2011 Kia Optima Receives Highest Increase in Car Shopper Consideration Following Los Angeles Auto Show

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 3, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, leading online automotive resource Edmunds.com reported the all-new 2011 Kia Optima received the highest increase in online car shopper consideration of any other vehicle or brand at the show.  The Optima, which arrived in showrooms in late November, saw a boost in consumer interest and consideration from 3.2 percent prior to the show to as high as 15 percent following Kia Motors America's (KMA) press conference on November 17.  The numbers represent the percentage of shoppers considering cars in the midsize category who researched a vehicle's information on Edmunds.com.

"The all-new 2011 Optima has been highly anticipated since its debut earlier this year – its design distances it from the rest of the midsize sedan category and its impressive list of standard features and powerful and fuel efficient powertrain choices continue one of the most aggressive new vehicle introduction cycles in the industry," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. "Our new generation of vehicles are really resonating with consumers, and Optima's dramatic increase in shopper consideration following the Los Angeles Auto Show is further evidence of the impact our design-led transformation is having in terms of increased awareness and consideration for the Kia brand."

Edmunds.com's analysis examines the daily consideration data on the models highlighted at the Los Angeles Auto Show's press days on November 17 and November 18 as consumers shopped for more than 400 models listed on the site.  Consideration data indicates the effectiveness of marketing, including presence at auto shows, and may suggest future sales.

Design-Led Transformation and Product Line

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in 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 technology such as the soon-to-come UVO powered by Microsoft®(1) in-car hands-free entertainment system. The launches of the 2011 Sorento CUV, the first vehicle to be assembled* at Kia's first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, the dynamic 2011 Sportage compact CUV, sophisticated 2011 Optima midsize sedan and versatile 2011 Forte 5-door hatchback further enhance the lineup.  

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 725 dealers throughout the United States.  For 2009, KMA recorded its 15th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share and recently achieved its best quarter of sales ever in 2010.  Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles.  Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."

Kia Motors America is the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA."  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.

*Kia vehicles assembled at the Kia U.S. plant are assembled from U.S. and globally-sourced parts.

(1)Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

SOURCE Kia Motors America