As its consumer confidence continues to rise as the result of a design-led transformation, Kia has been named the “Most Improved Mainstream Brand” in the ALG (Automotive Lease Guide) Residual Value Awards brand rankings.
The rankings are outlined in the latest ALG Industry Report. Kia jumped up four spots from 14th in 2010 to 10th in 2011. ALG is a leading provider of residual value information, analytical data products, software solutions and consultation to the automotive industry. The rankings are used to gauge perceptions of automotive brands by surveying 3,000 to 4,000 U.S. consumers twice each year.
Kia Motors America (KMA) enjoyed a historic year in 2010 that saw major milestones including the company’s best-ever full-year of sales, at 356,268 units; a 16th consecutive year of market share growth to an all-time high of 3.1 percent; and the launch of the Sorento crossover utility vehicle (CUV), the first U.S.-built Kia.
The brand also continues to ride a wave of popularity through successful launches of the 2011 Sorento, Sportage and the all-new Optima. As part of its design-led transformation, Kia has introduced seven new models in the past two years that highlight outstanding design, value and safety features.
The 2011 Kia product line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback and the Sedona minivan.
“We are committed to staying ahead of the curve and challenging the industry with our new product offerings, as evidenced by the launch of the all-new 2011 Optima and upcoming launches of our first-ever hybrid and turbocharged vehicles in the U.S.,” said Michael Sprague, Vice President of Communications and Marketing for KMA.
The 2011 Sportage CUV has a class-leading residual value of 62 percent of the original manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) through 36 months of ownership. The 2011 Optima moved up 19 percentage points from last year to check in at 52 percent, which ranks higher than the Chevrolet Malibu. Both the Sportage and Optima offer standard features that include AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio systems with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities and Bluetooth wireless technology connectivity.
Being ALG’s “Most Improved Mainstream Brand” is just another example of how Kia continues to take the automotive world by storm. Kia is changing the game, and industry experts have noticed. The company has quickly built a solid foundation for continued success.
