SOUL RANKED HIGHEST IN ITS SEGMENT IN STRATEGIC VISION'S TOTAL QUALITY INDEX STUDY
Company press release.
◾Soul recognized by veteran consumer research-based consultancy, Strategic Vision
◾New car buyers selected Kia's urban transport based on quality perceptions and ownership experience
IRVINE, Calif., May 17, 2013 – Kia Motors America (KMA) has been one of the fastest-growing car companies in the U.S. over the last five years1, and its edgy urban passenger vehicle, the Soul – a key factor in that growth – was recently named to Strategic Vision's 2013 list of Total Quality Vehicles. The list, compiled after consulting with new car buyers, reveals the fierce competition between brands to improve quality and win customer loyalty. The Soul was chosen by consumers as the leader in the small multi-function segment after receiving the highest Total Quality Index® (TVI) score.
'Since its release in 2009, the Soul has been a prime example of Kia's commitment to providing our customers with vehicles that feature world-class design, inspired driving dynamics and cutting-edge technology, all at an impressive value,' said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. 'The Soul being named as a Strategic Vision 'Total Quality' vehicle really illustrates how far the Kia brand has come in a relatively short period of time.'
New vehicles were evaluated by 17,000 buyers who purchased 2013 models from September to November 2012. These owners were surveyed to designate Strategic Vision's 14th annual Total Quality leaders. 'Kia Soul being a leader in this segment is substantial, as the 'Small Car Multi-Function' segment is highly competitive and really requires that the leader have a great emotional impact on owners along with its superior quality features. Kia Soul provided all of this and more, as customers reported in our comprehensive study,' stated Alexander Edwards, president of Strategic Vision.
About the 2013 Soul
The 2013 model year Soul features technology and styling upgrades, bringing a new level of cool with enhanced power and efficiency. New for 2013 are power-folding side mirrors, darkened chrome around the signature grille, upgraded leather on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, standard Bluetooth®2 wireless technology with steering wheel-mounted controls, standard steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and cruise control. The Soul now offers Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology as part of the Eco Package which senses when the vehicle is stopped and shuts off the engine to maximize efficiency and results in reduced engine load and less fuel consumption.
Kia: One of the World's Fastest Moving Global Automotive Brands
Kia Motors America is one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales in each of the past four years, and in 2012 the company surpassed the 500,000 unit mark for the first time. With a full line of fun-to-drive cars and CUVs, Kia is advancing value to new levels of sophistication by combining European-influenced styling – under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer – with cutting-edge technologies, premium amenities, affordable pricing and the lowest cost of ownership in the industry. Kia recently joined the exclusive ranks of Interbrand's 'Top 100 Best Global Brands,' and is poised to continue its momentum with seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles scheduled to arrive in showrooms in 2013. Over the past decade Kia Motors has invested more than $1.4 billion in the U.S., including the company's first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – which is responsible for the creation of more than 11,000 plant and supplier jobs. The success of the U.S.-built* Optima and Sorento in two of the industry's largest segments has fueled Kia's rapid growth and is complemented by Kia's comprehensive lineup which includes the Cadenza flagship sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima Hybrid, the Forte sedan, 5-door and Koup compacts, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the Sedona minivan.
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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 765 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the 'Official Automotive Partner' of the NBA and LPGA. In 2012, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and gained U.S. market share for the 18th consecutive year. 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. About Strategic Vision Strategic Vision is a research-based consultancy with over thirty-five years of experience in understanding the consumers' and constituents' decision-making systems for a variety of Fortune 100 clients, including most automotive manufacturers. Its unique expertise is in identifying consumers' comprehensive motivational hierarchies, including the product attributes, personal benefits, value/emotions and images that drive perceptions and behaviors. For further information visit www.strategicvision.com. * The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. 1 Based on 5-year cumulative growth between 12-month retail sales for periods ending April 2008 and April 2013 of all U.S. automotive brands 2 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. A compatible Bluetooth® enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth® wireless technology.
