AUTOMOTIVE
Untitled Page
2009 Kia Sedona named ‘Best Buy’ by Consumers Digest
Korean automaker, with U.S. headquarters in Irvine, reports sales decline despite multiple accolades.
By Larry UrishPublished: November 07, 2008 10:50 AM
The Kia Motors Sedona minivan, a popular mainstay of Kia’s fleet, has added Consumers Digests’ “Best Buy” tag to its growing list of honors, according to Irvine-based Kia Motors of America.
But, as a sign of the difficult economic times, all is not rosy for Kia. Although the Sedona has received a “Good” rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – the minivan has also topped Strategic Vision’s Total Quality Index survey – sales are down compared with last year’s figures.
More than 2,950 units were sold in October of 2007, compared with 1,863 units last month. In addition, 34,777 Sedonas were driven off the lot in 2007 (through the end of October) versus 26,194 Sedonas this year.
According to figures released by Kia Motors of America, only three of Kia’s nine 2008 models have sold in greater numbers this year.
Still, the powers that be in Irvine are happy with Kia’s latest recognition.
“It’s an honor to have Sedona recognized yet again,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of Kia Motors of America and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. “Being named a ‘Best Buy’ by Consumers Digest goes to the heart of Kia Motors’ commitment to offering consumers value-minded vehicles.”
|
||||
|
But, as a sign of the difficult economic times, all is not rosy for Kia. Although the Sedona has received a “Good” rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – the minivan has also topped Strategic Vision’s Total Quality Index survey – sales are down compared with last year’s figures. More than 2,950 units were sold in October of 2007, compared with 1,863 units last month. In addition, 34,777 Sedonas were driven off the lot in 2007 (through the end of October) versus 26,194 Sedonas this year. According to figures released by Kia Motors of America, only three of Kia’s nine 2008 models have sold in greater numbers this year. Still, the powers that be in Irvine are happy with Kia’s latest recognition. “It’s an honor to have Sedona recognized yet again,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of Kia Motors of America and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. “Being named a ‘Best Buy’ by Consumers Digest goes to the heart of Kia Motors’ commitment to offering consumers value-minded vehicles.” |
||||
