Kia.com Tops J.D. Power and Associates Ranking

IRVINE, Calif., March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The consumer Web site for automaker Kia Motors America (KMA), www.kia.com, has been named the highest ranked automobile manufacturer Web site in the most recently released J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Manufacturer Web Site Evaluation Study (SM) – Wave 1 (MWES).  Kia ranked highest overall among manufacturer Web sites for usefulness in new-vehicle shopping, including navigation, speed, appearance and information/content.  Kia.com is now a five-time award recipient of the J.D. Power and Associates MWES Award, ranking highest in 2003, 2005 Wave 2, 2007 Wave 1, 2008 Wave 2 and 2010 Wave 1, the most for any automobile manufacturer.

"Our consumer site integrates seamlessly with the latest in Web service technologies and provides an immersive online experience while focusing on ease of navigation," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing, KMA. "And even more appealing, user-rich content will complement our new models, starting with the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, keeping the Kia experience efficient and enjoyable online as well as on the road."  

Kia.com features include a "virtual garage" that allows consumers to customize their ideal Kia vehicles with various options. Visitors also can experiment with different colors, interiors and accessories to find the vehicle that is right for them. The "virtual garage" removes the limits of normal photos with the use of Computer Generated Imagery (CGI), allowing the consumer to create any combination of available options. Kia.com is prepared by Animated Designs, LLC, KMA's interactive agency based in Westlake Village, Calif.

"We took a big risk with a major Web site redesign, but this proves that with the right approach and attitude, good results will come from which the consumer benefits," said David Schoonover, national manager, CRM & affiliate marketing, KMA.

According to J.D. Power and Associates, Kia's Web site success is largely due to the continued improvements that the manufacturer makes to the brand site. In addition to various small improvements, Kia's newer models such as the Forte and Soul have brought new content to the site, including the 'Experience Forte' section, which is resonating well with shoppers.

Kia 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. The vehicle line features the stylish Forte compact sedan and all-new two-door Forte Koup, the highly personalizable Soul, functional Rondo CUV, award-winning Sedona minivan, purposeful Optima midsize sedan and versatile yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts.  The launch of the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, the official vehicle of the NBA and the first vehicle to be built at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia(1), Kia's first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, further enhances the lineup.

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.

(1) KMMG vehicles are built with U.S. and globally sourced parts.

SOURCE Kia Motors America