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2009 Kia Forte teaser image

Next gen. Kia Spectra gallery

J. D. Power and Associates has released 2008 Initial Quality Study, which measures car quality in the first 90 days of ownership. Overall industry-wide quality improved by 6 percent, with the number of problems per 100 vehicles falling to 118 from last year’s average of 125.

Among 36 nameplates included in a study, Porsche took first place for the third consecutive year with 87 problems per 100 vehicles. It was closely followed by Japanese duo, Infiniti 88 ( jumped from 9th place in 2007 to 2nd in 2008) and Lexus 89. Fourth was Mercedez-Benz tied with Toyota.

Other brands in the top 10 were Honda with 110, Ford and Jaguar with 112, and Audi, Cadillac and Chevrolet with 113 problems per 100 vehicles. Hyundai, Pontiac and Lincoln also rated above average, while Kia ranked just a spot below this year’s industry avearge.

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Follow the jump to read the official press release…

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Kia Canada today reported the month of May 2008 was it’s best sales month ever. Sales of Kia cars rose 6.2 percent last month with strong gains for Spectra sedan. Total May sales increased to 4010 vehicles from 3775 sold during the same month a year earlier.

Sales were mainly boosted by an increase in Rio (up 16%) and Spectra (up 23.8%). Rondo sold well too (up 4.9%) and continues to be one of the most popular vehicles for Canadians seeking the versatility and convenience this vehicle offers.

“These challenging economic conditions have consumers searching for the best value for their dollar. Kia’s fuel efficient, standard features-packed line of vehicles like the Spectra and Rio continue to grow in sales and popularity.” said says Maria Soklis, Director of Corporate Planning and Communications.

So far this year, sales are up nearly 11 percent to 14.889 vehicles from 13.318 at this point last year.

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Kia Motors America announced it’s best sales month ever for the second consecutive month with record May sales of 31,047 units, an increase of nine percent over the same period last year, and year-to-date sales of 129,327 units.

“With gas prices continuing to rise, record sales of the fuel-efficient Spectra and Optima are proof that consumers are recognizing Kia’s value now more than ever,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). “Achieving the best month ever for two months in a row is the result of enhancement efforts to Kia’s brand image and the Kia dealer network’s total endeavors in a difficult market environment to sell more vehicles.”

May’s record sales were led by Spectra and Optima, which both had their best months ever with 9,407 and 8,197 units sold respectively, increases of 10.5 and 120.8 percent over same period last year. Rio also continued with strong sales in its best month of the year at 4,474 units, a 28.6 percent increase over the same period last year. (more…)

Kia Motors released the image of an upcoming Forte four-door sedan. Kia Forte represents the vehicle which will replace the Spectra sedan in US and Canadian market.

If the release is anything like the sketches and concepts Kia has come up with, the Forte will be a strong competitor to Toyota Corollas and Honda Civics that currently dominate the market in USA.

More details will be released by August when Forte makes it’s official public debut.

UPDATE: Second teaser shot of Kia Forte sedan was released a few days ago and it reveales the front fascia of the four door sedan for the first time. Looks really eye-catching! Click here!

From today and until June 11th, Kia Motors will be receiving pre-launch orders for it’s new Lotze Innovation. The Lotze Innovation, known also as Optima overseas, is the facelift version of Kia’s mid-sized sedan that was first launched (in Korea) in November 2005.

For those Korean customers taking out pre-launch orders, the company will provide partial coverage of the registration fee. In addition, the company will apply a discount interest rate of 7 percent on vehicles bought on 36-month installment plans during June and provide golf lesson vouchers with all Lotze Innovation cars sold during the month. The normal interest rate applied to 36-month payment plans is 8.25 percent.

The company will also be providing an extended 7-year, 150,000 kilometer warranty, usual warranties for local mid-sized sedans last 5-year, 100,000 kilometer, with Lotzes sold until the end of the year. [Source: Koreaherald]

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Today, Kia Motors reported it’s sales numbers for month of May. Thanks to robust domestic demand, combined sales of Kia vehicles rose 5 percent from a year ago, said Kia in it’s statement. Domestic sales climbed 15 percent to 26.452 units, while exports reached the sales of 96.422 units, representing a 2.6 percent gain compared to May 2007.

Hyundai Motor Company, Korea’s largest automotive company, sold 251.271 vehicles last month compared with 231,650 a year earlier. Domestic sales raised 3 percent to 55.202 units and exports rose 10.1 percent to 196.069 units. In the first five months Hyundai sold nearly 1.22 million units ( +14,8%).