Rio ranked highest in subcompact category by J.D. Power and Associates

- Kia sub-compact vehicle earns highest in segment honor in Initial Quality
Study


(SEOUL) June 8, 2006 -- The 2006 Kia Rio/Rio5 ranked highest for initial
quality in the sub-compact category according to the J.D. Power and
Associates 2006 Initial Quality StudySM (IQS). The annual report, released
today, measures 217 vehicle attributes across eight categories, including
driving experience, engine and transmission, and a broad range of quality
problem symptoms reported by vehicle owners.  

"Rio is a class-leading subcompact vehicle and an excellent example of Kia's
continued dedication to offering consumers an affordable vehicle without
sacrificing quality," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of Kia
Motors America.  "We're extremely pleased that the automotive industry and
consumers alike recognize Rio's high level of excellence."

In the study, the Kia Rio was honored as the highest-ranking model in a tie
in the sub-compact segment at 137 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). The
all-new 2006 Kia Sedona minivan also performed well in its first year of
release, while the Kia Sportage compact SUV scored better than the industry
average.

The all-new 2006 Rio sedan and Rio5 five-door are raising the bar in the
entry level segment by offering class-leading horsepower and interior
volume, and six standard airbags, including full-length side-curtain
airbags. The Rio and Rio5's longer wheelbase and increased width and height
contribute to a best-in-class 92.2 cubic feet of passenger room and both
body styles feature a long list of standard equipment.

 

Kia Motors Corporation 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 12 manufacturing and assembly operations in 7 countries
produce more than 1.1 million vehicles a year that are sold and serviced
through a network of distributors and dealers covering 160 countries. Kia
today has over 32,500 employees and annual revenues of almost $16 billion.
It is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open and an official
worldwide sponsor of the Davis Cup. From 2007 to 2014, Kia will be an
official automotive partner of FIFA -- the governing body of the FIFA World
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.