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Influential survey in USA ranks Opirus (Amanti) and Sportage ‘best-in-class’
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Two Kia vehicles top their class for first time in 2005 APEAL study
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JD Power and Associates interview 115,000 owners of new vehicles
Kia Motors’ commitment to offering consumers high-quality vehicles with an impressive array of comfort, convenience and safety equipment was recognized this week when new-vehicle owners in the USA awarded the Kia Opirus (known as ‘Amanti’ in the USA) and the Sportage compact SUV the highest scores in their classes in the JD Power and Associates 2005 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.
The Opirus (Amanti) and Sportage are the first Kia models to receive ‘best-in-class’ scores in this annual survey. This year the survey questioned 115,000 new-vehicle buyers during the first 90 days of ownership, to measure their delight (or displeasure) in eight areas – styling, comfort and convenience, engine and transmission, ride, handling and braking, seating, controls and instruments, heating, ventilation and cooling, and the audio system.
“The Amanti and Sportage are the latest examples of Kia’s ability to develop stylish new products with more comfort and convenience features than the competition, while offering incredible value to the consumer,” said Peter M. Butterfield, President and CEO Kia Motors America. “It is an honour for both of these models to receive top rankings because it is a direct reflection of the positive experience Opirus (Amanti) and Sportage owners are having with their new vehicles.”
Kia Motors Corporation ( www.kiamotors.com ) – one of the fastest growing automakers in the world -- was founded in 1944 and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world’s premier automotive brands. Kia’s 16 manufacturing and assembly operations in 12 countries produce more than 1.1 million vehicles a year that are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 155 countries. Kia today has over 32,000 employees and annual revenues of $14 billion . It is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open and an official worldwide sponsor of the Davis Cup. Kia Motors Corporation’s brand slogan -- “The Power to Surprise” -- represents the company’s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.
