All-New 2014 Kia Forte Sedan Puts Online Gamers' Skills To The Test In New Facebook Game

IRVINE, Calif., June 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

• "Kia Forte Techathlete Games" available prizes[1] include Xbox Kinect®, Go-Pro® camera, Nike+ FuelBand and Beats™ by Dre headphones
• Tech-savvy players use their computer webcam, mouse, keyboard, microphone and smartphone in a series of interactive games

The technology-laden 2014 Kia Forte sedan made quite an introduction earlier this year with futuristic robots in the "Hotbots" commercial instructing people to "Respect the Tech," and now the Kia Motors marketing campaign for the all-new compact sedan continues with an interactive online gaming experience that tests players' tech-might.  The "Kia Forte Techathlete Games" is a lighthearted test of tech talent – players trade the discus and shot put for modern devices like a computer webcam, keyboard, mouse, microphone and smartphone to take on the Forte's available technology.  In addition to bragging rights, players will have a chance to earn a spot on the game's online leaderboard and compete for a chance to win some of today's hottest gadgets, including the Xbox Kinect®, Go-Pro® camera, Nike+ FuelBand and Beats™ by Dre headphones.

Kia's Techathlete Games is comprised of five games – Type-Wondo, Gymnas-Clicks, 100m Headles, Sla-La-La-Lom and Gy-Row-Scope – which highlight a different feature of the 2014 Forte and require the player to use a different device to play.  In Sla-La-La-Lom, the Forte's next-generation voice-controlled navigation system requires players to use their computer microphone and voice to steer their way down a ski slope.  In Gy-Row-Scope, players link their smartphones to their computers to row down a virtual river, which emphasizes the ease with which the Forte syncs with smartphones to stream music.

"The 'Kia Forte Techathlete Games' is a fun online gaming experience that allows players to sample the all-new Forte's long list of advanced technologies and extends two key components of Kia's marketing strategy:  customer interactivity and connected life activations," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America.  "With a very attractive starting price, the 2014 Forte's high-tech features and European-inspired styling offer consumers a compelling value proposition."

About the 2014 Forte

The all-new 2014 Forte offers a sleek European-inspired design and more premium features than previous generations. Sitting on a chassis that is longer, wider and lower, the 2014 Forte offers more room, performance and amenities and is offered in LX and EX variants with the choice of an efficient 1.8-liter engine or a more powerful 2.0 liter engine.  The LX model comes standard with steering wheel-mounted audio controls, SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio[2], Bluetooth® wireless technology[3], power windows, air conditioning and power heated outside mirrors among the many features that make the Forte stand out from its competition.  The optional Popular Package adds 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, keyless entry with remote trunk release and a sliding front armrest.  Stepping up to the EX trim broadens Forte's appeal with additional comfort and convenience features.  Kia's next-generation UVO infotainment system with eServices is standard and can now be integrated with an optional navigation system.  Additional standard EX features include remote keyless entry with trunk opener, rear-camera display[4], a sliding center armrest and a cooling glove box. 

Kia:  One of the World's Fastest Moving Global Automotive Brands

Kia Motors America is one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales in each of the past four years, and in 2012 the company surpassed the 500,000 unit mark for the first time.  With a full line of fun-to-drive cars and CUVs, Kia is advancing value to new levels of sophistication by combining European-influenced styling – under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer – with cutting-edge technologies, premium amenities, affordable pricing and the lowest cost of ownership in the industry.

Kia recently joined the exclusive ranks of Interbrand's "Top 100 Best Global Brands," and is poised to continue its momentum with seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles scheduled to arrive in showrooms in 2013. 

Over the past decade Kia Motors has invested more than $1.4 billion in the U.S., including the company's first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – which is responsible for the creation of more than 11,000 plant and supplier jobs.  The success of the U.S.-built* Optima and Sorento in two of the industry's largest segments has fueled Kia's rapid growth and is complemented by Kia's comprehensive lineup which includes the Cadenza flagship sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima Hybrid, the Forte sedan, 5-door and Koup compacts, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the 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 765 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA.  In 2012, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and gained U.S. market share for the 18th consecutive year.  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.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at http://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

[1] See Official Rules

[2] Sirius services require subscriptions, sold separately after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase/lease. Subscriptions governed by SiriusXM Customer Agreement at siriusxm.com© 2011 SiriusXM Radio Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc.

[3] The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. A compatible Bluetooth® enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth® wireless technology

[4] The Rear-Camera Display is not a substitute for proper and safe backing-up procedures. The Rear-Camera Display may not display every object behind the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution when backing up

SOURCE Kia Motors America