2011 Kia Sportage ALG Residual Value Rating Best in Class

July 28, 2010 - PRLog -- IRVINE, Calif., July 21, 2010 – Kia Motors’ all-new 2011 Sportage compact utility vehicle, the brand’s longest-running nameplate in the U.S., leads the compact CUV segment for residual value ratings from ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values and a leading provider of data and consulting services to the automotive industry. The notable rating of 61-percent of original manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for 36 months of ownership is a full 20 points higher than the current 2010 model year residual, and Kia Motors’ highest ever rating from ALG. Kia, along with BMW and Subaru, achieved the industry’s highest individual rankings with a mark of 66 for the Sportage Base trim.

“Kia Motors’ design-led transformation is driving more and more buyers to Kia dealerships for popular new models like Soul, Forte, Sorento and soon the new Sportage, as evidenced by our best-ever first half year sales,” said Tom Loveless, vice president, sales, Kia Motors America (KMA). “The best ALG rating for the Kia brand and for Sportage strengthens the Kia value proposition and consumer confidence by providing higher resale value and great leasing options that benefit the buyer.”

Available later this month, the new 2011 Kia Sportage adds world-class design and cutting-edge technologies to an already successful value-packed CUV equation. A sleek, modern and bold style with new proportions and a completely new look for the venerable Sportage help elevate the Kia brand further as a world design leader and true tier-one automotive nameplate. New for the 2011 model year, Sportage offers more power (176 hp) and improved fuel economy along with the options of a panoramic sunroof, push-button start, rear camera display, navigation, LED daytime running lights and an air-cooled driver’s seat (a compact CUV segment first). Also expected to be available in late 2010 is the UVO powered by Microsoft®1 in-vehicle communication and entertainment system based on the Windows Embedded Automotive platform.

Pricing for the dynamic compact CUV will begin at $18,2952 for the base trim, offering such standard convenience features as air conditioning, power windows, door locks and mirrors, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capability with three months complimentary service3, Bluetooth®4 wireless technology and MP3 connectivity.

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand’s continued gains in U.S. market share. With three new vehicle introductions and several other key initiatives planned for 2010, Kia is poised to continue its momentum and build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and with new technology such as UVO powered by Microsoft®1, an advanced hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system (expected to be available in select Kia models in the U.S. later this year).