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Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Kia Optima Named "Most Gorgeous Car Under $20K" by Esquire

3:23 PM Unknown No comments

With U.S. production of the car now underway, the 2011 Kia Optima was named "Most Gorgeous Car Under $20K" by prominent men's lifestyle magazine, Esquire. Along with the recognition, the Optima was one of only nine finalists in "The 2011 Esquire Design and Technology Awards" after editors applauded its "clean and inspiring" design that provides a refined and upscale feel at an extraordinary value.

"Esquire defines and shapes men's style and fashion in today's contemporary culture, and this recognition further validates the Optima's tremendous value proposition with its unmatched combination of world-class design, advanced technology, and fun-to-drive performance," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communication, Kia Motors America (KMA). "The stunning design and value of the Optima has significantly increased awareness, perception and consideration for the Kia brand and with demand continuing to outpace supply we are looking forward to the first U.S.-built Optimas arriving in showrooms in the coming weeks."

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[Source: Kia Motors America]

Kia, Hyundai August Sales Continue Upward Trend (USA)

7:49 PM Unknown No comments

The Koreans keep topping the charts every month, so it comes as no surprise that August sales kept up the relentless pace. Sales were up 26.9 percent for Kia compared to last year, while Hyundai saw a 9 percent increase in year-over-year sales.

Hyundai: 58,505 Units, Up 9 Percent

Car buyers flocked to Hyundai dealerships with fuel efficiency on their minds, as 35% of vehicles sold in August were models rated at 40 mpg highway. Now in its second full month on sale, the new Accent subcompact saw in increase in sales at 38 percent, moving 5,289 vehicles off the lot compared to 3,844 sold last year in August. The best-selling Sonata’s 20,682 units fell a tad below last year’s 21,399 vehicles sold, while the Elantra stayed consistent, selling 15,054 in August compared to last year’s 15,181 units. The Genesis continues to perform well with 3,243 sold, while the luxurious Equus (at 297 units) paces well ahead of its first full-year sales target. The aging Azera didn’t fare as well, falling behind at 89 units. But that may soon change when the all-new Azera debuts at the Los Angeles Auto show later this year.

Kia: 41,188 Units, Up 26.9 percent

There’s nowhere to go except for up for Kia, after its entire lineup received a makeover that transformed all its vehicles into a hot commodity. The Korean automaker reported a 26.9 increase over the same period last year, and a 39.4 increase in year-to-date sales. Kia moved 41,188 cars off the lot in August compared to 32,465 last year, with the midsize Sorento SUV leading the way with 13,573 units sold for the month. The urban-oriented Soul came in second, selling 6,885 units, while the Forte and new Optima rounded out the top sellers at 6,677 and 6,157, respectively. Last year in August, the Optima sold only 1,714 examples. Surprisingly, people are still buying the Borrego – only 9 of them, that is, and the Sedona minivan also continues to stay toward the bottom of the list, selling only 3,011 vehicles in August. If Kia continues its path up the high road, it will shatter its previous best-ever annual sales record in less than 9 months. With the refreshed Rio arriving in showrooms this month, and the recently launched Optima Hybrid added to the lineup, that record looks like it may about to be shattered.

[Source: Hyundai/Kia]