KIA RANKED #1 BRAND IN INDUSTRY IN J.D. POWER US INITIAL QUALITY STUDY FOR THE 6TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

• KIA owners reported fewest quality issues within the first 90 days of ownership in the US
• More J.D. Power awards for Initial Quality than any other brand, two years in a row
• The Forte (Cerato), Sedona, Sorento and Soul each topped their respective segments

KIA Motors was today ranked number one in the industry by J.D. Power in the 2020 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), with a reported 136 problems per 100 vehicles. And for the sixth consecutive year, KIA is the number one mass-market automotive brand. “An exceptional run,” said Dave Sargent, Vice President, Automotive Quality, J.D. Power. 

KIA’s continued success in IQS was led by having two models – Forte (Cerato) and Soul – included among the top 10 vehicles in the industry. Overall, KIA had segment-best performances from Forte (Compact Car), Sedona (Minivan), Sorento (Upper Midsize SUV) and Soul (Small SUV).

“Returning to number one in the industry and the top of J.D. Power’s U.S. Initial Quality Study among all mass-market brands for the sixth consecutive year is an enormous honour and a reminder to keep striving to be the best we can be,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, KIA Motors North America and KIA Motors America. “With four segment winners – and four additional models ranking among the top three in their respective segments – KIA’s ‘Give It Everything’ brand philosophy continues to bear fruit in the extremely competitive automotive market.”

The annual report analysed responses from 87,282 respondents with regards to 189 vehicle series across 26 segments. Vehicles were evaluated on driving experience, engine and transmission performance and a broad range of quality issues reported by vehicle owners.

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About Kia Motors Corporation

Kia Motors (www.kia.com) is a maker of world-class quality vehicles for the young-at-heart. Founded in 1944, Kia today sells around 3 million vehicles a year in 190 countries, with more than 52,000 employees worldwide, annual revenues of over US$49 billion and manufacturing facilities in five countries. Kia is the major sponsor of the Australian Open, official automotive partner of FIFA, official partner of the UEFA Europa League, and main partner of League of Legends European Championship 2019. The company's brand slogan – "The Power to Surprise" – represents Kia’s global commitment to surprise the world with exciting, inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations