IRVINE, Calif., January 9, 2009 Kia Motors America, Inc. (KMA) today announced it will begin offering factory-installed HD Radio receivers in select models. Beginning in 2010, HD Radio technology will be offered in Kia sedans and SUVs. Kia drivers will experience the new channels with innovative content, text information, and superior sound quality and clarity offered by digital AM and FM HD Radio broadcasting all with no subscription fees.
Kia always has been dedicated to creating cars that are dynamic with high value, quality and safety, and the integration of HD Radio devices into our vehicles will further enhance the Kia value story, said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing, KMA. As we move the brand forward with exciting new designs, it is important we keep an eye on technology and offering HD Radio technology is the latest example of how we plan to enhance the Kia ownership experience.
With an emphasis on quality, value and excitement in vehicles, Kia has an excellent platform for HD Radio Technology, said Jeff Jury, COO, iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of HD Radio technology. Kia has embraced HD Radio technology with its enhanced content choices, data capabilities and sound quality. This step is another example of Kia Motors efforts to meet the growing consumer demand for advanced services in the vehicle.
HD Radio technology is the most significant advancement in radio broadcasting since the advent of FM. Available to 84 percent of Americans, more than 1,800 HD Radio stations are already on the air with more than 900 offering new multicast channels (HD2/HD3) that are exclusive to HD Radio listeners. These subscription-free channels feature digitally delivered music and fresh formats, showcasing international programming as far as South Asia and filling niche markets with the NASCAR Channel, the Psychic Channel iChannel (which plays global and unsigned acts), and much more.
The HD Radio platform also enables broadcasters to offer data delivery, supplying text information with song titles and artist names, as well as real-time traffic/weather updates, movie listings, sports scores, stock quotes, school closings and emergency alerts. For a complete, current list of HD Radio stations across the U.S., please visit www.hdradio.com.
2009 Product Line
Kia Motors America offers a dynamic and diverse product line of 11 vehicles to meet the needs of all lifestyles. The 2009 vehicle line features the functional Rondo CUV and award-winning Sedona minivan along with a wide variety of popular passenger cars, including the refined Amanti full size sedan, purposeful Optima mid size sedan, versatile and compact Spectra and Spectra5, and sporty yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The vehicle line also features the all-new and affordably luxurious Borrego, rugged Sorento and value-packed Sportage SUVs. The Soul will further complement the lineup when it arrives in dealerships this spring.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline The Power to Surprise.
Kia Motors America is the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA. Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.