TOTAL CAR SCORE NAMES 2012 KIA FORTE TO “TOP CARS FOR COLLEGE GRADS” LIST
Forte Sedan and Hatchback Lauded for Affordability, Connectivity and Interior Quality
IRVINE, Calif., May 18, 2012 – Total Car Score (www.totalcarscore.com), one of the most comprehensive automotive ranking and comparison websites, has named the 2012 Forte sedan and hatchback to its “Top Cars for College Grads” list. This roster of over-achieving compact cars was released on the cusp of graduation season, as new college grads along with their parents look to purchase vehicles that are reliable and cost-conscious, while also considering factors including safety, fuel-efficiency, comfort and performance. Beyond praise for its styling, spaciousness, technology and interior materials, the 2012 Forte was found to be the most affordable vehicle among the cars selected.
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Kia Racing’s Infinity Audio Optimas seek third-straight podium finish in round five of the Pirelli World Challenge Championships at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.–>
“Forte’s achievement of being named to Total Car Score’s ‘Top Cars for College Grads’ list is validation that its low cost and abundance of smart, youthful characteristics make it a natural fit for young adults who are about to enter the professional world,” said Orth Hedrick, director of product planning, Kia Motors America. “Furthermore, as the automotive marketplace becomes increasingly competitive with higher-quality cars, the Kia Forte is poised to succeed as one of the most well-built, well-equipped cars in its class.”
Total Car Score provides a comprehensive auto rating system that lets car buyers and enthusiasts compare models from all automotive segments. The “Total Car Score” assigned to a vehicle is an overall industry assessment that combines quantitative car reviews from various major automotive authorities, including the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Kia Forte is one of the best compact car values on the market today,” said Karl Brauer, chief executive officer and editor-in-chief of Total Car Score. “With standard features like Bluetooth®1 hands-free phone operation, a USB port for iPod2 connectivity and a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty3, the Forte offers the technology and long-term quality today’s college graduates seek in a new-car purchase.”
For more information about Total Car Score’s “Top 10 List for College Grads,” visit http://www.totalcarscore.com/car-reviews/news-stories/tcs-identifies-10-best-cars-for-college-graduates.
Kia’s Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the one of the world’s fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America’s full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality4 and the industry’s highest brand loyalty ranking5. Kia’s U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia KMMG is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company’s best-selling vehicles in the U.S. the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan.* Kia’s value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.
Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.
About Total Car Score
Total Car Score is an automotive research and comparison website that establishes a new industry-wide standard for ranking every car, truck, van and crossover on the market. TotalCarScore.com evaluates and ranks cars according to an aggregate score based on the most trusted automotive authorities available. The site also features original content, reviews and insights from a veteran automotive journalism and data team. For more information, please go to www.totalcarscore.com.
* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
1 The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license. Other trademarks and tradenames are those of their respective owners. A compatible Bluetooth wireless technology enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth wireless technology.
2 Kia accessory cable required for iPod connectivity on vehicles equipped with navigation system. iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
3 Warranty is a powertrain warranty and is limited. See retailer for warranty details or go to kia.com.
4 Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study
5 Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis