Kia Motors Places Two Vehicles on MSNBC.com's List of "Ten Most Improved Cars of 2011"

IRVINE, Calif., May 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Coming on the heels of back-to-back all-time monthly sales records and a series of consumer and critical acclaim, the 2011 Kia Sorento CUV and 2011 Kia Optima midsize sedan were recently recognized by MSNBC.com as two of the "Ten Most Improved Cars of 2011."  Both vehicles were praised by the reputable online resource for their stunning styling, increases in power and fuel efficiency and overall value and are direct result of Kia Motors' ongoing design-led transformation as the brand continues to solidify its place as a market leader in value, styling, technology and safety.

"As Kia's aggressive design-led transformation continues, we are pleased to be recognized by MSNBC.com for the significant enhancements made to our lineup, offering even more style, power, fuel economy and overall value than ever before," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "The U.S.-built(1) 2011 Sorento has been our best-selling vehicle for 16 consecutive months while the 2011 Optima delivers three fuel-efficient powertrains and an ideal combination of technology and fun-to-drive performance, attributes that are important to today's value-conscious buyer."

About the 2011 Kia Sorento

The 2011 Sorento, the first vehicle to roll off the line at Kia's new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia, encompasses both the brand's signature design cues as well as its distinct combination of value, safety and style.  The 2011 Sorento, which has been Kia's best-selling vehicle each month since going on sale in January 2010, offers consumers a well-equipped, well-appointed CUV, suited perfectly for the fun, dynamic and discerning driver.  Available in base, LX, EX and SX trim levels, the 2011 Sorento features a starting MSRP of $21,195(2) and a number of standard convenience features, including air conditioning, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service(3), MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth®(4) wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones.

About the 2011 Kia Optima

With completely redesigned and sleek exterior styling, the 2011 Optima is available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, and offers a wide array of convenience and luxury as well as impressive technology features like an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks and standard Bluetooth® wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls.  Available with three all-new and fuel-efficient engines, a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter GDI turbo or a 2.4-liter hybrid (available next month), pricing for the stylish and performance-oriented midsize sedan begins at $19,200(5).  Starting this fall with the 2012 model year, the Optima will move production to Kia Motors' first U.S.-based plant in West Point, Georgia, joining the best-selling Sorento CUV.

2011 Kia Motors America Product Line

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 730 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 Web site – www.kia.com.  For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

(1) Assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
(2) Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRPs exclude $795 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.
(3) SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries. SIRIUS Radio requires a subscription, sold separately after 3-month trial subscription included with vehicle purchase. Prices and programming are provided by SIRIUS and are subject to change. Subscriptions governed by SIRIUS Terms & Conditions available at sirius.com. SIRIUS Radio U.S. service available only to those at least 18 years of age in the 48 contiguous United States, D.C. and Puerto Rico (with coverage limitations).
(4) 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 tradenames are those of their respective owners.
(5) Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRPs exclude $695 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

SOURCE Kia Motors America