Kia Optima Drives Into Design Finals

SYDNEY – June 2, 2011: Kia’s stunning Optima sedan has been given the judges’ tick of approval as a finalist for the prestigious Australian International Design Awards.

The Optima is one of 10 finalists for the Automotive and Transport category, one of eight categories with a record total of 127 finalists.

“Our esteemed judges spent a week assessing each entry against a common set of criteria, focussing on innovation, form, function, quality, safety and sustainability,” said Brandon Gien, Managing Director of Good Design Australia. “Judges played with, tested, pulled apart and reassembled products to create an accurate user experience and understand each product’s design qualities.”

Mr Gien said that with a very high calibre entry field, the panel had a tough task choosing the finalist products.

“To be named a Finalist in the Australian International Design Awards is a significant achievement,” Mr Gien said.

The all-new Peter Schreyer designed Optima has won praise for its head-turning styling from both consumers and design experts since its international launch last year.

The car was awarded the “Best Of The Best” accolade from the international judges at Germany’s famous Red Dot awards earlier this year.

The Australian International Design Award winners will be announced at a gala event in Melbourne on July 22.