2012 Kia Rio 5-door Named "Subcompact Car of the Year" by FAMA's Mujeres Al Volante

USA - English

• Latin America - español

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Adding another feather to its cap, Kia Motors America's (KMA) all-new 2012 Rio 5-door has been named one of the top five cars of the year by FAMA's "Mujeres Al Volante." FAMA is a leading modern lifestyle magazine in Spanish, and the Mujeres Al Volante awards honor vehicles that meet the priorities of U.S. Hispanic women when considering a new vehicle. The Rio 5-door was recognized for its long list of standard safety features, modern amenities, outstanding fuel economy, strong family appeal and world-class design.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120113/LA35395)

"The 'Subcompact Car of the Year' award for the all-new Rio 5-door from Mujeres Al Volante is the latest example of the impact the Kia brand is having in the U.S. market with unprecedented growth and an exciting lineup of vehicles that deliver cutting-edge technology, eye-catching design and class-leading fuel economy," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. "Kia is one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. [3], and vehicles such as the Rio 5-door continue to raise awareness, perception and consideration for the brand by attracting new, style-conscious consumers to our showrooms."

The Rio 5-door's innovative green technology and features also impressed the Mujeres Al Volante editors. In addition to being the first in the segment to offer the fuel-saving Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology (available later this year), the Rio 5-door's seat foam material is made from 100-percent biodegradable and non-toxic castor oil, which reduces the use of petroleum-based products. At the end of its lifespan, 85 percent of the all-new Rio's materials are recyclable.

"The Rio 5-door has exceeded our expectations, and we think it's in the top of its class when it comes to appealing to Hispanic women," said Ileana Muniz, editor-in-chief of FAMA's Autos Mujeres Al Volante. "On top of its outstanding design, the Rio 5-door handles well and is environmentally friendly with 40 MPG and ISG technology."

About the 2012 Rio

Available in three trims – LX, EX and SX – the eco-friendly 2012 Rio is available with a 1.6-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) four-cylinder with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission (LX only) or efficient six-speed automatic. One of only two vehicles in the segment to offer a GDI engine, the 2012 Rio provides an inviting combination of power and fuel efficiency, achieving standard class-leading 138 horsepower[4] while maintaining a standard class-leading[5] fuel economy rating of 30/40 mpg (city/highway).

Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality[6] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[7]. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan[8]. Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America 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 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. [9] Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

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

[1] Class-leading horsepower claim based on comparisons to 2012 subcompacts as of December 2011.

[2] Class-leading fuel economy claim for highway based on comparisons to 2012 subcompacts as of December 2011. EPA fuel economy estimates 30 mpg/city and 40 mpg/hwy for 2012 Rio sedan and Rio 5-door. Actual mileage will vary.

[3] Based on comparison of 12-month retail sales from September 2007 to September 2011 of all U.S. automotive brands and 5-year average sales growth.

[4] Class-leading horsepower claim based on comparisons to 2012 subcompacts as of December 2011.

[5] Class-leading fuel economy claim for highway based on comparisons to 2012 subcompacts as of December 2011. EPA fuel economy estimates 30 mpg/city and 40 mpg/hwy for 2012 Rio sedan and Rio 5-door. Actual mileage will vary.

[6] Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study

[7] Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis

[8] Optima Hybrid is not built at KMMG

[9] Based on comparison of 12-month retail sales from September 2007 to September 2011 of all U.S. automotive brands and 5-year average sales growth.

SOURCE Kia Motors America