Jake Sweeney Kia Technician to Represent United States at Global Automotive Technical Skills Competition in Seoul

Ryland Heights Resident Took Top Honor at Kia Skill National Cup

IRVINE, Calif., April 17 -- Kia Motors America (KMA) announced Ryland Heights, Ky. resident Richard C. Middendorf, Jr., 42, an automotive technician at Jake Sweeney Kia in Florence, Ky., will represent the United States and KMA at the 2008 Kia Skill World Cup in Seoul, April 17-25. Middendorf recently competed in a field of 16 of the best Kia technicians from around the country at the 2008 Kia Skill National Cup at Kia's Irvine corporate headquarters where he took first place. The top four earned the right to battle against the best Kia technicians from more than 40 countries at the World Cup.

To compete at the National Cup, technicians had to achieve 2008 Level III Kia Master Technician status, one of the top scores in an online qualifying test, positive customer response on customer satisfaction surveys and a KMA regional office endorsement.

"Of the thousands of Kia technicians around the country only the best of the best earned the right to represent KMA on a world stage," said John Crowe, vice president, service of KMA. "I congratulate Mr. Middendorf on this incredible accomplishment and wish him the best of luck at the World Cup."

Middendorf has 23 years experience as an automotive technician and has been with Jake Sweeney Kia for six years. He is a certified National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Technician.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record U.S. sales. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."

Kia Motors America is the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site -- http://www.kia.com/. For media information, including photography, visit http://www.kiamedia.com/.