First official images and information about the 2011 Kia Sorento have been released by KMA.

Kia Motors America has released first official images and information regarding its all-new Sorento crossover. The 2011 Kia Sorento is set t go on sale in January 2010 and will be the very first Kia vehicle to be produced at Kia Motors’ US manufacturing plant, located in West Point, Georgia.

The all-new Kia Sorento adopts Kia’s latest styling DNA. It features attractive exterior design and spacious cabin that offers seating for up-to 7 people. It has grown in size compared to the predecessor and adopted new unibody platform, which replaces the old body-on-frame design. The which provides car-like comfortable ride and

Buyers of the 2011 Kia Sorento can choose between two gasoline engines, that outperform similar engines from Honda and Ford in both, power ratings and fuel efficiency. Base 2.4L Theta four-cylinder engine produces impressive 172 horsepower, while larger, 3.5L Lambda II V6 delivers class-leading 273 horsepower.

Either of available engines in the 2011 Kia Sorento is mated to Kia’s all-new 6-speed automatic transmission, which has been co-developed with its parent Hyundai Motor Company. According to Kia, the all-new six-speed automatic gearbox offers improved fuel efficiency and improves vehicle’s performance. Six-speed manual tranny is available on base Sorento models. Both engines can be mated to either front or all-wheel drive configurations.

In addition to improved comfort and performance, the 2011 Kia Sorento hosts a number of high-tech features, including a push button-start ignition, rear sonar back-up cameras, voice-activated navigation, air ionization purification technology, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for MP3 player, Bluetooth connectivity. For the very first time, Sorento is also available with large panoramic sunroof.

“With a spacious, comfortable interior and multiple convenience features, the 2011 Sorento is the perfect, versatile choice for couples or young families taking a weekend getaway or merely handling everyday responsibilities,” said Tom Loveless, vice president of sales for KMA [Source: Kia]

2011 Kia Sorento gallery:

New spy shots of the upcoming 2011 Kia VG sedan surfaced to the web today. The set of latest spy images shows a heavily camouflaged, white painted VG sedan prototype parked in a parking garage.

Kia’s flagship sedan is expected to get a wide variety of efficient four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, including a 2.4L Theta II and revised V6 Lambda engines. The 2.4L four-cylinder engine will feature Kia’s latest direct injection gasoline (GDI) technology and generate 201 horsepower.

As latest rumors suggest, Kia will be following downsizing route and replace the 3.8L engine with the all-new 3.5L V6 unit. Such particular engine has already been introduced in the beautiful VG concept car that made its inaugural debut at the Seoul Auto Show earlier this year.

Along with modern engine line-up, Kia will also introduce the all-new 6-speed automatic transmission in the VG sedan. The 6-speed automatic gearbox has been first applied to the 2010 Sorento, which goes on sale in the States in January next year, and will soon find its way to other mid-size Kia vehicles. Reportedly, next generation Kia Optima and 2011 Sportage will both have it as well.

Another interesting information about the 2011 Kia VG is that Kia will likely bring the model to Europe and try to steal some sales from luxury carmakers such as Audi and BMW.

To succeed in Europe, Kia will have to offer the VG with a powerful, yet fuel efficient diesel engine and load it with luxury features. For Europe, the Korean carmaker will probably choose between a highly potent 2.2L four-cylinder engine with 197 horsepower and 3.0L V6 with 250 horsepower.

Regarding its luxury features, we have learned that the forthcoming Kia VG will be equipped with LED technology in both, head-lamps and tail-lamps! It will also feature ventilated front seats, parking guide system, rear heated seats and panoramic sunroof.

European (and US) sales are scheduled to commence in the second half of 2010, while Korean sales will kick off already this year.

Kia Cerato Koup goes on sale in Australia. Attractively styled and loaded with 2.0L gasoline engine, the 2010 Cerato Koup starts at $23.690 (AUS $).

Kia Motors has launched its first-ever, two-door coupe, called the Cerato Koup in Australia. Building on the success of the new Cerato sedan, which has been on sale in the country “down under” from January 2009, the Cerato Koup offers performance, ride and handling that’s even more responsive than the sedan.

Despite its sporty appearance and lower roofline, the 4.48 m long Koup has a wheelbase of 2650 mm and offers extraordinary passenger and luggage space, highly competitive levels of equipment and state-of-the-art active and passive safety.

Standard equipment on the Aussie-spec Kia Cerato Koup includes 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS system, 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 tyres, 6 air-bags, active front headrests, keyless remote central locking, MP3 compatible CD player with Power Bass, air conditioning, “Super Vision” cluster with rear parking assist display, Traction Control System-TCS, repeater lamps on door mirrors and other features.

Unlike the North-American Koup model, Aussie-spec Kia Cerato Koup is available with a choice of one gasoline engine only. The 2.0L four-cylinder Theta II engine delivers a highly competitive power rating of 115kW and 194Nm peak torque at 4.300 rpm.

From standstill, the 2.0L engine can propel the all-new Cerato Koup to 100 km/h in low 9.3 seconds and to its top speed of 190 km/h. The engine in Cerato Koup is mated to 5-speed manual transmission, but buyers can also choose an optional 4-speed automatic gearbox. A more spirited 2.4L engine, which is fitted to the Koup in the States and Canada, is unlikely to make it to Australia any time soon.

Pricing for the 2010 Kia Cerato Koup starts well below $25.000 (Aus $). Entry-level Cerato Koup, with five-speed automatic gearbox, costs $23.690, while four-speed automatic transmission equipped Cerato Koup clocks in at $25.690. [Source: Kia Australia]

The Kia Soul has made it into winning ways once more - this time taking a class victory in the 2010 Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Awards, announced today.

The Soul was victorious in the highly competitive under £16,000 category.

Entrants to Towcar of the Year awards are tested at Millbrook Proving Ground by a number of specialist motoring judges. Evaluations cover the towing ability, acceleration, braking and capability with demanding hill starts.

Then, a team of caravan specialist judges take to the controls and assess the vehicles’ suitability in everyday caravanning situations.

The judges said of the Kia Soul; ‘The Soul Shaker gives a spirited performance, has a usable bodyshape and promises low running costs’, adding that ‘As a towcar for small caravans or trailer tents, Kia’s hatchback is a worthy winner’.

Kia Motors (UK) Ltd. Managing Director, Michael Cole, said of the award; ‘Kia Motors has great history in the Towcar Awards, with Sorento having taken a number of category wins over the years. But now Kia Soul has provided towing fans with something stylish and capable to tow with. We’re pleased that Soul could take up the mantle and move forwards in such style’.

With prices starting at £10,495, the Kia Soul has braked and unbraked towing capacities of 1,300 kg and 550 kg respectively, with a ball weight of 52 kg.

The Kia Soul was first seen in production form at the Paris Motor Show in 2009, before going on sale in the UK in early 2010. The fresh-looking car was created by design teams in the US, Germany and Korea, with the deliberate aim of creating a unique looking, emotionally inspired car that appealed to a wide range of customers. In the UK, Kia Motors managed to sell 1,000 cars within 100 days of its launch. Current sales are now over 1600 since the car went on sale early this year.

New Kia Venga; engines, specs, dimensions, warranty, tires & wheels…

When the all-new Kia Venga goes on sale in Europe early next year, it will be available with an exceptionally broad range of diesel and gasoline engines. All of the engines are highly efficient units that provide a respectable amount of power and meet latest EURO5 emissions standards!

Diesel engines

Diesel power in the new Kia Venga comes from two four-cylinder powerplants that feature dsiplacements of 1.4L and 1.6L with outputs spanning from 75 horsepower to 128 horsepower. Kia Venga is also available with a choice of well proven 1.6L or 1.4L gasoline engines from Kia’s Gamma engine family.

Base 1.4L diesel engine is available in two variants, with 75 hp (low power version) and 90 hp (high power version). Similarly, the 1.6L diesel engine also comes available in two variants, with low hp version generating 115 horsepower, while more potent version produces 128 horsepower and maximum torque of 255 Nm.

The U2 diesel engines that are fitted in new Kia Venga have been designed and engineered in Germany and will be manufactured in Slovakia. The 1.6L diesel is already available with the cee’d, while 1.4L diesel propels Hyundai’s i20 hatchback.

The U2 diesel engines are fitted with latest engine technology such as high pressure common rail injection with a variable swirl control system, electronically-controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), a Waste Gate Turbocharger (WGT) or variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). They both have a chain-driven timing system, which means service intervals have been extended to 30.000 km or once per year.

Gasoline engines

Those customers who prefer gasoline engines over diesels will be able to choose between 1.6L or 1.4L gasoline powered engines. Both powerplants belong to Kia’s Gamma engine familly. The smaller, 1.4L engine generates 90 horsepower and 137 Nm of torque at 4.000 rpm, while larger, 1.6L unit churns out a highly competitive 125 ps and 156Nm of torque.

Kia Venga transmissions

Buyers of new Kia Venga will have a choice of five-speed or six-speed manual transmissions and one automatic transmission. Manual five-speed gearbox is fitted as standard on all gasoline powered Venga models as well as on low-output (75 horsepower) diesel powered Venga.

Kia’s all-new six-speed manual gearbox will be fitted to Venga models fitted with 90-hp 1.4L diesel engine and both versions equipped with 1.6L diesel engines, while four-speed automatic gearbox can be ordered as an extra cost option on the 1.6 gasoline unit.

Dimensions & tires

Size wise, the all-new Kia Venga is 4068 mm long, 1765mm wide and 1600mm high. In general, it is a tad shorter than Kia Soul crossover but features longer wheelbase (Venga = 2615mm; Soul = 2550mm). Base Kia Venga ride rides on 15-inch tires, while larger 16 inch and 17 inch are available as well.

Warranty

Just like all European-built Kias, the all-new Kia Venga is also backed by Kia’s Kia’s award-winning 7-Year drivetrain / 5-Year (whole car)  or 150,000 km warranty, plus a 10-Year anti-corrosion warranty.

Kia cee’d hybrid receives new powertrain technology and new front fascia design.  

Yesterday, you could have seen first hybrid concept car out of three that are being displayed at this year’s Kia’s booth in Frankfurt. And now it’s time to look at the second one. Alongside Sorento diesel-electric hybrid stands a white-painted cee’d hatchback, covered with green flowing stickers on its doors.

Developed at Kia’s European R&D centre, the cee’d hybrid is a follow-up model of the initial cee’d hybrid model, which has been shown for the first time at the Paris Auto Show last year. Since we have last seen it a few months ago, the new cee’d hybrid adopted new front fascia and received upgraded powertrain technology.

The heart and soul of Kia cee’d hybrid concept car shown in Frankfurt is a four-cylinder 1.6L engine. It is very similar to the one used in Forte Lpi hybrid, but it is powered by gasoline, rather than liquefied petroleum gas.

The engine, which belongs to Kia’s “Gamma” engine family, is paired with Kia’s own developed continuously variable - CVT transmission and 20-horsepower electric motor. The high-torque electric motor has a maximum torque of 105 Nm from just 1500 rpm.

According to Kia, new cee’d hybrid reaches a top speed of 185 km/h and accelerates from 0-to-100 kmh in just 11.8 seconds. CO2 emissions of the hybrid model have been lowered by 25 percent, to only 96grams per kilometer, when compared to standard cee’d.

Kia Sorento diesel electric hybrid features dual clutch transmission and  a163-horsepower diesel engine.

At the on-going Frankfurt Auto Show, Kia exhibits a wide range of eco-friendly concept cars and production vehicles. Some of those cars are already well known to all of you Kia fans, while other are improved or brand new vehicles. We are going to dedicate a few minutes to each one of them to take a look at their technology, specs and other facts.

One of the most impressive ones among all is a diesel-hybrid Sorento, which features advanced powertrain technologies that will be applied to Kia vehicles in the following years.

Sorento hybrid is Kia’s first-ever diesel-electric hybrid. Under its atractively shapped sheetmetal, it features Kia’s latest hybrid powertrain technology. At its heart is Kia’s 1.6L U2 turbo-diesel engine, which can be found in the Soul crossover, new Kia Venga and cee’d facelift.

The 1.6L U2 engine in Sorento hybrid is a follow-up engine to the current 1.6L U2 diesel unit. It features a two-stage turbocharger instead of the current VGT-turbo technology and generates impressive 163 horsepower.

The 163-hp diesel engine in Sorento hybrid is mated to Kia’s all-new dual-clutch transmission and a 40 horsepower electric motor. The innovative “Integrated package module” located in the trunk under the floor, combines Lithium Ion Polymer Batteries with an Inverter and Converter.

By use of lightwieght materials and extreme engine downsizing, the weight of a concept car has been reduced by 100 kg or 8 percent when compared to the 2010 Sorento crossover while aerodynamic tweaks, such as airflow-smoothing under floor panels, a set of aerodynamic alloy-wheels, rear-window spoiler, lower suspension (-25 mm) and narrower tyres have helped reducing Sorento’s drag coefficient.

The final result of all these aerodynamic tweaks and technical enhancements are reduced C02 emissions which were lowered b 30 percent to just 119 g/km  when compared to the 2010 Sorento. This is a truly remarkable achievement for such a large vehicle!

Kia did not reveal if it has a production of Kia Sorento hybrid in plans but it did announce that the model is now entering a testing phase and will be driven over many thousands of kilometres across the European continent to generate data for inclusion in the design process of Kia hybrid vehicles during the next couple of years.

Kia Sorento diesel-electric hybrid gallery:

Exclusive Kia Venga video!

The all-new Kia Venga has been shown to a limited number of automotive media and press during an exclusive press briefing yesterday evening. The unofficial press unveiling has been held at Kia Motors European Design Headquarters, which is located right next to the IAA Messe where automakers exhibit their latest production and concept cars.

According to Jon Walsh, Senior Press Officer @ Kia UK, who attended an early-unveiling Venga ceremony, Kia has received very good reaction about its new Venga from gathered media. Journalists have been especially impressed by car’s attractively styled exterior, which was created under the leadership of Kia’s head of design Peter Schreyer and Kia’s European design chief Gregory Gillaume.

More info and images of the all-new Kia Venga will be released later today, shortly after its official world premiere (scheduled for 13:00 Central European Time). You can also follow our friend Jon Walsh who will be tweeting about all the happening at “Kia zone” in Frankfurt. You can follow Jon here.

Now, here is the exclusive Kia Venga video:

Following our latest spy report and ahead of its official Frankfurt unveiling, we are bringing you a few extra images of the all-new Kia Venga.

Finally, we can show you some high-quality images of the all-new Kia Venga, which will make its European debut during next week’s Frankfurt motorshow and go on sale in most European markets towards the end of the year or early next year.

The 2010 Kia Venga offers seating for five adult people and eventhough it belongs to the B-segment, it offers plenty of interior space. According to Kia, its interior space is on par with that from C-segment hatchbacks, such as Kia cee’d or VW Golf. Venga’s interior is flexible and features sliding 60/40 split rear seats and twin level boot floor. To maximise its loadspace, rear seats also fold flat into the floor.

Kia Venga is powered with two diesel and two gasoline engines mated to 6-speed manual transmission, while automatic tranny is available as well. All engines in the vehicle’s line-up meet EURO5 emission standards and are available with the ISG ( start & stop) technology.

The upcoming Venga is based on a slightly modified Soul’s platform and will be marketed exclusively for the European market. It was designed to offer maximum protection for the driver and passengers, so a 5-star safety rating is expected from the EuroNCAP crash test, which will be conducted sometime in the spring of 2010.

The all-new Kia Venga will make its official debut on Sept. 15th, so stay tuned as we will closely follow its official debut, as well as cover other Kia’s premieres. We are already excited about that!

New Kia Venga spy shots surface to the web before car’s official unveiling next week.

With facelifted cee’d hatchback, all-new Venga and Sorento crossover scheduled for an official unveiling, visitors of Kia’s Frankfurt auto show stand will have plenty to see. The all-new Venga, which is scheduled to go on sale across Europe early in 2010, will be exhibited at a special “Venga zone” that will display five different Venga cars.

Kia Venga has been first presented as a concept car at the 2009 Geneva auto show in March. Named No3, the concept vehicle gave us the very first preview of the upcoming production car. The concept incorporated Kia’s new family face inspired by the facial features of a tiger and featured large panoramic glass-roof with a diagonal windshield header.

As expected, production No3  Venga lost a big chunk of that glass but thankfully, the rest of the exterior shape remained very close to the concept car.

With 4068 mm in length, 1600 mm height and a 2615 mm wheelbase, the Korean five-door is about the same size as Kia Soul, but offers even more room inside the cabin and promises a class-leading versatility. The five-seat compact MPV is equipped with a sliding 60/40 split rear seat that folds flat into the floor to create a spacious cargo bay. 

Venga will be available with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, generating between 75 to 126 horsepower. To maximise fuel economy, every Venga will be equipped with Kia’s latest ISG (start-stop) system. More details, including pricing will be released during the show. Don’t forget, Kia Venga debuts on September 15th at 13.00 (CET)! [Source: Bobaedream]

Until then, enjoy these close-up Kia Venga spy shots!

Kia Venga gallery:

Kia sales increases 24 percent in August 2009. Kia Forte (Cerato) leads Sportage and Rio in second and third spot.

Kia reported its global sales figures for passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs), and commercial vehicles for August 2009, recording a total of 139,656 units sold. This figure represents a year-on-year increase of 24.1%.

To date in 2009, Kia’s best selling model in overseas markets has been the C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Spectra’ or ‘Forte’ in some markets) with 180,184 units sold. Kia’s Sportage compact SUV and the B-segment Rio followed closely with 111,868 and 108,760 units sold, respectively. The C-segment cee’d takes fourth place with 80,705 units sold, while the Picanto completes the top five with 62,590 units sold.

By region, Kia posted year-on-year sales increases in China (21,770 units sold, a 104.9% year-on-year increase), North America (44,870 units sold, a 55.0% year-on-year increase) and Korea (25,184 units, an 8.1% year-on-year increase).

Cumulatively, through the first eight months of 2009, Kia’s global sales increased by 8.5% year-on-year and reached 1,032,572 units. The Chinese market experienced the highest gain with 141,513 units sold to date, representing a 39.4% increase. Korea, general markets, and North America showed cumulative year-on-year sales increases of 23.3% (252,519 units sold), 10.3% (185,223 units sold) and 4.9% (248,838 units sold), respectively. 

In terms of vehicle category sold overseas, Kia’s recreational and passenger vehicles achieved year-on-year increases in August of 31.1% (39,183 units) and 30.2% (72,549 units), respectively.

Hyoung-Keun Lee, President of Kia Motors Corporation, said “We are very encouraged that in August we have already surpassed the million unit global sales mark, despite the various and difficult challenges facing the automotive industry. These results are promising and we look forward to carrying this momentum through to the final quarter of 2009.”

Kia Forte Koup price starts at $16,595. Already on sale at your local Kia dealership!

Kia Motors America has released information about pricing details on its striking Kia Forte Koup, which has started hitting the US Kia dealerships a few days ago. Pricing for the two-door Forte Koup, which is available in two trims including (EX and SX), starts at $16,595 (price excludes a $695 destination charge).

The 2010 Kia Forte Koup EX is powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder gasoline engine that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection and generates 156-horsepower and 144 lb-ft. Transmission choices in the Forte Koup EX include a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual gearbox, while estimated fuel-economy for the EX model comes in at an estimated 25/34 mpg (city/highway).

Stepping up to the SX Forte Koup will cost you $17,695. The Forte Koup SX features an upgraded, 173 horsepower 2.4L four-cylinder engine under its hood and can be mated either to a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.

When paired with 6-speed manual transmission, the Koup achieves an economical 22/32 mpg (city/highway), while equipped with five-speed automatic transmission it offers 23/31 mpg.

Standard on all Forte Koups are Air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering, 16-inch wheels, remote keyless entry and power windows, locks and mirrors, Bluetooth (for voice-activated hands-free phone connectivity) and a six-speaker audio system with controls built into the steering wheel.

The Forte Koup SX ads 17-inch wheels, fog lights, tilt and telescoping steering column, upgraded cloth seat covers, metal-finish trim and pedals, sport-tuned suspension. Available as an option on all trim levels are a sunroof worth $600 and a $1000 leather-trimmed interior with heated seats in front.

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Kia Sorento hybrid to highlight Kia’s eco-friendly technology and its commitment to lowering emissions and improving the fuel economy of its automobiles.

Kia has revealed it will display a wide array of new production models and near production concept cars at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Alongside new Venga B-segment MPV, Kia will also unveil revised versions of cee’d hatchback, cee’d Sporty Wagon and a completely redesigned Sorento crossover.

In addition, Kia also announced it will put on display its first mass-produced hybrid car, called Forte LPi hybrid, and cee’d hatchback with hybrid powertrain underpinnings. For the very first time, Kia will also exhibit the all-new Sorento hybrid concept, which features some highly advanced powertrain technologies, that will likely find their way to production Kia models in a very short period of time.

Development of Kia Sorento hybrid concept has taken place at Kia’s European Research and Development centre in Germany. The all-new Sorento hybrid features a highly advanced powertrain set-up, which couples Kia’s next generation 1.6L (U2 engine family) diesel engine with electric motor.

Fitted with twin-turbochargers, the 1.6L diesel engine generates impressive 163 horsepower. It is mated to dual-clutch gearbox, which enables the driver to choose from fully-automatic, or manual sequential gear changing.

According to Kia, the combination of a powerful twin-turbocharged diesel engine and double-clutch gearbox make Sorento hybrid a highly potent package, which offers plenty of performance, but at the same time, it only emits 119 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

Congratulations for September 2009 Soul Of The Month win go to a 17-year old Peter, whose Kia Soul crossover has received the largest number of votes from his “Soul mates”. Here is his honorable interview, where he reveals some details about his Soul, ownership experience so far and future plans regarding tuning and modifying. You can also see some images of his ride, after the jump.

1. How and when did you find out about the Kia Soul?
I was watching the NBA finals and Kia’s hamster commercials caught my attention!

2. How long have you owned your Soul and what are your experiences so far?
I have owned the Soul for a little more than 2 months and I absolutely love everything about it. Both the drive and the looks are great.

3. If you had to pick one thing what was it that really sold you on the Kia Soul?
The one thing that really sold me is probably the combination of nice exterior and the roomy interior.

4. Did you name your Soul?
Yes, I named it Milk Carton thanks to my girlfriend Connie who though of it.

5. Can you tell us some interesting comments that you have heard about your ride from friends, family and other people?

First, my friends ask when they hop on my car is to turn on the LED speaker lights. And everyone of them has so-far said my car is roomy, cute, and better than a Scion

6. What are your plans as far as modifications? Are you interested in that at all?
My plan is to get some front, rear, and side skirts as well as some lowering springs. Yes I am very interested in car modifications because my brother Mike has added all the modifications for my car over the past two months.

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Record-high sales results prove that Kia automobiles are the hottest products on the North American car market at the moment!

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced all-time record monthly sales of 40,198 in August, up 37 percent over July and 60.4 percent year over year from August 2008. Offering an array of standard technology features, the highly stylized and popular all-new 2010 Soul urban passenger vehicle and all-new 2010 Forte compact sedan helped attract buyers to the brand, as did an increase in foot traffic through dealerships nationwide due in part to the government-sponsored C.A.R.S. program. August sales were led by the Kia Sportage and Kia Optima, selling 7,558 and 7,461 units respectively.

“Our relative market share increase tied to the vehicles included in the C.A.R.S. program is among the top three brands in the industry,” said Tom Loveless, vice president of sales, Kia Motors America.

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time. The all-new 2010 Forte and Forte Koup, which replaced the Spectra, Kia’s best-selling model, further reinforces the design revolution brought on by the all-new, award-winning 2010 Soul urban passenger vehicle.

The Soul began changing consumer perception of Kia as soon as it arrived in showrooms this spring, from a brand known for delivering safe and fuel efficient vehicles at a tremendous value to one now combining those attributes with modern technologies and eye-catching design. These new vehicles have attracted discerning and smart shoppers to Kia showrooms and have contributed to the brand’s continued upward momentum as the brand continues to gain market share in the U.S. The upcoming launch of the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, the first vehicle to be built at the company’s first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, will further enhance the lineup.

“The C.A.R.S. program attracted new customers to Kia; those that didn’t necessarily want or need a new car, but were enticed by C.A.R.S. to buy a car that would last,” said Loveless. “These buyers, often with better credit, are a solid sign of a significant positive change in brand perception and a tribute to the entire Kia vehicle line.”[Source: Kia Motors America]

Kia sales table: