Kia Stinger Wins Roadshow By CNET Shift Award For 2018 Vehicle Of The Year

DETROIT, Jan. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Roadshow by CNET today announced Stinger as its 2018 Shift Award Vehicle of the Year.  Besting stiff competition from Honda and Audi, the Stinger was lauded by the Roadshow by CNET editorial staff as being not just a class benchmark, but also a vehicle that is driving the industry toward a smarter, more sustainable and entertaining future.  The Shift Award Vehicle of the Year is Roadshow by CNET's top award category.

"One year ago we hosted the global debut of Stinger at the North American International Auto Show and we couldn't have been more thrilled with the reception it received," noted Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, Kia Motors America (KMA).  "To return this year with Stinger being recognized by the Roadshow by CNET editors as the 2018 vehicle of the year is a tremendous achievement, and is a testament to the thousands of Kia employees around the world that worked to bring the Stinger to market."

Entering its third year, the Shift Awards recognize several categories including Disruptor, Driveline Tech, Cabin Tech, Safety Tech and the top category, Vehicle of the Year.  The awards honor the most innovative and important developments in the car industry.  "We saw so many amazing cars released this year that this was an incredibly difficult decision," remarked Roadshow editor in chief, Tim Stevens.  "But at the end of voting, the Kia Stinger stood above the rest.  It's a great mix of refinement and power in a practical, attractive, and attainable package.  We love the Stinger and can't wait to see what comes next from Kia."

Designed in Frankfurt, developed on the Nürburgring, built by the brand ranked highest in initial quality², the 2018 Stinger is on sale now and represents Kia's first entry into the sport sedan segment.

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. Recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand, Kia proudly serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and crossovers built at North American manufacturing plants in West Point, Georgia* and the municipality of Pesqueria in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

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 In select markets with limited availability
² The Kia Cadenza, Kia Forte, Kia Niro, Kia Sorento, and Kia Soul received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles reflecting higher quality in their respective segments in the J.D. Power 2017 U.S. Initial Quality (IQS) Study, based on 77,419 total responses, evaluating 189 models, and measures the opinions of new 2017 vehicle owners after 90 days of ownership, surveyed in February-May 2017. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com/cars.

SOURCE Kia Motors America