2011 Kia Sportage Named 'International Truck of the Year' by ICOTY Jury

DETROIT, Jan. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Presented during the 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit during a presentation sponsored by Bridgestone Tire, the 2011 Kia Sportage compact CUV has been honored with the "International Truck of the Year" award by Road & Travel Magazine.  Launched in summer 2010 as part of Kia Motors America's dramatic design-led transformation, the Sportage quickly earned a 2010 "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and was chosen by the International Car of the Year jury for its head-turning style, emotional appeal, and overall performance.

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"The 2011 Sportage is an eye-catching CUV that appeals to a wide audience with its unique combination of breathtaking design, value, quality, technology and standard safety features," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA).  "Since its debut last summer, Sportage's popularity and consumer appeal has outpaced supply in our showrooms."

To be eligible for the ICOTY award, vehicles must be sold in the U.S. and be either all-new or significantly changed from the previous generation in design and/or technology.  Winners are judged based on lifestyle compatibility, with jurors considering a number of lifestyle attributes, including appeal to men and women, head-turning ability, environmental friendliness, style and performance, being affordable and practical, grocery-getting potential, safety and dependability, being fun and cool, ability to be considered a status symbol and a vehicle consumers would be proud to drive and be seen in.

The ICOTY jury consists of 12 diverse automotive writers and editors who represent respected automotive publications, including Kelley Blue Book, AutoWeek, Consumer Guide® Automotive, MSN Autos, Truck Trend, NewCarTestDrive.com and Cars.com.  Completed voting ballots are sent to J.D. Power and Associates for final tabulation to ensure accuracy and credibility.

About the 2011 Kia Sportage

The 2011 Sportage CUV offers image-, safety- and value-conscious consumers increased levels of performance and efficiency, comfort and convenience, the latest in-vehicle technologies incorporated into all of Kia's latest new vehicles and an abundance of standard safety features.  Retaining the functionality and versatility of the previous generation model, the 2011 Sportage also offers a sleek, modern and boldly styled package with new proportions and a completely new look.  A "2010 Top Safety Pick" by IIHS, the all-new CUV received top ratings from IIHS for front, side, rollover and rear impact protection.  Later this year, a new Sportage SX will arrive at retail showrooms featuring a powerful, efficient 2.0-liter, 256 horsepower Turbo GDI engine, unique exterior and interior features.

Industry-Leading Warranty

The 2011 Sportage is covered by Kia's warranty program, which offers consumer protection at an exceptional value. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the vehicle coverage.

2011 Kia Motors America Product Line-Up

Kia's model year 2011 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 730 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." In 2010, KMA recorded its best-ever U.S. sales and 16th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com.  For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

SOURCE Kia Motors America