Optima Hybrid Takes Top Honors in the Alternative Powerplant Category

• Kia's fuel-efficient midsize sedan recognized for class-leading highway fuel economy¹, advanced technology and distinctive styling
  
  
• Kia's first-ever hybrid delivers up to 40 miles per gallon and offers eco-conscious consumers a host of standard safety and convenience features

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 22, 2011 - The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid recently was named to the Hispanic Motor Press Association's (HMPA) "Top 10 Cars of the Year" list as the top Alternative Powerplant vehicle. The HPA award reflects the unique and distinctive preferences and needs of the influential Hispanic population in the U.S., with jurors selected by invitation only following strict criteria, including years of experience, demonstrated knowledge of vehicle technology, and proof of audience.

"Kia has undergone a dramatic brand transformation over the past three years, including the addition of our first-ever hybrid model in the U.S., and the Hispanic Motor Press Association's recognition of the Optima Hybrid is further evidence of Kia's unprecedented growth in the market," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "More and more consumers are looking at Kia for the first time, and Optima Hybrid's 'Top 10 Cars of the Year' designation demonstrates how Kia is reaching new audiences, including the important and growing Hispanic community."

Each year, members of the HMPA recognize the most impressive new vehicles in 10 categories: American sports car, American sedan, premium car, convertible, SUV, CUV, minivan, pick-up and alterative powerplant. Vehicles are evaluated on safety, quality, value, performance, design, style, environmental impact and technology standards.

"This is a car company that keeps impressing us, and the new Rio was a finalist in the compact category as well. The Optima Hybrid cleverly incorporates powertrain, infotainment , design elements and technology which make it a great all-around value package," said Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, HMPA jury director.

About the 2012 Optima Hybrid

The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid stands apart from the crowd with its class-leading 40 miles per gallon highway fuel efficiency, class-leading combined horsepower of 206.2², eye-catching style, impressive, modern amenities, and long list of standard safety features. Kia's first hybrid in the U.S. offers drivers cutting edge-technologies, including an eight-speaker Infinity^®3 audio system, HD Radio^™4, and Kia's UVO powered by Microsoft^®5voice-activated infotainment and communications system.

Design-Led Transformation and Product Line
Kia Motors has undergone 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. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and brand growth through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology. Kia's commitment to the U.S. market is represented by its U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – which is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and added the critically acclaimed Optima midsize sedan⁶ to its production line in September. Kia's model year 2012 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts 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 745 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 lineup is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

^{1 EPA claim for 2012 Optima Hybrid. Class-leading highway MPG claim based on comparison of 2011 and available 2012 hybrid midsize sedans as of November 2011. Actual mileage may vary.
2 Based on comparison of 2011 and available 2012 hybrid midsize sedans as of November 2011
3 Infinity® is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
4 HD Radio™ and the HD, HD Radio, and "Arc" logos are proprietary trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corporation
5 Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
6 Optima Hybrid will not be built at KMMG.}