nm) of torque, is standard on the three Soul models.
Kia calculates that fuel economy for the 1.6-litre is an impressive 28/34 mpg city/highway (8.4-6.9L/100km), 10 percent more efficient than the previous engine, while the 2.0-litre offers a fuel-sipping 27/33 mpg (8.7-7.1L/100km) for both the automatic and manual transmissions.
More Style & Refinement
In addition to the 2012 Soul’s performance upgrades, the new model also introduces a number of significant design improvements. On the outside, Soul is freshened with newprojector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, a redesigned hood and new front and rear bumpers. New and modern LED rear light clusters enhance the Soul’s unique design, while the overall shape of the vehicle has been finessed to give Soul a smoother and more streamlined silhouette.
Spacious, State-of-the-Art Interior
Soul envelopes its passengers within a more high-tech, futuristic cabin for 2012, featuring a generous blend of technologies at tremendous overall value. Soul was a recipient of theWard’s AutoWorld “Grooviest Interior” award for 2010, and passengers in the 2012 model will find genuine comfort in the roomy cabin.
New for 2012, an Infinity premium audio system is available on Soul+ models and standard on Soul! and Soul sport models for a more robust listening experience. Also new for 2012 is the UVO powered by Microsoft® in-car hands-free communication and infotainment system. A Premium Package is also available with heated front seats, leather seat trim, automatic climate control, and a navigation system among its upscale comforts.
(SEOUL) April 19, 2011 – Kia Motors and its Chinese joint venture, Dongfeng Yueda Kia, unveiled the K2 B-segment sedan today at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show. Based on the platform of the all-new Rio, which made its world premiere at this year’s Geneva Motor Show in March, the new K2 was designed and engineered specifically for the Chinese market and will enter production at Dongfeng Yueda Kia’s manufacturing facility in Jiangsu province starting this June. A 5-door hatchback of version of the K2 will commence production in August of this year.
K2 will be positioned as a premium small car with advanced styling and upgraded levels of quality and performance, and is expected to be a highly competitive offering in a segment that accounts for 16% of all new car sales in China.
K2 represents the next phase in Kia’s strategy to better satisfy customers in various regions of the world by developing and marketing products that reflect local tastes and needs. Following the introduction of the cee’d family of C-segment vehicles and Venga B-segment MPV, which were designed and engineered specifically for European customers, the new K2 is a clear sign of Kia’s commitment to become a leading automotive brand in China.
Speaking at the Kia press conference at the Shanghai Motor Show, Hyoung-Keun Lee, Vice-Chairman of Kia Motors, said, “We are confident that this all-new model for China will provide the momentum needed for Kia not only to remain as one of China’s fastest growing automotive brands but also to become a top 10 automaker in the local market in terms of quality and customer satisfaction.”
While sharing the same technical underpinnings as the all-new Rio, the K2 has been completely redesigned for the Chinese market, drawing on styling cues from the popular K5 sedan (known as ‘all-new Optima’ in many markets), including sophisticated lines that create a dynamic, bold and sophisticated exterior appearance. The front view features Kia’s signature “tiger nose” radiator grille and exudes a high-tech and bold image thanks to innovative fog lamp design, large air intake and dynamic swept back headlamps. A side character line, side air vent and trunk edge line add to the sporty image of the K2 while the rear view features a two-tone bumper and modern combination lamps.
The driver-focused futuristic interior conveys a spacious and comfortable feeling, and drivers will enjoy a 3-cylinder supervision instrument cluster, cloth lined door panels, leather steering wheel and TGS knob, and button engine start and smart key.
Measuring 4370 mm (overall length) by 1700 mm (overall width) by 1460 mm (overall height), the K2 is longer, wider and lower than the previous generation Rio and boasts the longest wheelbase (2570 mm) in its class. The expanded dimensions allow K2 to claim best-in-class interior space and ample luggage capacity of 500 litres (VDA). Space utilization is further enhanced thanks to the 60:40 split rear seat folding.
K2 will be available in six trim levels with either a 1.4-litre or 1.6-litre Gamma gasoline engine mated to a manual or automatic transmission. Both engines feature best-in-class performance and fuel efficiency, with the 1.4-litre powerplant delivering output of 79kW while the 1.6-litre unit boasts 90kW. Fuel efficiency for the 1.4-litre K2 equipped with manual transmission is 6.1L/100km (6.5/L/100km for A/T) while the 1.6-litre K2 with automatic transmission (1.6 available only with A/T) consumes 6.4L/100km.*
*Manufacturer’s estimated targets
Continually praised for its head-turning exterior design, fun-to-drive performance, and long list of standard safety features, the all-new 2011 Kia Optima has been included as part of “Ward’s 10 Best Interiors” list.
Kia’s midsize sedan was picked for being able to connect with midsize buyers in the US with its upscale and aesthetically pleasing interior packaging, features and overall value.
In Australia, the Optima offers an unbeatable list of standard features that sets it apart from the mid-size sedan market.
This prestigious accolade follows a slew of awards, including earning an overall five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), being named a Consumer Guide® Automotive “Best Buy,” a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), an Edmunds’ InsideLine.com “Editors’ Most Wanted” and “Best New Model” by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.
It was a historic weekend for Kia Motors’ second-year motorsports program as Michael Galati and Nic Jönsson co-drove the No. 10 Infinity Audio Kia Forte Koup to the company’s first-ever racing victory in the Street Tuner (ST) class of the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC) race in Birmingham, Alabama.
A large contingent of Kia dealers and team members from Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) filled the Barber Motorsports Park stands to watch Kia win the Barber 200 in just the third race following the team’s “development year” in 2010
(SEOUL) March 31, 2011 – Making its world premiere at the Seoul Motor Show today (Thursday), the Kia Naimo electric concept car combines Korean heritage with innovative modern features.
Taking its name from the Korean word“Ne-mo”, (pronounced ‘Neh-mo’, meaning ‘square shape’), the Naimo electric crossover utility vehicle (CUV) was conceived by Kia’s international design team in Seoul, and is characterized principally by its simple lines and solid, muscular stance.
The uncomplicated overall design is accentuated by a number of striking key details, such as the wraparound windscreen and asymmetric sunroof design, and the front and rear dot-style LED head- and positioning-lamps. This juxtaposition of simple and complex is a common trait of many traditional Korean arts and crafts. Asian Celadon-style pottery, in particular, was a major influence on the car’s styling – with the pottery’s asymmetric form lending itself to the sunroof design, and the typical jade colouring giving Naimo its unique exterior finish.
Kia’s design team also made use of innovative technology features to give the car a premium feel and to ensure the car’s exterior remained uncluttered. For example, Naimo has no traditional wiper blade on the windscreen – instead it employs a high-intensity air jet at the base of the windscreen that performs an ‘air wiper’ function. Conventional door mirrors have also been replaced with miniature cameras installed in the A-pillars.
Naimo’s interior was designed to evoke a strong sense of tranquility and features hand-crafted materials throughout. Korean oak is used to trim the interior door panels and the entire interior floor, Korean “Han-ji” paper is used for the head lining. Alongside these traditional elements sit modern features such as a TOLED (transparent organic light emitting diode) storming display instrument panel and full device connectivity.
“Naimo is a perfect balance of innovation, high-tech and Korean tradition. It was heavily inspired by the purity and grace of traditional Korean arts and crafts, but combines this with cutting edge technologies to deliver a truly premium experience,” comments Kia Motors’ Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.
The third electric vehicle design to be unveiled by Kia Motors Corporation in a year, the 3.9-metre long Naimo concept explores the practicalities of introducing a zero-emissions, five-door, four-seater city car into a future niche market.
Measuring 3890 mm in length, the Naimo’s generous wheelbase, width and height (2647, 1844 and 1589 mm respectively) – plus the short overhangs which place a wheel at each corner – ensure that the cabin provides exceptional head, leg and shoulder room for the occupants.
The concept car has no B-pillars and features rear-hinged rear doors to maximize easy access to the cabin, and a three-way split opening trunk, allowing versatile access to the load bay for varying luggage sizes.
Power comes from a PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) electric motor with a maximum output of 80kW and maximum torque of 280Nm, enabling Naimo to reach a top speed of 150kph.
A twin-pack 27kWh battery is located under the trunk floor and uses innovative LiPoly (Lithium Ion Polymer) technology that offers numerous advantages over other battery types. Equipped with this battery, Naimo provides a driving range of 200km on a single charge. To enhance range, the showcar is fitted with special low-drag 20-inch diameter alloy wheels.
Under the quick recharging cycle (50kW) the Naimo’s battery can be recharged to 80 per cent of its capacity within 25 minutes. Under the normal cycle (3.3kW), 100 per cent power is attained after five and a half hours.
Naimo will join Kia’s growing test fleet of hybrid, electric and fuel-cell vehicles being extensively driven in widely varying conditions to develop future production models with zero or significantly reduced emissions.
Venga and POP pointed the electric way ahead
Also making their presence felt on Kia’s Seoul Motor Show stand will be the Venga and POP electric concepts unveiled by Kia last year at major international motor shows in Europe – the Venga at Geneva and the POP at Paris.
The Venga EV concept car was the same size as Kia’s regular B-segment MPV and feature an electric powertrain placed within the existing engine bay and a twin-pack 24kWh battery located under the trunk floor.
Unconventional features of the POP – its side-window design, dot-pattern head and taillights, back-lit front grille, full-length glass roof, and simplistic looking wheels – all point to inspiration from outside the usual automotive spheres, such as gliders and high-speed bicycles.
Inside, the purple colour scheme creates a calm and peaceful environment within the space-ship like three-seater cabin. Behind the front bench seat, the single rear seat is positioned at an offset angle, resulting in remarkable legroom for a 1740 mm wide car with a wheelbase of just 2055 mm.
(SEOUL) March 15, 2011 – Kia Motors has been honored top honours within two categories at this year’s red dot product design competition within Germany.
The competition’s jury of respected international design consultants donated coveted red dot honors onto the Kia Sportage compact CUV and Kia Optima sedan. The judges also remunerated a special tribute towards thenovel mid-size Kia Optima sedan, which alleged the 2011 red dot ‘best of the best’ title, the competition’s highest distinction, for which alone the greatest products within each category are eligible.
These latest victories fetch the number of Kia theories towards obtain a red dot honor towards four – with the Kia Venga successful within 2010 and the Kia Soul within 2009. The Kia Optima and the novel Sportage also won 2011 iF product design honors last December.
“We are extremely proud of the red dot honors for the novel Kia Optima and Sportage. They are a greatappreciation of the steely profession of our international design teams and an promotion of our design strategy,” says Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer, Kia Motors Corporation. “Naturally, we are notably thrilledapproximately the ‘best of the best’ honor for our novel sedan. The Kia Optima exudes a bold, athletic energy and its stir of mere and fluid ropes and elegant but uncomplicated shapes draw the consideration of the eyewithin much the equivalent manner as a perfectly tailored, fine Italian suit.”
Senior Executive Vice-President & COO of Kia Motors Corporation, Thomas Oh, underlines the moral of design within terms of Kia’s market position. “These red dot design honors are a fantastic success for our brand. They portray yet another independent promotion of the groundbreaking design and excellent importancefor finance Kia vehicles offer. The special honor for the Kia Optima, detailed, shall certainly add momentumtowards the ongoing launch our novel sedan within the greatly competitive D-segment across the globe.”
Coveted worldwide: the red dot award
The red dot product design honors are one of the world’s principal design competitions and possess been heldvia the Design Centre of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany since 1955. This year, approximately 1700 manufacturers from 60 countries, working across a flavor of product sectors, competed for the honors with agross of 4433 product entries.
The judging was entrusted towards an international jury of greatly respected design consultants whomscrutinized and tested the products, and adjudicated them according towards criteria such as their grade ofconception, functionality, ergonomics, durability, environmental compatibility and intuitive handling. Only products featuring the highest regular of design are eligible for the coveted red dot awards.
(SEOUL) March ten, 2011 — Kia Motors Corporation has informed its international sales mathematics for passenger cars (export sales, domestic sales and sales from abroad plants), recreational vehicles (RVs) andad vehicles for February 2011, registering a gross of 169,727 units sold. This figure portrays a year-on-year increase of 18.5%.
In February, Kia posted year-on-year sales grows within everybody regions of the earth – 35.6% within North America (36,676 units sold), 18.6% within Europe* (29,644 units sold), 17.5% within Korea (39,029 units sold), 15.3% within general markets* (37,576 units sold), and 5.4% within China (26,802 units sold).
Cumulatively, during the former two months of 2011, Kia’s international sales possess increased via 18.9% year-on-year towards extend 349,136 units. North America and general markets possess experienced the highest benefits towards date within 2011 of 30.9% (67,514 units sold) and 23.1% (77,950 units sold), respectively.
The remaining regions possess everybody indicated powerful cumulative replicate digit year-on-year sales increases: 18.3% within Korea (79,531 units sold), 12.7% within Europe (56,563 units sold) and 10.2% withinChina (67,578 units sold).
Kia’s greatest marketing theory within abroad markets for the month of February was the C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Forte’ within a number of markets) with 30,688 units sold. The Sportage compact CUV and B-segment Rio pursue with 22,275 and 15,851 units sold, respectively. The Sorento mid-size CUV arrives withinfourth with 14,460 units sold and the Soul urban crossover vehicle rounds out the top five with 12,722 units sold.
Senior Executive Vice President & COO of Kia Motors Corporation, Thomas Oh, remarked, “Although theinternational auto market scene for 2011 appears questionable due towards rising oil prices, we at Kia areoptimistic that our completely redesigned and re-engineered A-segment Picanto and B-segment Rio, which premiered last week at the Geneva Motor Show, shall enable ourselves towards maintain powerful positiveincreases within everybody regions thank you towards their distinctively fashionable novel designs andgasoline efficient powertrains.”
