2014 Kia Forte -- first photo

Although offering no new facts regarding its platform mechanicals or powertrain components, we now have confirmation of what we'll see in the exterior redesign of the new-for-2014 Kia Forte. Like the teaser illustrations released earlier, these official factory photos show the automaker's global best-selling model will introduce an even edgier interpretation of Kia's current design language.

The automaker has confirmed that the 2014 Forte is longer, lower and wider than the vehicle it replaces, and that this compact front-drive sedan will arrive with a more spacious and even better appointed passenger compartment. Collectively, those attributes should help it meet the ever-intensifying challenge of primary foes like the Chevrolet Cruze, Dodge Dart, Honda Civic, Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla as well as its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Elantra. On sale here early next year, the 2014 Kia Forte sedan will ultimately be joined by a coupe and a 5-door hatchback with at least some version or versions expected to boast a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 40 mpg or better.

The Extra Mile: 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid

This week, we're driving the new 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid, which does battle with several other competitors including Toyota, Nissan, Chevy and Ford (to name the majors).

Kia thus enters the hybrid market with its most popular mid-size car, Optima, and then adds a hybrid system for a surprisingly low base price of just $25,700. Compared to a gas powered Optima's $21,200 entry, the extra money spent for its hybrid is not overwhelming and allows Kia to fare well when consumers do comparative price shopping.

In deciphering the Optima Hybrid, Kia utilizes a lightweight 1.4-kWh, 40-horsepower lithium polymer battery powered motor that combines with a 2.4-liter, 13 to 1 compression four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. It all results in a net horsepower output of 206 and torque rating of 185, which is more than many of the competing brands.

Similar to the other hybrids, Kia's Optima and cousin Hyundai Sonata Hybrid both deliver impressive results on the highway, with 35 city and 40 highway the listed EPA numbers. Depending on how you drive and road conditions (hilly, flat, winding road), expect Kia Hybrid to deliver 44 or more on a straight, flat, highway with a minimum of 33 on the tougher surface mountain roads.

As for procedure, Kia's Hybrid operates like most other gas/battery hybrids, although unlike Chevy Volt it does not need any "plug in" charging. Kia's battery pack rejuvenates via the 2.4 engine and also shuts the engine off when stopped. One feature I really like is the pedestrian and pet friendly "Virtual Engine Sound System," which plays a pre-recorded engine sound during electric-only operation.

Thus far, both Kia and Hyundai Hybrids are receiving good reviews from owners, consumer magazines and auto journalists. In addition to its Hybrid abilities, adding a 10-year, 100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty certainly attracts attention, as does the lower price of operation, overall.

Although mechanical twins, Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata hybrids are very different looking. Optima Hybrid features specific aerodynamic highlights and a hidden to the eye rear exhaust. There's also a different headlight design and even an underbody "aero tuning" system that reduces drag and adds to its enhanced slipstream abilities.

Optima's cabin is well done, visibility is good and room for passengers better than average. Standard are dual zone air, SIRIUS stereo AM/FM/CD, MP3, USB, Bluetooth, cruise, push button start, floor mats, Homelink, power seats, and more. All Optimas feature fully independent suspensions, all the airbags, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, electronic brakeforce, stability control, traction control and hillstart assist. (There are many more standard features your Kia dealer will gladly explain).

Our tester came with a $5,350 technology package, which adds rear backup camera, Infinity audio system, panoramic sunroof, 17-inch tires and alloy wheels, leather trim, heated and cooled front and rear seats, and more. It also featured a $700 Hybrid Convenience package that adds a rear camera display (not the camera), power seats and "in vehicle info" system. Although I love the rear backup system, I'd opt to pocket the $6,050 it takes to have one and just go with the base model.

Important numbers include a wheelbase of 110-inches, 3,490 lb. curb weight, 35/40 MPG EPA estimates, 17.2 gallon fuel tank and 9.89 cu. ft. of cargo space.

In summary, unlike our last Hybrid test of the Chevy Volt, where we recommended the gas powered Cruze Eco instead, Kia's new Optima Hybrid passes the "Test Drive" return on investment (ROI) test, as just $25,700 parks this mid-size, front-drive, gas saver in your driveway well-equipped. As for options, that's up to you and your pocketbook.

*Courtesy of Google News

Great review on DealerRater from a first time car buyer. Great job team!

"Commonwealth Kia made my first car purchase very easy and stress free. I would absolutely recommend anyone who is looking for a new or used car to go to Commonwealth Kia." - nimprescia

Don't have to break any records or your wallet to get behind the wheel of a new Optima. Just have to come in and take a test drive...

Amazing review for our service department on Yelp!

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Kia Stands by 10-Year Warranty

Kia is on a roll with strong sales, but it aims to stick with its vaunted 10-year warranty. Executives at the Korean automaker stood by the 100,000-mile powertrain policy - mirroring Hyundai's defense of the same warranty last year amid questions as to whether it was still necessary.

"We continue to get the cross-shopping set," said Tom Loveless, Kia's U.S. sales chief. "Customers who are continuing to purchase other brands who are coming to Kia expressly for [the warranty] ... actually make the decision to purchase because of the warranty coverage. I see no reason to change. It's part of the Kia recipe."

Does Kia need the warranty? The brand still ranks below average in J.D. Power's three-year Vehicle Dependability Study, but Consumer Reports says four out of the automaker's six ranked vehicles have average or better reliability. (A seventh car, the Rio, has insufficient reliability data.) Sales are churning right along, up 18% through the first half of the year. It's not because Kia shoppers are getting huge discounts, either. Besides the soon-to-be-redesigned Sedona minivan, cash incentives on Kia's lineup maxed out at just $1,500 through the first six months of 2012 - not bad for a carmaker whose products range from $13,600 to the high $30,000s.
"We're growing in the meat-and-potato segments," Loveless said. He expects the boxy Soul to find more than 100,000 buyers for the second year in a row as the brand builds on its 22nd consecutive monthly sales record.

But some of that encroaches on Hyundai, which bought a controlling stake in then-bankrupt Kia a decade ago. Bloomberg News noted as much earlier this year, and the carmakers have competing products in a number of segments. Kia's Rio, Forte and Optima sedans compete respectively with Hyundai's Accent, Elantra and Sonata.

Michael Sprague, vice president of U.S. marketing at Kia, says there's "not as much [competition] as there used to be, quite honestly." Sprague said shoppers compare the Optima to the Sonata, but the Toyota Camry ranks No. 2. Shoppers compare the Kia Sorento SUV, meanwhile, to the Toyota RAV4 most often - not a Hyundai.

The popular Kia Soul remains without a Hyundai equivalent while Hyundai's Veloster and Genesis Coupe don't have similar variants in Kia showrooms.

That balance may change if Kia tries to move upscale. The automaker's rear-wheel-drive K9 flagship, announced for Korea last February, could take a bit out of Hyundai Genesis sedan sales if Kia brings it here. Loveless wouldn't share any plans, only saying that Kia is "looking at all sorts of segments" in the U.S.

*Courtesy of Google News

Kia's International Design Credibility Blooms

A trifecta of prestigious international design awards has confirmed what the public and media experts have been saying Kia stands out from the crowd.

Kia's baby Rio, winner of the Carsguide Car Of The Year for 2011 and Australia's Best Car for the Light Cars under $20,000 segment, picked up a pair of prestigious international awards for its styling, quality, innovation and practical capabilities.

The Rio was awarded a 2012 Red Dot Design Award in March this year against the best the world has to offer and backed up this month with a bronze medal in the transportation design category of the IDEA (International Design Excellence Awards) program, administered by the Industrial Design Society of America.

Since its inception in 1955, the Red Dot Design award has become one of the world's largest and most recognized design competitions. This year 1800 companies from 58 countries submitted to the Red Dot product design category.

The new Kia Rio was awarded thanks to its "powerful personality, created by a distinct wedge shape, a low roofline and its metal-to-glass ratio". The jury praised not only the Rio's self-contained design, but also its sound workmanship. Kia has won six Red Dot awards since 2009 with vehicles like the Soul, Optima and Sportage.

The IDEA awards are decided on by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) and recognize designs that affect a person's quality of life in 18 categories. This year, the Kia Rio received Bronze honours in the Transportation category.

The judging panel cited its fresh, sporty feeling; exciting design, and environmental credentials, saying "the Rio is a car that is extremely attractive with a fresh feeling of sportiness _ a car that people will want to buy for its looks as well as its environmental credentials In the 2012 model Kia created a car that answers consumer demand for more quality, more choice and a more attractive, exciting design."

The third leg of the design trifecta went to the Picanto which, in addition to a Red Dot Design Award, collected an iF (International Design Forum) Award from the Hanover-based global design recognition organization.

*Courtesy of strategyone.net

Thank you Derek for this awesome review!

"I got a great car, for a great price, from a great dealership. Everything was fast and easy, and it was a pleasurable experience overall" -Derek Peabody

Really great review on DealerRater for the Commonwealth Kia team. Take a look!

"This was my frist car purchased from Commonwealth Kia, and my families fourth purchase. We have yet to have any type of bad experience...I would recommend this dealership, and Kia motors, to anyone looking for a great car buying experience." - dpbd90

Another satisfied customer. Great job Commonwealth team!

"I would not hesitate to go back and I tell everyone how good they were!" - mrgrtsttn"

LATEST CHAPTER OF KIA MOTORS' DESIGN-LED TRANSFORMATION STORY HONORED WITH GLOBAL DESIGN AWARDS

Exhibiting highly sculpted, sloping shoulder lines and wedge-shaped exteriors, the 2012 Kia Rio subcompact has achieved top honors from exclusive design award competitions in the U.S. and Germany, including the brand's first IDEA Design Award in the Transportation category and a highly coveted Red Dot Design award.

The IDEA Award is a top design award organized by the Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA) and recognizes designs that affect a person's quality of life and economy in 18 categories, including Transportation, Design, Technology, and Design Strategy.

The 2012 Red Dot Design awards are held by the Design Centre of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany and judge on innovation, functionality, ergonomics, durability, ecological compatibility and intuitive handling. Globally, Kia has been awarded six Red Dot awards since 2009 – with the Picanto and Rio winning in 2012, Optima and Sportage winning in 2011, Venga in 2010 and the Soul in 2009.

"Since its introduction, the Rio's striking looks inside-and-out has attracted new customers to the Kia brand with a standout combination of style, performance and modern amenities that consumers are looking for," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. "The new Rio is the latest vehicle to emerge from Kia's design-led transformation and represents the collaborative work of our global network of design centers in Seoul, Frankfurt and Irvine, California under the direction of chief designer Peter Schreyer."

About the 2012 Rio
Available in three trims – LX, EX and SX – the eco-friendly 2012 Rio is available with a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission (LX only) or six-speed automatic. One of only two vehicles in the segment to offer a GDI engine, the 2012 Rio provides an inviting combination of power and fuel efficiency, achieving standard class-leading² 138 horsepower while maintaining a standard class-leading³ fuel economy rating of 30/40 mpg (city/highway).

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 quality⁴ and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking⁵. 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.

*Courtesy of Kia Media

Loyal customers like Thomas P letting us know we're doing something right! Check out his review.

"As a four time repeat customer with Honda, I love the quality of the product, the attention by the sales staff and the professionalism of the employees! Paul was great to work with and we got a great deal!" - Thomas P.

Great specials at Commonwealth Automotive. Like this Kia Optima LX, check it out!

KIA OPTIMA LX

Superb review on Cars.com for the Commonwealth Automotive team

"The dealership is OUTSTANDING - the BEST people, the BEST selection, the BEST environment, the BEST comfortable feeling AND the BEST price. This is the BEST place to purchase a vehicle" - Sandi C

Two-Door Coupe Evokes Passion with Eye-Catching Design and Fun-to-Drive Performance

Kia Motors America's (KMA) resident two-door coupe returns to the lineup for 2013 with the same combination of sleek styling, spirited performance and long list of standard comfort and convenience features that have become synonymous with the Kia brand. Also back for 2013, Kia's U.S. motorsports program is once again campaigning two Forte Koups in the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC) in the Street Tuner (ST) class, having brought home the 2012 Team and Driver Championships in its sophomore season thanks in part to the Forte Koup's responsive and dynamic driving capabilities.

The 2013 Forte Koup is back with minor styling enhancements and added features, including a new design for the 16-inch alloy wheels (EX) and power-folding side mirrors for added convenience. The performance-inspired coupe also benefits from higher-quality leather materials on the steering wheel for a more comfortable and luxurious feel, while both trims now include a standard washer fluid warning lamp, illuminated glove box, and improvements in the areas of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) through added sound-deadening materials.

Available in EX and SX trims, Forte Koup starts at $17,400¹ for the EX trim while SX starts at $18,800. Both trims come standard with convenience features including air conditioning, SiruisXM^™ Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service², MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth^® wireless technology³ and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

Plethora of Standard Technology and Connectivity Features
All Forte Koup models surround occupants with the latest in must-have technology with Bluetooth^®4 wireless connectivity and steering wheel-mounted controls that enable voice-activated hands-free operation for compatible cell phones. For listening convenience, USB and auxiliary input jacks offer full iPod^®5 and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit or the standard steering wheel-mounted audio controls. A six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SiriusXM^™ Satellite Radio capability with three months complimentary service⁶ also comes standard on all models, while speaker lights that can either pulse to the beat of the music or simply add mood lighting further enhance the personal lounge feeling of the interior.

Striking Design
Forte Koup's fluid lines and balanced proportions offer a refined and athletic stance with sweeping wrap-around headlamps, aggressive air intakes and a low, sleek profile. Koup offers a muscular yet sophisticated design, and even from behind, the two-door coupe exudes attitude with slim, wrapped tail lamps, dual exhaust outlets and a racing-inspired rear diffuser.

Standard exterior features are plentiful throughout the Forte Koup EX, including power heated and folding outside mirrors with LED integrated turn-signal indicators, dual chrome exhaust outlets, body-color bumpers and 16-inch alloy wheels (new design for 2013) outfitted with 205/55R16 tires and five-spoke alloy wheels. The SX trim offers an even more sporty profile with 17-inch alloy wheels paired with 215/45R17-sized premium tires, grey-colored 10-spoke alloy wheels, LED taillights, and gloss-black front fascia accents. Buyers can choose from an exciting array of exterior colors, including Titanium, Corsa Blue and Racing Red.

Refined and Lively Ride
Riding on the same 104.3-inch wheelbase as its sedan and hatchback siblings, Forte Koup provides comfortable seating for up to five passengers with an overall length of 176.4 inches, an overall width of 69.5 inches and overall height of 55.1 inches, making it 2.4 inches lower, 2.0 inches shorter and 0.4 inches narrower than the sedan. Koup is equipped with a front lip spoiler, under-floor airflow deflectors ahead of all four wheels, an engine bay cover, and a lowered stance which contributes to a highly competitive coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.31 and an aerodynamic lift coefficient (Ci) of just 0.21, enhancing stability and providing a smoother ride at higher speeds.

The two-door's high torsional stiffness gives Forte Koup responsive handling, a smoother ride and improved refinement over the competition. Tuned in the U.S. to appeal to more spirited driving preferences, the Koup is built on a lightweight, hydro-formed subframe, featuring a front suspension that employs MacPherson struts similar to the sedan and hatchback, while high-speed stability has been enhanced by lowering the ride height and widening the wheel track. The SX trim also comes with sport-tuned suspension designed to provide a firmer ride with reduced body roll and improved handling.

An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system and smart front suspension design add the finishing touches to the robust, finely tuned steering and suspension package and provides a highly competitive turning circle of just 33.9 feet.

For 2013, additional improvements have been made throughout the vehicle to significantly reduce NVH and help ensure a comfortable ride. Additionally, noise-inhibiting materials are used in the engine bay bulkhead and rear parcel shelf, including the injection of sound-dampening foam into hollow sections of the bodyshell at strategic noise-transference points, as well as improved door and window seals.

Refined Performance
The Koup is powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque⁷ that features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which allow for greater performance and fuel economy. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque⁸. Expanding upon the dynamic look and feel, Forte Koup benefits from a dual-outlet exhaust outfitted on both trims.

Two transmission options are available for 2013 Forte Koup models: an efficient standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

Fuel economy is not sacrificed for performance with Forte Koup as both engines deliver at least 31 miles per gallon (highway). The 2.0-liter engine offers 24/33 mpg⁹ (city/highway) when paired with the six-speed manual transmission and 25/34 mpg⁹ (city/highway) when mated with the optional six-speed automatic. Those opting for the more powerful 2.4-liter engine can expect an economical 22/32 mpg⁹ (city/highway) with the six-speed manual and 23/31 mpg⁹ (city/highway) with the six-speed automatic transmission.

Impressive Interior
Forte Koup provides a spacious 90.7 cubic feet of interior volume, a surprisingly roomy interior for a two-door coupe. Driver and passengers have an impressive 38.7 inches of headroom and 43.6 inches of legroom in the front seats and 35.3 inches of headroom and 33.9 inches of legroom in the rear seats. Trips to the beach and weekend getaways are a breeze with ample cargo space of 12.6 cubic feet while 60/40-split folding rear seats that fold nearly flat extend the available amount of cargo space even further to 53.4 cubic feet.

Forte Koup continues to impress with a host of standard interior features, beginning with supportive sport seats outfitted with more aggressive bolsters on the seat cushion and seat back. Additional standard equipment on all Forte Koup models includes air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, a driver's seat height adjuster, adjustable rear seat headrests, a tilt and telescopic steering column, rear defroster, center console with dual cup holders and storage area, dual map lamps with ceiling-mounted, drop-down sunglasses holder and variable intermittent windshield wipers.

Progressing to the SX trim offers additional standard touches such as: paddle shifters, auto headlamps, unique cloth seats with vibrant red stitching, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob with a more luxurious material for 2013, metal pedals and metal finish trim. Both EX and SX trims also offer a host of options, including a navigation system, automatic climate control, push button start with smart key, and power sunroof with tilt.

An optional Leather Package is available on the SX trim that includes leather and heated seats in addition to the standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

A Supervision^™ gauge cluster with trip computer, optional on EX models and standard on SX models, further enhances Koup's energetic personality with its red-hued glow and message display shown at the bottom of the cluster. This display includes information such as outside temperature, distance to empty, engine coolant temperature, elapsed time, door-open alerts, fuel consumption, average and instantaneous miles-per-gallon readings.

Standard Kia Safety Features
Forte Koup offers the same impressive list of standard safety equipment as its sedan and hatchback siblings, with features such as front active headrests, dual advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, side impact door beams, front and rear crumple zones, four-wheel disc brakes with an Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Industry-Leading Warranty
The 2013 Forte Koup is covered by Kia's comprehensive warranty program¹⁰, which offers consumer protection at an exceptional value. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the comprehensive vehicle coverage.

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 quality¹¹ and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking¹². 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.

*Courtesy of Kia Media

Thanks Robin for this glowing review of Commonwealth Automotive on Yelp!

"Great dealorship, it truly honored it's slogan! After working with 6 other dealorships, Commonwealth sold us the perfect car at the perfect price" - Robin K.

Thanks James for taking the time to write this great review on Yahoo!

"Keith Audy was the salesman and he was very knowledgable about the Kia line. He spent a lot of time with us and answered all of our questions. I would recommend this dealership." - James

Thanks Tiffany for the great review on Citysearch for Commonwealth Automotive!

"When We went to look at the 2013 Kia Rio, which I leased,we didn't feel pressured" - Tiffany J.

A pair of great reviews on DealerRater for the Commonwealth Automototive team!

"The salesman Keith Audy was patient and was knowledgeable about Kia's. He answered all of our questions and spent a lot of time with us." - jimart60

"Bob McLean was an amazing sales man. When We went to look at the 2013 Kia Rio, which I leased,we didn't feel pressured" - Tiffjones

Great deals going on at Commonwealth Kia. Come and take a test drive before they're all gone!

2012 KIA OPTIMA LX

 

Thank you Sandi for this glowing review of Commonwealth Automotive!

"I am extremely happy with my purchase and even happier to be part of the Commonwealth Family. This IS the place to go!" - Sandi C

Thank you Marie for this tremendous review on Cars.com for our dealership!

"My husband also drives a honda & when it is time for him to trade it in we will be checking back with Commonwealth" - Marie

2013 Kia Sorento "Read Your Mind" Commercial

We have a ton of great deals all month long at Commonwealth Automotive!

KIA MOTORS AMERICA COMPLETES BEST FIRST HALF SALES IN COMPANY HISTORY WITH RECORD JUNE PERFORMANCE

Kia Motors America's (KMA) unprecedented momentum and growth reached new heights last month with best-ever June sales of 51,326 units, a 13.9-percent increase over the same period last year, contributing to the brand's best quarter ever of 150,647 units – topping more than 150,000 units in a three month period for the first time. Kia's streak of consecutive monthly sales records extended to 22 months, and the brand's historic second quarter performance capped off the best first half in company history with year-to-date sales up 17.8 percent.

The record-setting June sales were highlighted by continued healthy demand for the brand's two U.S.-built* products – the Optima midsize sedan and Sorento CUV built at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) – with Optima surpassing the 70,000 unit mark. Consumers also continued to turn to Kia for fuel efficient vehicle choices such as the Soul urban passenger vehicle, which was honored as a segment winner in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) in June. In total, Kia vehicles that achieve more than 30 mpg on the highway² accounted for 78 percent of June sales.

"Kia has been setting one sales record after another for nearly two years, and the ongoing popularity of our two U.S.-built products as well as the Soul have attracted new customers to our showrooms and dramatically raised awareness, perception and consideration for the brand in a very short period of time," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG. "Kia offers discerning shoppers a standout combination of world-class design and quality, outstanding fuel efficiency, advanced technologies and tremendous value, and with more new products arriving in the next year, we will continue to draw new customers into our showrooms to look at Kia for the first time."

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 and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking . 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 valueand 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.

About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

*Courtesy of Kia Media

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2013 Kia Sorento "Call It" Commercial

Come into Commonwealth Kia and get into the car of your American Dreams! Happy 4th of July

Fastest-Growing Automotive Brand in the U.S. Moves Upscale by Adding Premium Features and Materials to Critically Acclaimed Midsize Sedan

The 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited (SXL), which is the new top-tier trim level of the ultra-popular midsize Optima sedan line, is now arriving in dealerships with an MSRP under $35,000². First introduced at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, the upscale Optima Limited went into production at Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia* in early-June and builds on the Optima SX's existing foundation of class-leading horsepower³ and fuel efficiency⁴ while adding a number of exclusive design and feature upgrades, including: 18-inch chrome wheels, red brake calipers, LED lighting and exterior brightwork. Within, the SXL boasts high-grade Nappa leather seating trim, rich wood grain accents and an electronic parking brake, which is exclusive to this trim level.

Top-of the-line Kia Optima SX Limited is now available with a host of premium features and materials

"With the arrival of the Optima SXL, the Kia brand propels itself into a more premium class, which is something consumers have told us they want to see when they walk into our showrooms," said Tom Loveless, executive vice president of sales, KMA. "This Optima shows buyers that value and upscale character need not be mutually exclusive. For this reason, the SXL stands apart from traditional competitors in the midsize segment."

The SXL trim arrives on the heels of the Optima's record-breaking sales success and exceptional residual value from Automotive Leasing Guide (ALG), the industry benchmark for residual values and a leading provider of data and consulting services to the automotive industry. Contrary to conventional industry residual value trends, the Optima's residual values improved for MY12 and again for MY13 following its launch as a 2011 model. Specifically, the Optima SX trim's notable rating of 57-percent of original manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for 24 months of ownership is a full 10 points higher than the previous year.

The Optima SXL is based on the fully loaded turbocharged Optima SX, which Edmunds' Inside Line hailed as an "Editors' Most Wanted^℠" mid-sized sedan. Including destination and handling, the manufacturer's suggested retail price for the Optima SXL is $35,275. Offered exclusively in Ebony Black, Snow White Pearl and Titanium Metallic exterior colors, the Optima SXL features many luxury details, including LED daytime running lights, chrome-accented rear spoiler and lower door sills, and wood interior trim. Standout red brake calipers can be seen through the Optima SXL's uniquely designed chrome 18-inch wheels while the 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine delivers class-leading 274 horsepower⁵ and achieves 22/34 mpg⁶ (city/hwy).

Inside the cabin, high-grade black or white Nappa leather adorns the seats, door panels, center console armrest and center fascia trim for a premium feel. Wood accents can be found on the steering wheel, interior door trim and shift knob, and a black tricot fabric lends a premium feel to the headliner, sun visor, and A, B and C pillars. The Optima SXL also boasts an electronic parking brake, which is offered exclusively on this uplevel trim. A first-aid kit and cloth door weather strip round out the SXL package.

Top-of the-line Kia Optima SX Limited is now available with a host of premium features and materials

Like every Optima, the SXL projects a refined, performance-oriented aesthetic with a sleek silhouette, aggressive stance and sculpted elements that embodies the styling language chief design officer Peter Schreyer has created for the brand. Every 2013 Optima comes well equipped with a generous roster of standard features, and the Optima SXL builds on the technology, performance and convenience features found on the Optima SX, including: unique front and rear lower bumper design, sport-tuned suspension, HID headlamps, Supervision^™ meter cluster with LCD display, steering wheel paddle shifters, metal pedals, illuminated door scuff plates, panoramic sunroof, eight-way power adjustable driver's seat with memory, four-way power front passenger's seat, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, navigation system with back-up camera and SiriusXM Traffic^™7 and Infinity^®8 audio system and speakers.

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 quality⁹ and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking¹⁰. 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.

About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

*Courtesy of Kia Media