USA - The Kia Sedona Minivan for the 2017 Model Year has been rated as the Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

• New Award Confirms Sedona’s Place atop Minivan Market
• Addition of Autonomous Emergency Braking¹ technology boosts safety rating from “basic” to “superior”
• Sedona surpasses new, more demanding IIHS testing standards

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded its best rating possible, Top Safety Pick+, to the 2017 Kia Sedona minivan. 

Already distinguished by its elegant design, exceptional comfort and utility, the 2017 Sedona is offered with available Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)¹, a system that helps to avoid forward collisions by warning the driver of an impending forward collision and then applying the brakes if no action is taken. 

The addition of AEB¹ qualified the 2017 Sedona for the elevated 2016 IIHS TSP+ rating.

“Buyers often place safety at the top of their list when shopping for a new minivan,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning KMA. 

“The IIHS is a highly respected safety authority and we see the 2017 Sedona’s TSP+ rating as validation of Kia’s dedication to its customers and to the continuous efforts to build better and safer vehicles.”

The top rating is even more impressive in light of the new testing standards implemented by IIHS this year. In order to achieve the TSP+ rating, vehicles are required to earn “good” ratings in five crashworthiness tests—small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength and head restraints—and an “advanced” or “superior” rating for front crash prevention. 

The addition of AEB boosts the Sedona’s front crash prevention rating from “basic” to “superior.”

The TSP+ rating improves the Sedona’s previous rating as a Top Safety Pick and complements the minivan’s 5-star crash rating awarded by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration in 2015.²

About the new 2017 Sedona

The 2017 Sedona offers some key enhancements over the 2016 model year, including:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) is added to a rich mix of available Advanced Driver Assisted System (ADAS) features: Blind-Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning (LDWS), and Smart Cruise Control (SCC).¹ 
• UVO3 e-Services³ system (with the added smart-phone connectivity of Apple^®4 CarPlay^TM and Android5Auto^TM and Navigation system with larger 7-inch display screen. Navigation with 8-inch screen is also available.
• Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) technology is combined with an upgraded High-Intensity-Discharge headlight system for even greater nighttime visibility. 
• The enhanced Essentials Premium Package now includes Front & Rear Park-Assist¹, Smart Key, UVO³with rear camera, and leather trim.  
• A new available Acoustic Windshield provides a supremely quiet driving experience.

Also new for the 2017 model year is a front passenger’s seat power adjustment switch for the added convenience of easily operating the passenger seat from the driver’s side of the vehicle and new premium stainless steel second-row door steps are standard on SXL models. 

UK RECALL #1 - Kia recalls Sedona MPV for bonnet release catch check which may remain open.

• Kia recalls Sedona MPV for bonnet release catch check
• Secondary latch may not fully operate if corroded
• 9,955 vehicles built between 2005 and 2015 affected

Kia Motors (UK) Limited is recalling 9,955 Sedona models built between June 2005 and April 2014 to check the operation of the vehicle’s secondary bonnet catch, which may not operate effectively if corroded.

As part of Kia’s continuous safety monitoring programme, Kia has identified a possibility for the secondary latch to remain in the open position if the device has suffered surface corrosion. 

Kia is not aware of any UK vehicles suffering a failure or being involved in any accident as a result of this problem with the latch.

The last Kia Sedona sold in the UK was registered in December 2012 but manufacture continued for other markets after this date. All registered owners are being contacted in order to arrange the fitting of a replacement latch – at no cost to the owner. The repair takes 20 minutes.

The recall is being undertaken in conjunction with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and although registered keepers will be contacted by mail, owners can contact Kia directly.

USA - Sorento CUV and Sedona Minivan Named Total Quality Impact Winners in Respective Segments

• Sorento CUV and Sedona Minivan Named Total Quality Impact Winners in Respective Segments
• · Strategic Vision’s Total Quality Impact is the automotive industry’s most complete measure of the quality of a new vehicle
• · Kia owners praise their vehicles’ stylish design, innovative features and outstanding craftsmanship

Kia Motors’ hard-earned reputation for delivering world-class quality and reliability across its model line was reinforced today when Strategic Vision named Kia the highest quality brand under $26,000 (in a tie) in the research-based consultancy Total Quality Impact (TQI) study. 

Leading the way for Kia were the Sorento and Sedona, which achieved the highest TQI scores in the mid-size CUV and minivan segments (in a tie), respectively.

“The latest Strategic Vision Total Quality Impact data is further proof of the ‘New Kia’s’ standing as a leader in design, quality, technology and value,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, Kia Motors America.  

“The Sorento and Sedona are prime examples of Kia’s commitment to surpassing consumers’ expectations in everything we do, and the Total Quality Impact recognition is especially gratifying as it represents the voice of our customers.”

Strategic Vision surveyed more than 39,000 new-car owners to select the winners of this year’s Total Quality Impact awards. Owners surveyed praised the Sorento for its excellent value and premium interior design, while others gave the Sedona high marks for its innovative features, interior craftsmanship, and performance. “Kia's focus on design and technology has nurtured the belief that customers have in the thoughtfulness and quality of their products,” said Alexander Edwards, President of Strategic Vision. “The Total Quality Award winners, and other well-performing models like the Optima, point to the success that Kia has had in this regard.”

USA SALES MARCH - Kia is enjoying record sales on some models and a new record for Q1.

March Total of 58,279 Units Includes All-Time High for the Family of Forte Compact Cars;  Year-to-Date Sales up 3.7%

With March sales of 58,279 units – including best-ever single month sales for the Forte line of compact cars – Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced a new first quarter record of 146,321 vehicles. The historic January-March performance saw the Forte, Sportage and Sedona nameplates post double digit gains over the same period last year.

“After outpacing the industry last year and setting a new all-time annual sales record, Kia has carried its momentum into 2016,” said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, KMA. “Sell down of the outgoing Sportage exceeded our expectations, and the arrival of the completely redesigned model is the latest reason for customers to discover the ‘New Kia’ as we continue challenging everything people think they know about this brand.”

USA SALES FEBRUARY - Kia sees it's sales creep ahead, with new model this will surely grow further.

• Double Digit Gains for Five Models Push Year-To-Date Sales up 6.9 Percent

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced best-ever February sales of 49,737 vehicles, a 13 percent increase over the same period last year. The brand’s tenth consecutive monthly sales record was led by the Soul and Optima, with 11,842 and 9,630 units sold, respectively.

“With our Super Bowl ad, Presidents’ Day Sales Event and prominent role in the NBA All-Star Game, February was a huge month for Kia as we extended our monthly record streak to double digits,” said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, KMA. “Positive economic indicators, low gas prices and mild weather nationwide also drove consumers into Kia showrooms at a record pace, where they discovered the ‘New Kia’s’ line-up of world-class products.”

	MONTH OF FEBRUARY		YEAR-TO-DATE
Model	2016	2015	2016	2015
Rio	1,461	1,943	2,891	3,515
Forte	8,187	5,549	13,516	11,971
Optima	9,630	11,584	18,043	20,978
Cadenza	585	640	959	1,023
K900	83	62	151	181
Sportage	5,860	3,407	10,663	6,461
Sorento	8,101	8,518	14,796	16,061
Sedona	3,988	2,362	5,990	4,032
Soul	11,842	9,965	21,033	18,107
Total	49,737	44,030	88,042	82,329

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

^** K900 available in select trims and in select markets with limited availability.

^*** Soul EV in select markets with limited availability.

USA SALES JANUARY - Kia sets an all time record sales number for the start of the year.

• Double Digit Gains for Soul, Sportage and Sedona Despite Severe Winter Weather

After setting an all-time annual sales record in 2015, Kia Motors America (KMA) recorded best-ever January sales of 38,305 vehicles. Kia’s ninth consecutive monthly sales record was driven by sharp increases over the same period last year for the Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage CUV and Sedona minivan.

“Despite fewer selling days and record snowfall up and down the East Coast, our dealers worked diligently with customers who continue to discover the world-class products and ownership experience that encompasses the ‘New Kia,’” said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, KMA.        

	MONTH OF JANUARY		YEAR-TO-DATE
Model	2016	2015	2016	2015
Rio	1,430	1,572	1,430	1,572
Forte	5,329	6,422	5,329	6,422
Optima	8,413	9,394	8,413	9,394
Cadenza	374	383	374	383
K900	68	119	68	119
Sportage	4,803	3,054	4,803	3,054
Sorento	6,695	7,543	6,695	7,543
Sedona	2,002	1,670	2,002	1,670
Soul	9,191	8,142	9,191	8,142
Total	38,305	38,299	38,305	38,299