Kia Motors America caused quite a stir with its first-ever Super Bowl ad, which featured a colorful cast of life-size children’s characters in the 2011 Kia Sorento CUV, including Muno from YO GABBA GABBA!, the award-winning children’s television series and live tour. Building on the momentum and increased brand awareness generated by the 60-second spot, KMA plans to extend its relationship with YO GABBA GABBA!, as the presenting sponsor of the upcoming YO GABBA GABBA! THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! tour.

Fresh off a triumphant sold-out tour debut in 2009, a headlining performance at The White House, a critically-acclaimed, chart-topping album, and an appearance at Coachella that garnered rave reviews from spectators and media alike, DJ Lance Rock and the cast of YO GABBA GABBA! are heading back on the road to play to enthusiastic fans on a 60-city tour across North America as Kia Motors Presents YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY. One of today’s hottest live shows for families will make stops at top theaters, arenas and amphitheaters throughout North America, scheduled to start August 27 in Bethel, NY and ending in Dallas, TX on December 12, 2010. Yo Gabba Gabba! is a creation of Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz. The tour is produced by S2BN Entertainment, in association with The Magic Store and W!LDBRAIN Entertainment.

In addition to entertaining both the young and the young-at-heart, the Gabba gang also will participate in various community service projects aimed at building homes and hope in the cities they visit during their four month journey across North America. One dollar from every ticket sold during the Kia Motors Presents YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY tour will be donated toward the homebuilding efforts of the Habitat for Humanity local affiliate in each tour city.

“Our 2011 Sorento ‘Joyride Dream’ Super Bowl spot exceeded our expectations, and with Muno as one of the stars in that adventure it was a natural fit for us to continue our association with YO GABBA GABBA! by joining their extremely popular live tour,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “This live show not only entertains and excites young families across the country, but the Habitat for Humanity aspect also presented Kia an invaluable opportunity to be a part of helping the community and those in need.”

The modern production features music, singing, dancing and animation as an interactive experience offering audience members of all ages the opportunity to witness their favorite characters come to life. Hip-hop legend Biz Markie is scheduled to join the characters on stage during the tour to teach kids how to beat box with “Biz’s Beat of the Day.” Special guests also will have the opportunity to join the party on stage for the Super Music Friends Show and Dancey Dance segments.

"As a leading provider of entertainment on screen and stage, W!LDBRAIN Entertainment is delighted to welcome Kia Motors as a presenting sponsor for YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY,” said Michael Polis, CEO, W!LDBRAIN Entertainment and executive producer, Yo Gabba Gabba!. “As a presenting sponsor, Kia Motors is uniquely positioned to dazzle audiences across North America throughout the 60-city tour," he continued.

Kia Motors America (KMA) announced its best sales quarter ever of 93,373 units, bolstered by the company’s best June sales ever of 31,906 units, a 12.8-percent increase over the previous June best in 2008. Year-to-date sales of 170,069 are up 15.4-percent, and the 2011 Sorento CUV was KMA’s best-selling vehicle for the sixth consecutive month with 8,608 units sold.

“Kia Motors’ design-led transformation is attracting new buyers to Kia showrooms, as evidenced by our best-ever first half of the year sales,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). “Consumers are taking notice of the eye-catching design and long list of comfort, convenience and technology features found in our new generation vehicles, including the Sorento, Soul and Forte, and our aggressive launch schedule will continue with the arrival of the all-new Sportage this summer followed just a few months later by the all-new Optima.”

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand’s continued gains in U.S. market share. With three new vehicle introductions and several other key initiatives planned for 2010, Kia is poised to continue its momentum and build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and with new technology such as UVO powered by Microsoft®1, an advanced hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system (expected to be available in select Kia models in the U.S. later this year).

Recently named Nielsen “Automotive Ad of the Year,” an accolade based on the effectiveness of an ad in terms of positive consumer recollection, the debut TV commercial for the uniquely styled and award-winning 2010 Kia Soul five-door urban passenger vehicle now has been honored with a 2010 Silver EFFIE Award. The EFFIE Awards (short for effective), given by the American Marketing Association, New York Chapter, recognize the most effective advertising efforts in the U.S. each year. The Kia Soul television ad won the EFFIE in the “David v. Goliath” category, which grants awards to smaller, new or emerging brands that challenge category leaders head-on.

“Designed to offer consumers a ‘new way to roll’ with a distinct style and a number of personalization options, Soul is aimed at the young and young-at-heart looking for a vehicle perfectly suited to their personalities,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing, Kia Motors America. “The hamsters’ immediate popularity helped position Soul as Kia’s halo vehicle and showcased the brand’s emerging signature design direction, which, along with quality, safety and value, has propelled Kia to tier-one status.”

Created by David&Goliath, the Soul ad depicts city and suburban streets inhabited exclusively by hamsters who mindlessly run in place inside their exercise wheels until a Molten Red Kia Soul pulls up to a stoplight and the passenger window rolls down to reveal a trio of paw-tapping, music-loving hamsters who have discovered “A New Way to Roll.”

Portraying Soul as a lounge on wheels with its highly specified audio system that includes speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music, the hamsters bob their heads to four different music tracks that appear in slightly different versions of the spot to keep each viewing fresh. Viewers with a sharp eye can identify song and artist information on the hamsters’ iPod® screen, and the campaign extended online with each track available for download at www.kiasoul.com.

The EFFIE Awards, judged by experienced business leaders from around the world, are selected using a two-round evaluation process analyzing entries on a stand-alone basis and then comparing them against other finalists in their category. Entries are evaluated using criteria intended to determine a marketing case’s overall effectiveness and given four scores in different areas analyzing specific attributes of the campaign, including Strategic Challenge and Objectives, Overall Idea, Bringing the Idea to Life and Results.

In response to the immense popularity of the initial campaign, the hamsters have made an encore appearance in the new “This or That” campaign, also created by David&Golath. In this new chapter of the Kia Soul hamster story, the loveable creatures are shown driving through city streets to the tune of the hip-hop song “The Choice is Yours” by The Black Sheep, giving viewers the choice between “This,” the funky and uniquely styled Soul, or “That,” a number of boring and mundane appliances on wheels, cardboard boxes or hamster wheels. The new spot debuted on cable on May 26 and can be seen in theaters and online.

Soul offers an immense amount of style and value on top of an extensive list of standard safety features sure to appeal to all consumers looking for a well-equipped vehicle suited to their personalities, including front seat active headrests, dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted and full-length side curtain airbags, an Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, an impact-absorbing steering column and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system also come standard.

Available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport, the five-door hatchback offers an attractive starting price below $14,0001 as well as unique and utilitarian style. Designed with the young and young-at-heart in mind, Soul presents an immense amount of style, value and function with a surprisingly spacious interior. Passengers will benefit from numerous standard convenience features, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities (including a three month complimentary subscription)2, and USB and auxiliary input jacks in the center console with full iPod3 and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit and steering wheel controls (achieved with an optional Kia accessory cable).

KMA has released four special edition Souls – Denim, Ignition, Shadow Dragon and most recently Ghost – based on the Soul+ trim. Offering consumers even more ways to personalize the Soul, each special edition comes with its own unique exterior color and packaging.

Kia Motors America announced the 2010 Kia Forte compact sedan has been named the top-rated sedan under $15,000 in the Edmunds.com Consumers’ Top Rated®1 vehicle awards for 2010. Forte earned strong marks for its excellent overall value, wealth of standard features, being one of the best-looking small cars on the market and most fun-to-drive vehicles in its class.

"As one of several new vehicles to roll out under Kia’s exciting new design direction, accolades such as this Edmunds.com award, which provides feedback directly from owners, are evidence of Kia’s commitment to consumers by offering vehicles with the content buyers want without breaking the pocketbook,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. “Forte offers buyers a youthful and dynamically styled vehicle with an impressive array of standard safety features, and being honored as a top-rated sedan under $15,000 by consumers furthers its position as a top contender in its segment and a vehicle that offers the entire package.”

Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, pricing for the Forte sedan starts at $13,695 for the LX trim, while the EX begins at $15,995 and the SX starts at $17,4952. In addition to competitive pricing, Forte also showcases a class-leading combination of standard safety features with active front headrests, advanced two-stage airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), brake assist (BAS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC), a traction control system (TCS) and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

All Forte models also come well-stocked with a long list of standard amenities, starting with a standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service3. Also standard on all models is an auxiliary audio input jack and USB port for connecting personal MP3 players as well as Bluetooth®4 wireless technology and connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls, which enables hands-free operation for all compatible mobile phones.

To determine the winners of the 21 vehicle categories, Edmunds.com invited owners to use the Consumer Ratings and Reviews feature, where they are able to evaluate their new or used vehicles in eight different categories, including performance, comfort, fuel economy, driving impressions, interior design, exterior design, build quality and reliability. Top-rated vehicles are those that received the highest average rating from visitors as of April 28, 2010.

South Korea's second largest carmaker Kia Motors said Friday its net profit more than quadrupled in the first quarter to March this year, thanks to strong sales at home and abroad.

Kia, an affiliate of Hyundai Motor Co., said it earned 398.5 billion won (358 million dollars) in the three months ended March 31, up from 97.3 billion won in the same period last year.

"Strong demand for new models such as the K7 sedan and the Sorento R sport utility vehicle and increased sales in the United States, China and Russia drove profit and sales higher," a company spokeswoman said.

First-quarter operating profit also surged more than three-fold to 309.8 billion won as sales rose 39 percent to 4.86 trillion won.

The country's largest automaker, Hyundai Motor, on Thursday reported its net profit jumped almost five-fold to to an all-time record 1.12 trillion won (1.0 billion dollars) in the same period on the back of strong sales abroad.

Following in the footsteps of the 2010 Soul urban passenger vehicle, the 2010 Kia Forte compact sedan has been recognized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) with a 2010 “Top Safety Pick” award in the Small Car category. The new Forte, which replaced Kia’s popular Spectra model, received the organization’s top honor by earning “Good” ratings – the highest achievable – in frontal, side, rear and rollover impact crash safety tests. The Sedona minivan was chosen as a “Top Safety Pick” shortly after its launch in 2006.

“The Kia brand is growing rapidly in the U.S. thanks to new vehicles such as the Forte that embody our core philosophies of quality, value, style and safety,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of Kia Motors America (KMA). "Forte offers buyers a youthful and dynamically styled vehicle with an impressive array of standard safety features, and being honored as an IIHS ‘Top Safety Pick’ award winner furthers its position as a top contender in its segment and a vehicle that offers consumers the entire package.”

Ratings from the Institute are based on results from frontal, side and rear impact crash tests, and for the first time a good performance in a roof strength test to measure protection in a rollover also was required to win. Each vehicle’s overall evaluation was based on various measurements specific to each crash angle, and overall impact on crash test dummies inside the vehicle at the time of collision. All vehicles must have electronic stability control available to be eligible.

Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, pricing for the Forte sedan starts at $13,695 for the LX trim, while the EX begins at $15,995 and the SX starts at $17,4951. In addition to competitive pricing, Forte also showcases a class-leading combination of standard safety features with active front headrests, advanced two-stage airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), brake assist (BAS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC), a traction control system (TCS) and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

All Forte models also come well-stocked with a long list of standard amenities, starting with a standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service2. Also standard on all models is an auxiliary audio input jack and USB port for connecting personal MP3 players as well as Bluetooth®3 wireless technology and connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls, which enables hands-free operation for all compatible mobile phones.

Kia Motors America in 2010

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand’s continued gains in U.S. market share. With four new vehicle introductions and several other key initiatives planned for 2010, Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and with new technology such as UVO powered by Microsoft®4 infotainment system (to be available in select Kia models in the U.S. beginning in summer 2010). The launch of the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, the official vehicle of the NBA and the first vehicle to be assembled5 at Kia’s first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, further enhances the lineup, and is now in dealerships.

Following the official grand opening ceremony of Kia’s first U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia, Kia Motors America (KMA) today debuted the new 2011 Sorento SX crossover during a press conference at the 2010 Atlanta Auto Show. The all-new Sorento has exceeded expectations since going on sale in early January, and now the new SX brings the CUV to new levels of comfort, convenience, technology and design and will arrive in dealerships later this summer. The first vehicle to roll off the line at Kia Motors’ recently opened state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia, the 2011 Sorento is a true symbol of Kia Motors’ $1 billion commitment to both the state of Georgia, the United States and North America.

“Receiving critical and consumer acclaim, Sorento has surpassed all expectations in only its first two months on the market, leading both January and February sales and helping achieve record-breaking sales for Kia Motors America,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of KMA. “The addition of the 2011 Sorento to the Kia lineup has helped bring new and more affluent customers into our showrooms. And with the addition of the new SX trim we hope to expand Sorento’s appeal to even more consumers looking for a comfortable, sophisticated and well-equipped vehicle.”

With a streamlined and attractive look, the 2011 Sorento represents a modern CUV that is just the right size for today’s consumer. With swept-back lines and angled windows, large flared-back headlamps and prominent fog lamps, the view from the front conveys strength and power. From the rear, the rounded back and tail lamps set prominently within the lift gate express the same forceful attitude and strength. Offering a more muscular stance, the SX receives revised front and rear fascias to exude additional authority while added chrome to the exhaust outlet, LED tail lamps and redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels with a hyper silver paint finish increase its luxurious exterior appeal.

Originally available in two trim levels, LX and EX, SX adds an enhanced dimension to Sorento with styling that adds an edgier attitude and comes standard with a host of luxury, convenience and technology features throughout. In addition to the smart key with push button start, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, telescopic steering wheel, heated side mirrors, automatic up/down driver-side windows and privacy glass found standard on all EX models, upgrading to the new SX trim will further spoil its occupants. Driver and passengers will benefit from leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, electrochromatic mirror with Homelink® and a voice-activated navigation system with back-up camera.

In addition to the impressive array of standard technology features found on all Sorento models, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting personal MP3 players, and Bluetooth®2 connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for all compatible mobile phones, the SX also comes standard with an Infinity® Audio surround sound system with 10 speakers for a truly enhanced listening experience.

Raising the level of refinement and sophistication further, the SX interior benefits from a unique metallic gauge cluster with a stitched meter housing, accent interior illumination and stainless steel pedals. Chrome-finished roof rails, a metallic accent along the greenhouse and front and rear stainless skid plates on the outside complete the look. A panoramic sunroof also is available to enhance the feeling of spaciousness and adds to Sorento’s modern appearance.

Without sacrificing the space, comfort and ride that the current Sorento already offers, Sorento SX will employ the same unibody design with the ability to comfortably fit up to seven passengers. An overall length of 183.9 inches and overall width of 74.2 inches with substantial headroom, legroom and cargo capacity effortlessly accommodates both passenger and cargo needs for all drivers. Sorento SX will, however, be nearly half of an inch lower to the ground for a subtly sportier appearance while the lower center of gravity allows improved handling and aerodynamics.

The Sorento SX also features DFD (Dual Flow Damper) shock absorbers typically found on more expensive vehicles. The DFD shocks, which have been specially matched to Sorento’s MacPherson strut front suspension and the fully independent mulit-link rear suspension, provide excellent handling characteristics without the harsh ride qualities typically associated with sport-tuned suspensions.

The SX comes mated to Sorento’s more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine, providing best-in-class 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, more powerful than the Ford Edge and Chevrolet Equinox V63. Coupled to a new six-speed automatic transmission, the V6 offers ample power and improved fuel efficiency. This all-new six-speed automatic transmission is a proprietary design for Kia Motors that was designed, engineered and built specifically for Kia vehicles, making the brand one of only three manufacturers to employ such a transmission.

To further meet consumer needs, the engine can be mated to either front- or all-wheel-drive configurations, the latter coming with a locking center differential to evenly distribute power to all wheels while operating the vehicle at low speeds during more severe weather conditions. Drivers also will benefit from a standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist (HAS) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC), offered on all Sorento trims.

Industry-Leading Warranty

The 2011 Sorento SX is covered by Kia’s comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the comprehensive vehicle coverage.

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand’s continued gains in U.S. market share. With two new vehicle introductions and several other key initiatives planned for 2010, Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and with new technology such as UVO powered by Microsoft®4 infotainment system (to be available in select Kia models in the U.S. beginning in summer 2010). The launch of the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, the official vehicle of the NBA, further enhances the lineup and is now in dealerships

Officials with Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), Inc. were joined by dignitaries from the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, the State of Georgia, local city and county officials to celebrate the official grand opening of Kia’s first-ever U.S. automobile manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, capable of producing 300,000 cars annually for the North American and global markets.

The ceremony was attended by approximately 500 VIPs from Korea and the U.S., including Chairman of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group Mong-Koo Chung; Group President and CEO of KMMG and Kia Motors America (KMA) Byung-Mo Ahn; Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue; and a number of other high-ranking Korean government and State of Georgia officials.

“Kia is proud to call West Point, Georgia home and we look forward to many years of growing together,” said Ahn. “Continued diligent work has helped elevate Kia to one of the fastest growing automobile brands around the globe. With the successful launch of the 2011 Kia Sorento CUV and establishment of our first manufacturing plant in the United States, the Kia brand is well positioned for further growth and to become a worldwide leader in quality and innovation.”

Representing a $1 billion investment by Kia Motors Corporation, the sprawling, new 2.2 million-square-foot automobile manufacturing plant is situated on more than 2,200 acres of land between Exit 2 and Exit 6 along Interstate 85 in West Point. KMMG consists of four main shops: stamping, welding, paint and assembly. The site also includes a transmission shop, module shop and a two-mile test track where every vehicle produced by KMMG will be thoroughly tested. KMMG’s general assembly area is outfitted with more than a half mile of height-adjustable conveyors to achieve the most favorable installation position for each team member and reduce physical fatigue. It is outfitted with wood flooring, which provides a more comfortable and forgiving work environment for team members.

Governor Perdue noted today’s event meant the continuation of a mutually beneficial partnership between the State of Georgia and Kia that will mean many great things for the State in years to come.

“This is a momentous day for Georgia as Kia Motors has brought thousands of new jobs to this area, and is truly delivering as a tremendous corporate citizen,” said Governor Perdue. “We value our relationship with Kia and pledge to continue providing specialized training through the Kia Georgia Training Center that will guarantee a quality workforce and the future success of this plant in Georgia.”

The massive Kia automobile manufacturing plant and its supplier companies have already provided thousands of jobs. KMMG currently employs more than 1,200 team members and is expected to nearly double that number by the end of the year, while onsite and nearby suppliers will create up to 7,500 additional jobs in the region.

Randy Jackson, director of human resources and administration, said he was glad that KMMG could help give back to the local community through job creation, community development and tourism.

“The Grand Opening marks a new milestone for Kia,” Jackson said. “Beginning this spring, we are pleased to open our doors to the community and have them see firsthand the quality and craftsmanship that is built into every Kia vehicle. We hope every Kia owner, and anyone thinking about purchasing a Kia, will visit us."

Mass production of the all-new 2011 Kia Sorento CUV began on Nov. 16, 2009 with the product officially going on sale in the U.S. in January of this year. Selling 7,398 units in its first month, the 2011 Sorento was Kia’s best-selling vehicle in January.

“The outstanding early performance of the first vehicle produced from our West Point, Georgia plant is a significant achievement for KMMG, KMA and the Kia brand as a whole,” said Ahn. “As we grow we will continue to expand our line of vehicles here and abroad while staying true to the Kia brand tenets of value, quality, safety and technology; and KMMG will play a prominent role in achieving our goals.”

Kia plans to introduce its first hybrid vehicle to the United States by the end of the year, officials for the South Korean automaker said Wednesday.

"It will be here before the end of the year and will be available to consumers not just fleets," said Alex Fedorak, Kia's director of communications.

Fedorak was unable to say how closely the upcoming hybrid sedan would resemble a concept vehicle called the Ray which is currently being displayed at the Chicago auto show.

"I haven't been briefed on all the details," he told AFP during a press preview.

The small but growing US market for vehicles with alternative powertrains has until now been dominated by Japanese automakers Toyota and Honda and domestic latecomers General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.

Kia officials said they were pushing to polish the automaker's green credentials with the sleek, aerodynamic Ray concept car that features a plug-in hybrid powertrain developed with fellow South Korean automaker Hyundai.

"Being green doesn't have to be an obvious statement anymore," said Peter Schreyer, the chief design officer for Kia's US-unit.

"The Kia Ray exemplifies a viable blend of modern, eco-minded features for today's environmentally-conscious consumers."

The Ray was designed for maximum efficiency, using clean, flush surfaces which end in a slightly high deck lid for reduced drag.

Touch-screen controls, drive-by-wire steering, "cool-glazing" solar glass and a lithium-polymer battery hint at the technology in Kia's future.

Ray's electric motor is designed to reach driving distances of more than 50 miles (80 kilometers) with a single charge. The sedan has a fuel economy rating of more than 202 miles per gallon (1.16 liters per 100 kilometers) and a total range of 746 miles.

After making solid gains in 2009, South Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia are predicting more gains in market share in 2010 as they roll out more new vehicles.

John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America's acting president and chief executive, said Thursday he expects car sales in the United States to grow next year, and Hyundai's market share to grow with it.

"Sales should be up about eight percent to 10 percent next year," he said. "The first and second quarter will be more like this year but things should pick up in the third quarter," Krafcik said.

Overall sales in the US market should grow beyond 11 million units in 2010. Hyundai's market share also will continue to grow, he said.

Hyundai, which sold over 401,000 cars so far in 2009, boosted its market share by a third this year and more gains are expected next year with introduction of the all new 2011 Sonata and new Tucson.

Both models were unveiled during the press previews leading up to the official opening of the Los Angeles auto show Friday.

The Sonata was designed to compete in the mid-sized segment, which is at the heart of the US car market.

Scott Magnusson, Hyundai's director of product planning, said the new Sonata offers efficiency, excellent packaging and solid driving dynamics at less than $20,000. "But it's also well styled," he said. "You still have great efficiency and great packaging and not have to drive a boring car thanks to our fluidic styling."

The same sculptural styling also was used in the design of the new Tucson, which Hyundai hopes will appeal to consumers who in the past have tended to go for the major Japanese brands -- Toyota, Honda and Nissan.

"We're being cross shopped much more frequently now with the Japanese," said Magnusson.

"Both vehicles are very, very nice both inside and out," said Stephanie Brinley, an analyst with Auto Pacific.

Tom Loveless, vice president of sales for Kia Motor America, a Hyundai subsidiary which markets its own brand in the US, also said the value message resonates with US consumers.

Kia also has posted double digit sales increases since mid-summer and will finish the year with a substantial increase in market share, Loveless said.

Kia's biggest market share-gains have come in the northeastern United States, where it as jumped 80 percent.

Loveless said Kia also has added dealerships, placing some on prime real estate in major urban areas that were abandoned by other carmaker.

He said he expects Kia to make greater gains in sales and market share next year as it rolls out new models.

During the LA Auto Show preview, Kia rolled out the 2011 Sorento, which is being built at a new Kia assembly plant in West Point, Ga.

The introduction of Kia Soul and Kia Forte earlier this year also raised consumer awareness of the Kia brand with their aggressive styling, Loveless said. "The Soul was a real game changer for us," he said.

Ed Kim, an analyst with Auto Pacific, said the styling on the Sorento is more conservative than the Soul or the Forte but it is still solid and the vehicle has been designed to reflect American taste and preferences.

So far this year, Hyundai Group sales have grown by more than 6 percent in a soft market and Kia and Hyundai combined now hold nearly 6.2 percent of the US market, the highest share ever, according J.D. Power & Associates.

Hyundai's market share has grown to 3.76 percent from 2.58 percent in 2008, while Kia's has increased to 2.41 percent from 2 percent in 2008.