Kia Motors, LPGA and Michelle Wie Tee Off for Inaugural Kia Classic at La Costa Resort and Spa

SAN DIEGO, March 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on momentum established in 2009 with three new products, record U.S. market share and the opening of Kia's first automotive assembly plant on U.S. soil(1), Kia Motors America (KMA) today with the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) and Michelle Wie tee off for the inaugural Kia Classic at La Costa Resort and Spa in beautiful Southern California. The full field of professional golfers promises to provide exciting action during the course of the tournament and Kia will showcase exciting new designs, like the Soul urban crossover, the vehicle of choice for Michelle Wie (a proud Soul owner), Forte compact sedan and Sorento CUV, on perfectly manicured greens along the La Costa Resort and Spa Golf Course, the first time the historic venue has hosted an LPGA tour event.

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"It's a natural synergy for Kia to be associated with the LPGA and Michelle Wie as we are all on the rise in the U.S. and globally," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing, KMA.  "And immediately following the conclusion of the Kia Classic, we will launch two more products next week that embody the Kia brand value, quality and design revolution."

"You don't increase market share for 15 consecutive years like Kia Motors has accomplished unless you provide value, satisfy consumer demand, and adopt modern technologies and new designs," said Mike Whan, LPGA Commissioner.  "Kia is driven to be the best, and has showcased its brand worldwide.  We at the LPGA aspire to the same achievements, and therefore we're thrilled to partner with Kia.  We look forward to working with them to showcase the best women golfers in the world. "

The Kia Classic presented by J Golf runs through Sunday, March 28.

Kia Motors America in 2010

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.  With four new vehicle introductions and several other key initiatives planned for 2010, Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and with new technology such as UVO powered by Microsoft®(2) infotainment system (to be available in select Kia models in the U.S. beginning in summer 2010).  The launch of the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, the official vehicle of the NBA and the first vehicle to be assembled at Kia's first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, further enhances the lineup, and is now in dealerships.

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 670 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.  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.

About the Ladies Professional Golf Association

The LPGA is the world's leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 1,700 members representing 28 different countries. With a Vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women's golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The Duramed FUTURES Tour serves as the official developmental tour of the LPGA, consistently producing a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. Follow the LPGA on its exclusive cable home, Golf Channel, and on the Web via: www.LPGA.com, www.facebook.com/lpga.official, www.twitter.com/lpga, and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo.

(1) Kia vehicles assembled at the Kia U.S. plant are assembled in the U.S. with U.S. and globally sourced parts.

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

SOURCE Kia Motors America