Kia.com ranks highest among automotive manufacturer web sites for usefulness in new vehicle shopping
The view from the Summit
It’s been a great week, so far, here at Summit Place Kia in metro Detroit. The temperatures have been in the mid to high fifties. And even though we know that there is still the possibility of more snow this year, we now know that spring is just around the corner.
This week’s news from Kia Motors has to do with a recent evaluation study conducted by J.D. Power and Associates. According to J.D. Power, the Kia.com web site ranks highest for speed, appearance, navigation and information/content. In particular, content for new Forte and Soul models resonates well with consumers who visit the site.
Here is the official press release from Kia:
IRVINE, Calif., March 17 – The consumer Web site for automaker Kia Motors America (KMA), www.kia.com, has been named the highest ranked automobile manufacturer Web site in the most recently released J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Manufacturer Web Site Evaluation Study (SM) – Wave 1 (MWES). Kia ranked highest overall among manufacturer Web sites for usefulness in new-vehicle shopping, including navigation, speed, appearance and information/content. Kia.com is now a five-time award recipient of the J.D. Power and Associates MWES Award, ranking highest in 2003, 2005 Wave 2, 2007 Wave 1, 2008 Wave 2 and 2010 Wave 1, the most for any automobile manufacturer.
“Our consumer site integrates seamlessly with the latest in Web service technologies and provides an immersive online experience while focusing on ease of navigation,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing, KMA. “And even more appealing, user-rich content will complement our new models, starting with the all-new 2011 Kia Sorento CUV, keeping the Kia experience efficient and enjoyable online as well as on the road.”
Kia.com features include a “virtual garage” that allows consumers to customize their ideal Kia vehicles with various options. Visitors also can experiment with different colors, interiors and accessories to find the vehicle that is right for them. The “virtual garage” removes the limits of normal photos with the use of Computer Generated Imagery (CGI), allowing the consumer to create any combination of available options. Kia.com is prepared by Animated Designs, LLC, KMA’s interactive agency based in Westlake Village, Calif.
“We took a big risk with a major Web site redesign, but this proves that with the right approach and attitude, good results will come from which the consumer benefits,” said David Schoonover, national manager, CRM & affiliate marketing, KMA.
According to J.D. Power and Associates, Kia’s Web site success is largely due to the continued improvements that the manufacturer makes to the brand site. In addition to various small improvements, Kia’s newer models such as the Forte and Soul have brought new content to the site, including the ‘Experience Forte‘ section, which is resonating well with shoppers.
Kia Product Line
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. The vehicle line features the stylish Forte compact sedan and all-new two-door Forte Koup, the highly personalizable Soul, functional Rondo CUV, award-winning Sedona minivan, purposeful Optima midsize sedan and versatile yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The launch of the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, the official vehicle of the NBA and the first vehicle to be built at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia(1), Kia’s first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, further enhances the lineup.
(1) KMMG vehicles are built with U.S. and globally sourced parts.
Source: Kia Motors America
Visit us after visiting wwwkia.com
While Kia Motor’s web site is certainly information and easy to use, it’s even more fun to actually take one of our new Kias for a test drive. To schedule an appointment, or for more information on the entire line-up of high quality, affordable and fuel-efficient Kias, you can contact us at our Waterford store by calling 248-682-6002 or by dialing 734-397-9900 for our Canton store. You can also check us out on our own web site at www.summitplacekia.com. If you just want to stop in for a visit, our two dealerships are located at 2200 Elizabeth Lake Road in Waterford, just behind the Summit Place mall and in Canton at 41840 Michigan Avenue, just west of I-275. Once you’re there, you’ll see why everyone at metro Detroit’s sales leader and Proud Automotive Sponsor of Michigan Athletics would “Love to see ‘ya” in a Summit Place Kia!
The view from the Summit
It’s been a great week, so far, here at Summit Place Kia in metro Detroit. The temperatures have been in the mid to high fifties. And even though we know that there is still the possibility of more snow this year, we now know that spring is just around the corner.
This week’s news from Kia Motors has to do with a recent evaluation study conducted by J.D. Power and Associates. According to J.D. Power, the Kia.com web site ranks highest for speed, appearance, navigation and information/content. In particular, content for new Forte and Soul models resonates well with consumers who visit the site.
Here is the official press release from Kia:
IRVINE, Calif., March 17 – The consumer Web site for automaker Kia Motors America (KMA), www.kia.com, has been named the highest ranked automobile manufacturer Web site in the most recently released J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Manufacturer Web Site Evaluation Study (SM) – Wave 1 (MWES). Kia ranked highest overall among manufacturer Web sites for usefulness in new-vehicle shopping, including navigation, speed, appearance and information/content. Kia.com is now a five-time award recipient of the J.D. Power and Associates MWES Award, ranking highest in 2003, 2005 Wave 2, 2007 Wave 1, 2008 Wave 2 and 2010 Wave 1, the most for any automobile manufacturer.
“Our consumer site integrates seamlessly with the latest in Web service technologies and provides an immersive online experience while focusing on ease of navigation,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing, KMA. “And even more appealing, user-rich content will complement our new models, starting with the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, keeping the Kia experience efficient and enjoyable online as well as on the road.”
Kia.com features include a “virtual garage” that allows consumers to customize their ideal Kia vehicles with various options. Visitors also can experiment with different colors, interiors and accessories to find the vehicle that is right for them. The “virtual garage” removes the limits of normal photos with the use of Computer Generated Imagery (CGI), allowing the consumer to create any combination of available options. Kia.com is prepared by Animated Designs, LLC, KMA’s interactive agency based in Westlake Village, Calif.
“We took a big risk with a major Web site redesign, but this proves that with the right approach and attitude, good results will come from which the consumer benefits,” said David Schoonover, national manager, CRM & affiliate marketing, KMA.
According to J.D. Power and Associates, Kia’s Web site success is largely due to the continued improvements that the manufacturer makes to the brand site. In addition to various small improvements, Kia’s newer models such as the Forte and Soul have brought new content to the site, including the ‘Experience Forte‘ section, which is resonating well with shoppers.
Kia Product Line
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. The vehicle line features the stylish Forte compact sedan and all-new two-door Forte Koup, the highly personalizable Soul, functional Rondo CUV, award-winning Sedona minivan, purposeful Optima midsize sedan and versatile yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The launch of the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, the official vehicle of the NBA and the first vehicle to be built at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia(1), Kia’s first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, further enhances the lineup.
(1) KMMG vehicles are built with U.S. and globally sourced parts.
Source: Kia Motors America
Visit us after visiting wwwkia.com
While Kia Motor’s web site is certainly information and easy to use, it’s even more fun to actually take one of our new Kias for a test drive. To schedule an appointment, or for more information on the entire line-up of high quality, affordable and fuel-efficient Kias, you can contact us at our Waterford store by calling 248-682-6002 or by dialing 734-397-9900 for our Canton store. You can also check us out on our own web site at www.summitplacekia.com. If you just want to stop in for a visit, our two dealerships are located at 2200 Elizabeth Lake Road in Waterford, just behind the Summit Place mall and in Canton at 41840 Michigan Avenue, just west of I-275. Once you’re there, you’ll see why everyone at metro Detroit’s sales leader and Proud Automotive Sponsor of Michigan Athletics would “Love to see ‘ya” in a Summit Place Kia!
