Adding another chapter to Kia’s ever-evolving design transformation story, Kia Motors America (KMA) held the North American debut of the all-new 2011 Sportage compact CUV today in conjunction with the 2010 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Taking a “Kue” from Kia’s concept vehicle of the same name that was shown during the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the completely redesigned Sportage offers a more urban and fluid silhouette than its predecessor while retaining the functional features and benefits of the popular CUV. In addition to an all-new design package, the 2011 Sportage also offers increased levels of performance and efficiency, comfort and convenience and the latest in-vehicle technologies incorporated into all of Kia’s latest new vehicles.

The all-new 2011 version of Kia’s venerable Sportage CUV takes its design "Kue" from the concept vehicle of the same name that was shown during the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Completely and beautifully redesigned, Sportage offers more urban and fluid silhouettes than its predecessor while retaining the desirable benefits and functional features of the popular CUV. Sportage also offers increased levels of performance and efficiency, comfort and convenience and the latest in-vehicle technologies incorporated into all of Kia’s latest new vehicles.

Kia Motors’ all-new 2011 Sportage compact utility vehicle, the brand’s longest-running nameplate in the U.S., leads the compact CUV segment for residual value ratings from ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values and a leading provider of data and consulting services to the automotive industry. The notable rating of 61-percent of original manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for 36 months of ownership is a full 20 points higher than the current 2010 model year residual, and Kia Motors’ highest ever rating from ALG. Kia, along with BMW and Subaru, achieved the industry’s highest individual rankings with a mark of 66 for the Sportage Base trim.

 –Joining the 2010 Forte compact sedan, 2010 Soul urban passenger vehicle and 2011 Sorento compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV), the all-new 2011 Sportage CUV has been recognized as a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the small SUV category when built after March 2010. Arriving in Kia showrooms now, Sportage received the organization's top honor by earning "Good" ratings – the highest achievable – in frontal, side, rear and rollover impact crash safety tests. The Sedona minivan was the first Kia vehicle to receive the IIHS "Top Safety Pick," along with the "Safest Minivan Ever Tested" distinction from IIHS, shortly after its launch in 2006, and again in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Launched over the summer to critical and consumer acclaim – and already the recipient of a 2010 "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – the all-new 2011 Kia Sportage CUV has been named "Best Crossover" by leading Hispanic sports radio show Ruedas ESPN. Beating out popular segment contenders Nissan Rogue and Volkswagen Tiguan, Sportage was recognized by Ruedas ESPN for its high quality features and for providing consumers an impressive value while increasing its popularity among the Hispanic community.

Presented during the 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit during a presentation sponsored by Bridgestone Tire, the 2011 Kia Sportage compact CUV has been honored with the "International Truck of the Year" (ICOTY) award by Road & Travel Magazine. Launched in summer 2010 as part of Kia Motors America's dramatic design-led transformation, the Sportage quickly earned a 2010 "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and was chosen by the ICOTY jury for its head-turning style, emotional appeal, and overall performance.

Following an historic year for Kia Motors America (KMA), including important milestones such as the company's best-ever full-year sales of 356,268 units; a 16th consecutive year of market share growth to an all-time high of 3.1 percent; and the launch of the company's first U.S.-built vehicle¹ – the Sorento CUV – KMA now has been recognized as the "Most Improved Mainstream Brand" in the ALG Residual Value Awards brand rankings outlined in the latest ALG Industry Report , moving four spots from 14th place in 2010 to 10th in 2011. Driven by the wildly successful launches of the 2011 Sorento and Sportage and the all-new 2011 Optima – recently named the "Best of 2011" by Cars.com – this recognition indicates a continued rise in consumer confidence in the Kia brand and future improvements to brand value.

Already the recipients of several awards and accolades, the all-new 2011 Kia Optima and 2011 Sportage were both honored recently as "Best New Model" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. The Optima was named "Best New Car" in the $25,000-$30,000 category, while the Sportage was designated the "Best New Crossover" in the Small Crossovers category. In addition, Kia Motors' funky urban passenger vehicle, the 2011 Soul, received a "Worth a Look" mention in the cars under $20,000 category.

On the heels of its 2011 International Truck of the Year recognition by ICOTY jurors, Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the launch of the all-new 2011 Sportage SX compact CUV, scheduled to arrive in dealer showrooms later this month. As part of Kia's design-led transformation, the Sportage has become a strong player within the Kia line-up, offering power and class-leading fuel economy1. SX models take a solid foundation and up the ante with a more powerful four-cylinder turbo engine, exterior styling enhancements and unique interior options. The 2011 Sportage SX front-wheel drive (FWD) features a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $25,7952 while all-wheel drive (AWD) models feature a starting MSRP of $27,2952.

In addition to being named the "International Truck of the Year" by ICOTY jurors and a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2011 Kia Sportage compact CUV now has achieved "Best New Crossover Vehicle" in the 2011 Readers' Choice Awards by About.com. The annual awards, designed to showcase the very best products, services and features in multiple categories across the network, are based completely on votes submitted by consumers.

The 2011 Kia Sportage has been turning heads and collecting numerous awards since arriving in showrooms last summer. The latest recognition comes from the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA), who named Sportage the "2011 Northwest Affordable SUV of the Year" as part of the organization's annual SUV competition known as "Mudfest." The award is the latest in a series of accolades for Sportage, including the title of "Best New Crossover Vehicle" in the 2011 Readers' Choice Awards by About.com, being selected as the "International Truck of the Year" by International Car of the Year (ICOTY) jurors and earning a "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2011 Kia Sportage has received numerous accolades since its launch and sales of the compact CUV have tripled since it hit showrooms last summer. Adding to its long list of awards, the 2011 Sportage has received an AutoPacific 2011 "Vehicle Satisfaction Award," based on positive feedback from Kia owners. Named the top vehicle in the Compact Crossover SUV category, Sportage scored 10-rating points higher than the second place product and received high marks from owners for delivering strong value and overall satisfaction in the category. The critically acclaimed 2011 Optima midsize sedan posted significant increases in positive owner feedback, ranking second in the Premium Mid-Size Car category while the Kia brand moved up twelve positions in the latest survey, one of the industry's largest increases.

All-New Compact CUV Boasts More Refinement, Power, Fuel Efficiency, Technology and Convenience The all-new 2011 version of Kia's venerable Sportage CUV takes its design "Kue" from the concept vehicle of the same name that was shown during the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Thoroughly and beautifully redesigned, Sportage offers more urban and fluid silhouettes than its predecessor while retaining the desirable benefits and functional features of the popular CUV. Sportage also offers increased levels of performance and efficiency, comfort and convenience and the latest in-vehicle technologies incorporated into all of Kia's latest new vehicles. The 2011 Sportage retains the functionality and versatility of the previous generation model but repackages the CUV into a sleek, modern and bold style with new proportions and a completely new look. Recognized as a "2010 Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2011 Sportage received top ratings for front, side, rollover and rear impact protection.