



We believe the J.D. Power report leaves no doubt that Kia builds world-class vehicles, and the results are especially gratifying as the IQS study truly reflects the voice of our customers. Kia's rise is one of the industry's greatest success stories and is driven by the hard work of thousands of team members around the world as well as our long- term strategy to concentrate on quality, strengthen the brand and elevate the ownership experience.
Michael Sprague
Chief Operating Officer and EVP Kia Motors America


KIA MOTORS PRESS RELEASE
KIA MOTORS EARNS BEST-EVER RANKING IN 2015 J.D. POWER INITIAL QUALITY STUDY
Third Straight Year of IQS Improvement Places Kia Second Among 33 Brands
- Kia Sorento and Soul awarded for highest scores in compact multi-purpose vehicle and midsize SUV segments as five other Kia models rank among top three in their respective categories1
- With nearly 20-percent improvement, Kia owners had fewer issues with their vehicles than nearly all other car and truck brands
IRVINE, Calif., June 17, 2015 - With more units in operation in the U.S. than ever before, Kia Motors reached another historic milestone today when J.D. Power recognized the brand as the second-highest scoring nameplate industry-wide in its 2015 Initial Quality Study (IQS). Kia's IQS score improved by 20 points over its previous best-ever performance in 2014, vaulting the growing automaker up four positions to second overall among 33 automotive brands and highest among all mass-market nameplates.
Kia's ascension was powered by segment-leading performances from two of the company's best-selling vehicles - Soul and Sorento - while the Rio, Optima, Cadenza, Sportage and Sedona models all ranked in the top three of their respective categories.
Now in its 29th year, the annual J.D. Power IQS analyzes responses from vehicle owners in 26 segments. IQS is determined by vehicle owners evaluating the driving experience, engine and transmission performance, and a broad range of quality-related problems within the first 90 days of ownership.
Information about KMA and its full vehicle line-up is available at www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.
* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts
1 The Kia Soul and Kia Sorento received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among compact multi-purpose vehicles and midsize SUVs, respectively, in the proprietary J.D. Power 2015 Initial Quality Study.SM Study based on responses from 84,367 new-vehicle owners, measuring 244 models and measures opinions after 90 days of ownership. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed in February-May 2015. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.
** 2015 K900 V8 available in select trims and in select markets with limited availability.
*** 2015 Soul EV in select markets with limited availability.