First Kia Vehicles to Offer HD Radio™ Technology Are Now Available

COLUMBIA, Md., Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of digital HD Radio Technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting, today announced the first Kia vehicles equipped with HD Radio Technology – 2012 model-year Optima, Sorento and Sportage – have begun arriving in showrooms.  The funky 2012 Kia Soul urban passenger vehicle also will be available with HD Radio Technology this fall and additional radios and Kia models will offer HD Radio Technology later this year.

HD Radio Technology delivers significant benefits for Kia drivers: crystal-clear sound quality; additional local FM channels known as HD2, HD3 and HD4s; Program Service Data or PSD, which displays song title and artist name on the radio screen.  These value-added features, with more to come, are complimentary with no monthly subscription fee.

"We are excited to be aligned with a growing brand and look forward to Kia drivers enjoying HD Radio Technology in their new vehicles," said Jeff Jury, Chief Operating Officer of iBiquity Digital, the developer of digital HD Radio Technology. "HD Radio Technology is the digital standard for AM and FM broadcasting and has become a central feature in the digital dashboard.  We are confident that Kia customers will enjoy the expanded digital radio experience."

"Today's savvy drivers expect more features and technologies in their cars and incorporating HD Radio technology into our vehicles allows Kia drivers to enjoy a more entertaining listening experience," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "Responding to the marketplace and offering advanced technology options such as HD Radio, strengthens Kia's value proposition that features a combination of style, technology, performance, safety in Kia Motors' critically acclaimed lineup of vehicles."

HD Radio Technology is available nationwide, with more than 2,000 digital stations on-air, and over 1,300 HD2/HD3/HD4 digital-only channels that broadcast fresh new content that can only be heard with an HD Radio receiver. A sampling of the formats on these extra channels, which vary in different markets around the country, include Dance/Electronica, Bluegrass Country, Comedy, Local Music, Chill/Coffee Shop Music, South Asian, Talk, News, and Sports, to name just a few.

HD Radio Technology is offered on select Kia vehicles starting this year. Keep watching for more information at www.kia.com or www.kiamedia.com.

About iBiquity Digital Corporation

iBiquity Digital Corporation is the developer of HD Radio™ Technology, which is fueling the digital radio revolution in the United States and around the world. The digital technology enables broadcasters to offer new and unique FM content via HD2/HD3 channels, crystal-clear sound and data services on both the AM and FM bands – all free, with no subscription fee. Leading broadcasters, consumer electronics manufacturers, automakers and retailers are committed to HD Radio Technology. iBiquity Digital is a privately held company with operations in Columbia, MD, Auburn Hills, MI, and Basking Ridge, NJ. For more information, please visit http://www.hdradio.com and http://www.ibiquity.com.

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 745 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 website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

Note to editors: HD Radio™ and the "HD Radio" logo are proprietary trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corp. The "HD" in HD Radio™ is part of iBiquity Digital's brand name for its advanced digital AM/FM system. It does not mean hybrid digital or high-definition digital; both of these are incorrect.

SOURCE iBiquity Digital Corporation