Kia Tops J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Nameplate Ranking for Second Straight Year
After ranking highest in the entire industry in 2016,
Kia improved 11 points as owners reported fewer issues with their Kia vehicles
within the first 90 days of ownership than all other car and truck brands in
the U.S.
Kia’s Soul, Forte, Cadenza, Niro and Sorento topped
their respective categories, with the Cadenza achieving the lowest average
number of problems among all models ranked in the study
Continuing a multi-year string of quality
and reliability awards and accolades, J.D. Power’s 2017 Initial Quality Study
(IQS) today recognized Kia Motors as the highest-ranking nameplate in the
United States for the second year in a row. Kia’s improvement to 72 problems
per 100 vehicles marks the best nameplate performance within the last 20 years
of the study, driven by five segment awards – the most of any nameplate – for
the Soul (Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle), Forte (Compact Car), Cadenza (Large
Car), Niro (Small SUV) and Sorento (Midsize SUV). The Kia Soul took home an IQS
award for the third consecutive year while Kia’s two newest models, Cadenza and
Niro, were outstanding performers in their first model year, with the Kia
Cadenza earning the top score among all models ranked in the study. Together
with the Optima and Sportage, each of the seven award eligible Kia models
included in the 2017 IQS study finished first or second in their respective
categories.]
“When Kia beat out the entire industry in
last year’s J.D. Power Initial Quality Study many people wondered if we could
maintain such a lofty position. Today, the answer is loud and clear as Kia owns
the top spot for the second straight year with more 2017 segment award winners
than any other nameplate,” said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and
EVP, Kia Motors America. “Our back-to-back chart-topping IQS performances
reconfirm Kia’s status as today’s world-class automaker and reflect the
exacting standards and craftsmanship our team members instill into every car,
crossover and SUV Kia builds.”
The annual report analyzed responses from
77,415 respondents with regards to 243 vehicle models across 26 segments. Vehicles
were evaluated on driving experience, engine and transmission performance and a
broad range of quality problem symptoms reported by vehicle owners.
About Kia Motors
Corporation
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) – a maker of
world-class quality vehicles for the young-at-heart – was founded in 1944 and
is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 3 million Kia vehicles a
year are produced at 14 manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries
which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers
covering around 180 countries. Kia today has over 51,000 employees worldwide
and annual revenues of over US$45 billion. It is the major sponsor of the
Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body
of the FIFA World Cup™. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan – "The Power
to Surprise" – represents the company's global commitment to surprise the
world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond
expectations.
For
more information about Kia Motors and our products, please visit our Global
Media Center at www.kianewscenter.com.