Seven Kia models given Best Bet by The Car Book 2008

Kia has been on a roll recently around the world with record sales posted in various markets, namely Europe and the US. Partial credit can be given to the automaker's award shelf, which has seen a surge lately with accolades from various publications. Today, Kia has announced that 7 of their models have been given "Best Bet" distinctions by The Car Book 2008. The Optima, Rio, Rondo, Sedona, Sorento, Spectra, and Spectra5 were given the honors by gaining sufficient ratings in multiple categories including crash test results and fuel economy.

We are pleased to have several of Kia’s top-selling models distinguished as "Best Bets" by The Car Book," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). "As we continue to raise our brand profile, we are proud to receive these awards based on safety features and performance characteristics in our vehicles." A noteworthy mention goes out to the Rio and Optima, which have received the honors for a third consecutive year. The Spectra and Spectra5 were also recipients of the accolade last year.

The future for Kia has never been any brighter. The Borrego, recently launched at the Detroit Autoshow, has already earned praises in its home market despite its untimely launch. Dealer executives from the US also had the same viewpoint of the vehicle, meaning that the Ford Explorer is up for some serious competition in the coming months. The Optima is in line to receive a substantial refresh, and spyshots suggest that the front fascia will cue the Kue Concept. The redesigned Spectra (TD) is slated to bow in showrooms early next year.

[Source: Kia Motors America]

Press release and images of award recipients after the jump



PRESS RELEASE: SEVEN KIA MODELS GIVEN "BEST BET" DISTINCTION BY THE CAR BOOK 2008

Safety and Performance Standards are Recognized in Kia’s Vehicles with Prestigious Honor

IRVINE, Calif., March 12, 2008 – Kia Motors America (KMA) has broken its all-time sales record, inked a major sponsorship deal as the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA and launched its all-new Borrego midsize SUV. KMA also is proud to announce seven models, including the Optima, Rio, Rondo, Sedona, Sorento, Spectra and Spectra5 have achieved The Car Book "Best Bet" distinction. Rio and Optima are recipients of the award for the third consecutive year, while the Spectra, Spectra5 and Sorento have achieved this award for the second year in a row.

"We are pleased to have several of Kia’s top-selling models distinguished as "Best Bets" by The Car Book," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). "As we continue to raise our brand profile, we are proud to receive these awards based on safety features and performance characteristics in our vehicles."

The Car Book 2008 is an updated and expanded guide to buying a new 2008 car, van, truck or SUV. It presents the latest safety ratings, dealer prices, fuel economy, insurance premiums, maintenance costs, tires, as well as a chart of state lemon laws, and is published in cooperation with the Center for Auto Safety, the nation’s leading auto safety advocacy group.

The Car Book’s "Best Bet" distinction, given annually, is based on objective information collected from government and independent sources that evaluate the safety and performance needs of the American consumer. Only cars that have ratings in all of the key Car Book categories – safety features, fuel economy, rollover, front and side crash tests, maintenance and repair costs, warranties, insurance costs, and complaints, with the greatest emphasis placed on crash test performance – are considered as potential "Best Bets."

"The Car Book has long been the consumer’s best guide to smart and sensible car buying," said Jack Gillis, author of The Car Book. "We appreciate the fact that Kia continues to make a significant contribution to improving the market choices for the American car buyer."

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record U.S. sales. 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.

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