Kia Sweeps Global Auto Awards Since the Beginning of the Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Kia, newly launched as a mobility solutions company, has been gaining attention at various automotive awards around the world since the beginning of the year.

HMG Journal, Hyundai Motor Group's digital media channel, reported on the 31st that Kia's Sorento, Telluride, and Rio are sweeping automotive awards worldwide.

First, the sports utility vehicle (SUV) Sorento was selected as the 'Best Large SUV Model' at the '2021 What Car? Car of the Year Awards' hosted by the UK automotive magazine What Car?. In Poland, Sorento was also chosen as the '2021 Poland Car of the Year' by automotive experts and journalists, beating the Porsche Taycan, Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen ID.3, and Toyota Yaris. Kia was selected for the second consecutive year, following the 2020 Poland Car of the Year award given to the European strategic crossover model XCeed.

Additionally, Sorento was named the SUV of the Year at the '2021 Latin Car of the Year' awards by Puros Auto, an automotive media outlet focused on consumers in the United States and Latin America. Enrique Cogan, founder of Puros Auto, said, "Sorento is a perfect model that has everything local consumers want, including new hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, spaciousness needed for large Latin families, and a sophisticated design reflecting Kia's latest style."

Kia plans to target the Latin American market in the United States with the Sorento. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 18.5% of the U.S. population was Latin American last year. Kia's U.S. subsidiary conducts marketing activities in both English and Spanish and offers content for Latin Americans on social media and YouTube.

The Telluride also continues to attract steady attention, having sold over 70,000 units in the U.S. last year. The U.S. automotive media outlet The Car Connection (TCC) named the Telluride the 'Best Car to Buy' last year and selected it as the 'Best Family Car to Buy in 2021.' TCC highlighted the Telluride's spaciousness, sleek exterior, excellent standard equipment, and outstanding safety features as its strengths.

Joel Feder, TCC editor, said, "The Telluride is a stylish family car that seats eight and looks like a luxury vehicle," adding, "As the popularity of three-row crossover SUVs rises over minivans, it has proven that form is as important as function."

Moreover, among Kia's lineup, the 'youngest' model Rio was selected in the subcompact hatchback category at the '2021 Value Awards' hosted by automotive research firm Vincentric. The Rio was highly rated for having 3.1% lower depreciation and repair costs compared to competing models in its class.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.