The 2013 Kia Soul, Kia Motors America's (KMA's) wildly popular hip hatchback, has been named the Active Lifestyle Vehicle (ALV) of the Year in its category as part of the ninth annual ALV awards. The Soul's win in the ALV Urban Vehicle category follows other recent accolades, including "Top Tailgating Car for 2012" and "Top Back-To-School Car," both awarded by Kelley Blue Book.
Held on the campus of Local Motors in Chandler, Ariz., this year's ALV event included 28 finalist vehicles vying for recognition from the ALV awards jury, which consisted of more than two dozen members of the media and seventy athletes who participate in cycling, triathlon, kayaking, softball and running. In all, more than one hundred expert panelists carefully studied how each vehicle could fit into and facilitate an active lifestyle. Evaluations included dynamic vehicle testing on both on- and off-road courses.
"Being honored as ALV's Urban Vehicle of the Year speaks to the Soul's functionality and versatility, while underscoring its roomy interior and cargo space designed to meet the needs of both world-class athletes and weekend warriors," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America. "And with its lively performance, fully independent, sub-frame mounted front suspension system and IIHS 'Top Safety Pick' status, Soul drivers can be comfortable and secure no matter where their outdoor activities might take them."
ALV is the only car-of-the-year program in the United States which combines the input of automotive journalists and elite local athletes to determine which cars and trucks best meet the needs of buyers with active lifestyles.
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(1) and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking(2). 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(3) 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.
Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website -
www.kia.com . For media information, including photography, visit
www.kiamedia.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) Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study.
(2) Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis.
(3) Based on 5-year cumulative growth between 12-month retail sales for periods ending September 2007 and September 2012 of all U.S. automotive brands.
SOURCE Kia Motors America, Inc.
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