Kia Plans Side-Curtain Air Bags in All Models

DETROIT January 11, 2005; The AP reported that Kia Motors America Inc. on Tuesday unveiled its new 2006 Kia Rio subcompact sedan, with features including side-curtain air bags that the company says soon will be standard on all of its models.

The Rio, which is scheduled to go on sale starting this summer, is the latest effort by Kia to bolster its small-car lineup following the introduction last year of the new Spectra compact sedan.

"The 2006 Rio reinforces Kia's position as a value leader in the subcompact class," said Peter Butterfield, president and chief executive of Kia Motors America. Pricing for the new Rio hasn't been announced.

The Rio features six standard air bags, including full-length side-curtain air bags. Butterfield said that by the end of 2005, all Kias being built will be equipped with standard side-curtain air bags.

Kia has been working to address some safety concerns raised recently. Last month, the Spectra became the first vehicle since 2001 to get the insurance industry's worst safety rating in a frontal crash test.

Kia has said it was comfortable with the level of safety the Spectra provides.

At the North American International Auto Show, Kia also showed off the KCD-II Mesa sport utility vehicle, the second Kia concept developed by its California Design Center in Irvine, Calif.