AAA Names 2012 Kia Sportage To "Top Cars For Teens" List

Compact CUV Recognized for Standout Safety Features, Crash Test Scores, Handling and Overall Value

Kia's compact CUV is the only utility vehicle named to the selective list

Sportage lauded for impressive performance in government crash safety tests

IRVINE, CA--June 18, 2012: The 2012 Kia Sportage compact CUV has been named one of the "Top Cars for Teens" by well-known and highly respected travel and transportation organization Automobile Association of America (AAA). The Sportage was lauded for its dynamics, dependability, overall value, long list of standard safety features and impressive performance in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) crash safety tests, including a "no tip" [1] evaluation during the tests.

"We are honored that AAA, one of the most respected authorities on travel and transportation, is recognizing the Kia Sportage as a top car for teenage drivers," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "Knowing that the Sportage, our longest-running nameplate, has been chosen not only for its attractive design that appeals to all ages, but more importantly, for its safety features, reliability and value is evidence that consumers do not have to sacrifice curb appeal for dependability."

AAA top picks are selected by AAA Auto Buying experts that test-drive and evaluate hundreds of vehicles each year. The "Top Cars for Teens" list focuses on vehicles that appease both parents and teens by combining attractive looks and performance with reliability, safety and a budget-friendly price.

About the 2012 Sportage
The 2012 Kia Sportage offers value-, image- and safety-conscious consumers a striking design and a standout combination of fun-to-drive performance, the latest in-vehicle technologies, and an abundance of comfort, convenience and safety features at a tremendous value. The sleek and modern Sportage is available with a powerful and efficient 2.0-liter, 260 horsepower Turbo GDI engine that delivers class-leading fuel economy[2] of 29 mpg on the highway. Inside the cabin, the Sportage features a host of available technology features, including Kia's new UVO Powered by Microsoft® hands-free, voice-activated infotainment system. The 2012 Sportage features a starting MSRP of $18,500[3].

Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is 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 quality[4] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[5]. 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 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.