Kia Ranked Highest Mass Market Brand By J.D. Power for 4th Consecutive Year
For the fourth consecutive year, Kia was recognized as the number one nonpremium brand by J.D. Power in the 2018 Initial Quality Study (IQS), with a reported 72 problems per 100 vehicles. A statement by the automaker said Kia maintained its leadership position with segmentleading performances from the Sorento (Midsize SUV) and Rio (Small Car), while Optima (Midsize Car), Sportage (Small SUV) and Sedona (Minivan) placed second and the Forte (Compact Car) placed third in their respective categories. After winning IQS awards in 2015, 2016 and 2017, Soul was again the highest rated compact multi-purpose vehicle in the study. “Ranking number one among all mass market brands for four consecutive years leaves no doubt as to the world-class quality and craftsmanship instilled in every car and SUV that Kia builds,” said Michael Cole, chief operating officer and EVP, Kia Motors America. “With two segment winners and five additional models finishing in the top three of their respective categories, the evidence of Kia’s progression and focus on the ownership experience is overwhelming.” The 2018 U.S. IQS is based on responses from 75,712 purchasers and lessees of new 2018 modelyear vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. Vehicles were evaluated on driving experience, engine and transmission performance and a broad range of quality issues reported by vehicle owners. Meanwhile, Kia Niro has earned Top Safety Pick Plus rating from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded its best rating possible, Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+), to the 2018 Kia Niro when equipped with available Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS) and Autonomous Emergency Braking System (AEB)[i] as well high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. “The Niro is one of our most popular models,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA, “and receiving the highest possible safety rating from IIHS provides yet another reason why it should be the top choice for anyone shopping for a small hybrid SUV.” The TSP+ rating for Niro increases the total number of Kia vehicles with 2018 Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick Plus ratings to nine. “We’re very pleased with this new TSP+ award for Niro,” William Freels, President of Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI), the research and development center for Kia Motors America. “It validates our efforts to develop vehicles that meet some of the industry’s highest safety standards and it endorses the skill and commitment of our designers and engineers.” To qualify for TSP+, the IIHS testing parameters require a vehicle earn “Good” ratings in six crashworthiness tests – driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraint – as well as a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating in the passenger side small overlap front test, an “Advanced” or “Superior” rating for front crash prevention, and a “Good” rating in headlight testing. To qualify for a TSP rating, a vehicle must earn “Good” ratings in five crashworthiness tests—driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests.