Kia Motors America Announces Kia Classic Winner to Receive New Range-topping Optima Limited

kia optima (select to view enlarged photo)

All-New Kia Performance Awards to Honor Outstanding Achievements of Ladies of Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Players

- Kia Motors is the Official Automotive Partner of the LPGA

- Four recipients of end-of-the-year Kia Performance Awards to receive Optima Limited

IRVINE, CA--March 2, 2012: The third annual Kia Classic, from March 19-25, is attracting a strong field of LPGA players who will compete for a $1.7 million purse with the winner taking home a first-place check for $255,000 and one of the first range-topping 2012 Optima Limited midsize sedans to roll off the production line at Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia.

"Kia is one of the fastest growing auto brands in the U.S., and sports marketing initiatives such as our involvement with the LPGA have significantly raised awareness and consideration for the brand and our vehicles," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "We are pleased to offer an enhanced prize package for the winner of this year's Kia Classic. The Optima Limited is Kia's most refined and premium product offering to date, and we are excited to showcase the vehicle to golf fans at the Kia Classic and reward some of the tour's best players for their outstanding performances."

In addition to the Kia Classic winner, Kia will honor the outstanding achievements of LPGA players this season by presenting the winners of the Kia Performance Award with an Optima Limited. The awards, which will be presented at the CME Group Titleholders event in November, include:

Kia Power Drive -- Awarded to the player with the longest average driving distance
Kia Drive to the Top -- Awarded to the player with the most Top 10 finishes
Kia Most Compelling Performance -- Recognizing a player with exceptional performances throughout the year; this award is chosen by fans through an online vote
Kia Community Assist -- Recognizing a player who makes exceptional contributions to charity organizations or community programs

Following strong event-attendance and TV-ratings growth in the tournament's second year, Kia signed on as the "Official Automaker of the LPGA." Kia also serves as the "Official Tournament Vehicle" of eight LPGA events.

New 2012 Optima Limited
Produced at Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia[1], the new 2012 Optima Limited is motivated by a 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine delivering a class-leading 274 horsepower[2] and achieving 22/34 mpg[3] (city/hwy). Offered exclusively in Ebony Black, Snow White Pearl and Titanium Metallic exterior colors, the Optima Limited is equipped with sporty red front brake calipers and uniquely designed 18-inch chrome wheels. Other premium-level features include LED daytime running lights, chrome-accented rear spoiler and lower door sills. Interior appointments and amenities include rich wood trim, high-grade Nappa leather seats, a panoramic sunroof and an Infinity®[4] audio system.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the 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[5] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[6]. 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 the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. -- the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan[7]. Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year 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, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)
The LPGA is the world's leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 1,700 members representing 29 different countries. With a Vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women's golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The LPGA Futures Tour serves as the official developmental tour of the LPGA, consistently producing a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida.

[1] The Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally-sourced parts
[2] Class-leading horsepower claim based on comparison of midsize sedans with (standard or available) engines as of January 2012
[3] EPA fuel economy estimates 22 mpg/city and 34 mpg/hwy for 2012 Optima SX. Actual mileage will vary.
[4] Infinity® is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
[5] Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study
[6] Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis
[7] The Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built at KMMG