Total Car Score Names 2012 Kia Forte To "Top Cars For College Grads" List
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Forte Sedan and Hatchback Lauded for Affordability, Connectivity and Interior Quality
-2012 Kia Forte is recognized for being the most affordably priced car on the list
-Forte lauded for elegant styling, airy cabin and abundance of standard features
IRVINE, CA--May 18, 2012: Total Car Score (www.totalcarscore.com), one of the most comprehensive automotive ranking and comparison websites, has named the 2012 Forte sedan and hatchback to its "Top Cars for College Grads" list. This roster of over-achieving compact cars was released on the cusp of graduation season, as new college grads -- along with their parents -- look to purchase vehicles that are reliable and cost-conscious, while also considering factors including safety, fuel-efficiency, comfort and performance. Beyond praise for its styling, spaciousness, technology and interior materials, the 2012 Forte was found to be the most affordable vehicle among the cars selected.
"Forte's achievement of being named to Total Car Score's 'Top Cars for College Grads' list is validation that its low cost and abundance of smart, youthful characteristics make it a natural fit for young adults who are about to enter the professional world," said Orth Hedrick, director of product planning, Kia Motors America. "Furthermore, as the automotive marketplace becomes increasingly competitive with higher-quality cars, the Kia Forte is poised to succeed as one of the most well-built, well-equipped cars in its class."
Total Car Score provides a comprehensive auto rating system that lets car buyers and enthusiasts compare models from all automotive segments. The "Total Car Score" assigned to a vehicle is an overall industry assessment that combines quantitative car reviews from various major automotive authorities, including the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
"The Kia Forte is one of the best compact car values on the market today," said Karl Brauer, chief executive officer and editor-in-chief of Total Car Score. "With standard features like Bluetooth®[1] hands-free phone operation, a USB port for iPod[2] connectivity and a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty[3], the Forte offers the technology and long-term quality today's college graduates seek in a new-car purchase."
For more information about Total Car Score's "Top 10 List for College Grads," visit Best Cars for Grads .
Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the 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[4] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[5].
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
2012 model year 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 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.
About Total Car Score
Total Car Score is an automotive research and comparison website that
establishes a new industry-wide standard for ranking every car, truck, van
and crossover on the market. TotalCarScore.com evaluates and ranks cars
according to an aggregate score based on the most trusted automotive
authorities available. The site also features original content, reviews and
insights from a veteran automotive journalism and data team. For more
information, please go to total Car Scores
.
* 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] The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered
trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is
under license. Other trademarks and tradenames are those of their
respective owners. A compatible Bluetooth®wireless
technologyenabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth® wireless
technology.
[2] Kia accessory cable required for iPod® connectivity on vehicles
equipped with navigation system. iPod® is a registered trademark of Apple
Inc.
[3] Warranty is a powertrain warranty and is limited. See retailer
for warranty details or go to kia.com.
[4] Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality
Study
[5] Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis