National Press Release

Borrego, Rondo, Optima and Spectra All Recognized for Safety and Value

- Multiple vehicles in Kia Motors' lineup are recognized for fourth consecutive year

- Vehicles rated based on overall value including safety features, fuel economy and ownership costs

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- After recently announcing its 14th consecutive year of increased market share, second best January sales month ever and the all-new 2010 Kia Soul urban lifestyle passenger vehicle, Kia Motors America (KMA) is proud to announce that four of its models, including Borrego, Optima, Rondo and Spectra, have been recognized as a "Best Bet" by The Car Book 2009. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Optima has been recognized.

"We are extremely pleased to have multiple Kia Motors vehicles once again recognized as 'Best Bets' by The Car Book," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). "It reflects the continued growth of Kia vehicles and the strong quality and value they bring to market, especially during these difficult economic times."

The Car Book 2009 is an updated and expanded guide to buying a new 2009 car, van, truck or SUV. It presents the latest safety ratings, dealer prices, fuel economy, insurance premiums, maintenance costs, tires, as well as a chart of state lemon laws, and is published in cooperation with the Center for Auto Safety.

The Car Book's "Best Bet" distinction, given annually, is based on objective information collected from government and independent sources that evaluate the safety and performance needs of the American consumer. Only cars that have ratings in all of the key Car Book categories - safety features, fuel economy, rollover, front and side crash tests, maintenance and repair costs, warranties, insurance costs, and complaints, with the greatest emphasis placed on crash test performance - are considered as potential "Best Bets."

"The Car Book has long been the consumer's best guide to smart and sensible car buying," said Jack Gillis, author of The Car Book. "We appreciate the fact that Kia continues to make a significant contribution to improving the market choices for the American car buyer."

2009 Product Line

Kia Motors America offers a dynamic and diverse product line of 11 vehicles to meet the needs of all lifestyles. The 2009 vehicle line features the functional Rondo CUV and award-winning Sedona minivan along with a wide variety of popular passenger cars, including the refined Amanti full-size sedan, purposeful Optima midsize sedan, versatile and compact Spectra and Spectra5, and sporty yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The vehicle line also features the affordably luxurious Borrego, rugged Sorento and value-packed Sportage SUVs. The 2010 Soul will further complement the lineup when it arrives in dealerships this spring.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."

Kia Motors America is the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site - www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

SOURCE Kia Motors America