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Kia Sedona Named 'Best Minivan' by MotorWeek

Minivan Receives Kia's First-Ever Drivers' Choice Award From the Popular Television Series

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 9 -- The Kia Sedona added another accolade to its growing trophy case earlier this week at the Chicago Auto Show when MotorWeek announced its selection as "Best Minivan" in its 2007 Drivers' Choice Awards. The recognition marks the first time Kia has received a Drivers' Choice Award from the long-running automotive television program.

"Sedona has been a smash hit with both consumers and the automotive press since its debut last year, and receiving this award from the venerable and well-respected team at MotorWeek is further proof of the impact the vehicle has had in the marketplace," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of Kia Motors America (KMA).

MotorWeek evaluated more than 150 cars and trucks for this year's Drivers' Choice Awards, focusing on superior performance, technology, practicality and dollar value from the consumer's perspective. The winning vehicles were put through a battery of road and track tests as well as comprehensive comparisons to competitors.

"The second-generation Korean-branded design matches all the best features of its rivals, and then beats them in price and powertrain warranty," said John Davis, executive producer, host and creator of MotorWeek. "The leaps that Kia has made in perceived quality with each new vehicle are well documented and Sedona is just the latest example. From school bus to apartment moving, minivans are the most versatile vehicles on the planet, and this one is tops."

Sedona is recognized as an industry leader in safety, proven by its five star crash safety rating from the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and "Top Safety Pick" honor by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Additional praise includes being named a "Best Buy" by Consumer Digest; "Total Value" and "Most Delightful Vehicle" awards from Strategic Vision; and being tabbed "Best Buy -- 2007 Minivan" by Consumer Guide Automotive.

Kia Motors America -- the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea -- offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For more information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. Star ratings are part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's SaferCar.gov program (www.safercar.gov).