Kia to Kick Off Series of Redesigns with New Forte, Updated Sorento

Elgin, 10/03/2012 / SubmitMyPR /

With two years worth of monthly sales records, Kia has become the fastest-growing auto brand in America, and it will look to boost that momentum following the U.S. debut of two models at the LA Auto Show in late November. The Korean automaker will unveil the redesigned 2014 Kia Forte compact car and the updated 2014 Kia Sorento crossover at the show before both vehicles arrive at dealerships early next year.

Lower, longer and wider than the current generation, the all-new 2014 Kia Forte has been designed to compete more directly against the likes of the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Ford Focus. According to AutoGuide.com, the compact is expected to feature a 1.8-liter engine that will help it exceed 40 mpg, and buyers will be able to choose from sedan, coupe and hatchback models. Meanwhile, the refreshed 2014 Sorento will offer better fuel economy and tighter handling with its revised powertrains and new chassis, though specific details have not been released.

"The redesigned Forte should help Kia take a larger slice of the lucrative but highly competitive compact segment, while the 2014 Sorento will improve upon the features that have made the SUV one of their best-sellers," said Scott Levy, general manager of Rosen Kia of Elgin, a Chicagoland Kia dealer. "Kia has seen incredible success during the past four years or so, and these new vehicles are part of a broader push from the automaker to transition into a new stage of growth."

The forthcoming Forte and Sorento are two of seven new or updated Kia models that will go on sale next year in an effort to increase the brand's U.S. market share. For 2012, Kia is already expecting its market share to rise to 4 percent in the United States, which would be up from 3.8 percent in 2011.

On pace for its best-ever year of U.S. sales, Kia says that it should sell more than 500,000 units for the first time in 2012. Despite its planned updates, the current Sorento remains popular, expected to surpass 100,000 models sold this year. The Optima has already passed that sales mark, and Kia anticipates that the Soul will as well, potentially marking the first time the lineup has seen three models move that much volume in a year.

In 2008, Kia kick-started its recent success stateside with a $1.4 billion investment into U.S. facilities, a move that was accelerated the next year when its now-iconic hamsters debuted in commercials promoting the quirky new Soul compact crossover. The furry brand advocates returned to television last month in a new ad campaign promoting the Kia Soul, which is also due for a redesign in 2013 for the 2014 model year.

“The hamsters really helped introduce Kia to a lot of Americans, and now that the brand has found more mainstream success, they serve as a reminder that driving is supposed to be fun,” added Levy. “You can bet that none of the redesigned Kia models coming out next year will let their owners forget that fact.”

About Rosen Kia of Elgin:
Having served local Illinois drivers for years, Rosen Kia of Elgin offers a wide selection of stylish, affordable Kia vehicles that are backed by the dealership’s expert sales and service teams. Whether Chicagoland Kia buyers prefer the award-winning Optima sedan or the versatile Sorento crossover SUV, customers at Rosen Kia of Elgin benefit from a friendly, no-hassle sales environment and prompt, thorough maintenance. Visit their Kia dealership in person at 845 East Chicago St. in Elgin, contact their team at 847-268-7574 or browse their entire inventory online at www.rosenkiaelgin.com. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RosenKiaElgin.