MotorMartin has spoken at length about Kia’s deserved expansion into the elite band of mainstream manufacturers headed by both Ford and Vauxhall here in the UK and discussed the many improvements that Kia have brought about over the last few years to the cars within their impressive range. And now, after a succession of awards already in 2016, the latest of which was highlighted in the following news post, SPORTAGE SUCCESS CONTINUES WITH DIESEL CAR OF THE YEAR AND BEST MEDIUM SUV, Kia has shared with MotorMartin that they have made automotive history this week with the announcement that J.D. Power has recognized the brand as the highest scoring nameplate in its 2016 Initial Quality Study (IQS) out of all 33 makes in the U.S. Wow.
Incredibly, this achievement marks the first time in 27 years that a non-premium brand has topped the rankings and Kia’s rise to the top was driven by segment-leading performances from the Sportage and Soul, while Rio, Forte and Sorento all ranked in the top three of their respective categories.
“Ranking number one in the entire industry for initial quality is the result of Kia’s decade-long focus on craftsmanship and continuous improvement, and reflects the voice of our customers, which is the ultimate affirmation,” shared Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, Kia Motors America with MotorMartin.
“As the highest ranked brand in the industry, there is no doubt Kia is a world-class automaker.” Indeed.
J. D. Power have confirmed that after entering the overall top 10 for the first time in 2013, Kia placed second in the industry and led all non-premium makes in IQS in 2015. A quite superb achievement for Kia especially as this award is solely down to their customers’ experiences with the cars that they themselves have bought and paid for.
For those that aren’t familiar with the annual J.D. Power Survey, which is now in its 30th year, it is a process where IQS analyses responses from vehicle owners in 26 different segments. IQS is determined by vehicle owners evaluating the driving experience, engine and transmission performance, and a broad range of quality-related problems within the first 90 days of ownership. And it is this reliance on ‘real life’ motoring experiences that make this such an important award.
It’s a deserved MotorMartin well done then to Kia and long may their success continue.
Where will you go?