Kia Announces 11 Models Eligible for "Cash for Clunkers"

Kia Motors America announced today that 11 models in the brand's line-up qualify for the U.S. Government's Car Allowance Rebate System, better known as "Cash for Clunkers". All eligible models qualify for a rebate of up to $4,500. Under this new buyer incentive program, consumers can purchase a new, more fuel efficient Kia vehicle when they trade-in a less fuel efficient car or truck of any eligible make or model.

Qualifying Kia models for the CARS program are: Borrego (V6 models only), Sedona, Sorento (2WD LX 3.3L V6 only), Sportage, Forte, Optima, Rio, Rio5, Rondo (4-cyl. models only), Soul, and Spectra.

For more information including eligibility requirements for trade-in cars, read our previous post on Hyundai's involvement with the CARS program or stop by Kia's information page linked below.

[Source: Kia Motors America]

Read more for the official press release.


PRESS RELEASE:

KIA MOTORS SUPPORTS CAR ALLOWANCE REBATE SYSTEM WITH 11 ELIGIBLE MODELS

Full Array of Vehicles Qualify For NHTSA New Buyer Incentive Program

IRVINE, Calif., June 25, 2009 – – In support of the recently signed Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) by the U.S. government, Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced that consumers in need of a new vehicle will be able to choose from a total of 11 eligible Kia models that qualify for up to a $4,500 rebate. Under this new buyer incentive program consumers can purchase a new, more fuel efficient Kia vehicle when they trade-in a less fuel efficient car or truck of any eligible make or model.

“Consumers have the opportunity to not only purchase a new car with a significant rebate, but also reap the benefits of modernized safety features, advanced technology as well as increased fuel economy,” said Tom Loveless, vice president of sales, KMA. “There has been no other time in recent history when such an extensive national buyer incentive program has been implemented, and Kia Motors is pleased to provide consumers with a comprehensive selection of vehicles that are praised for their style, quality, value, fuel efficiency and long list of standard safety features.”

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidelines indicate that consumers may earn $4,500 with the purchase of a new car with an increase of 10-plus miles per gallon (mpg) or may earn $3,500 with an increase of four-plus mpg when they trade in a car or SUV with less than 18 mpg combined. For SUVs, five-plus mpg may earn $4,500 and two-plus mpg may earn $3,500.

In accordance with the NHTSA, retailers that are enrolled in the program will process transactions using program guidelines and apply appropriate credits at the time of purchase. The following details the official government criteria for trade-in rebates:
# Trade-in vehicles have been manufactured less than 25 years before the date of trade-in
# Trade-in vehicles must have a federal combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 mpg or less
# Eligible vehicles must be in driveable condition and have been continuously insured and registered to the same owner for at least one year
# Vouchers are not necessary; dealers will apply a credit at the time of the purchase

Additional information is currently being developed by the National Highway Transportation Authority and will be available on its Web site as it becomes available. For more information visit www.cars.gov, the official and only Web site for the program.

Kia Motors Product Line

Kia Motors America offers a dynamic and diverse product line to meet the needs of all lifestyles. The vehicle line features the stylish and all-new Forte compact sedan, highly personalizable Soul, functional Rondo CUV, award-winning Sedona minivan, purposeful Optima midsize sedan, versatile and compact Spectra, and sporty yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The vehicle line also features the affordably luxurious Borrego, rugged Sorento and value-packed Sportage SUVs. The all-new 2010 Forte Koup will further complement the lineup when it arrives in dealerships in late summer.

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 630 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. 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.

Posted in: Kia,Sales