IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA), one of America's fastest-growing car companies over the last five years[1], today announced the selection of Publicis Groupe's Denuo as its web Agency of Record (AOR) following a competitive review.  With seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles expected to arrive in showrooms in 2013, Denuo will develop a completely redesigned website for Kia to enhance the car buying research and shopping process with more images, videos and creative content.  As Kia's AOR, Denuo will also be called upon to breed partnerships with emerging companies in the areas of mobile and social technologies. 

Denuo is tasked with managing the complete Kia.com strategy – including creative and user experiences – as well as other properties within the brand's digital ecosystem, including the Kia.com Owner's Portal for existing customers.  The new partnership supports Kia's commitment to setting the bar for pioneering technology advancements in the automotive industry as well as understanding and fulfilling the needs of modern car shoppers and owners.

"Kia has just capped an unprecedented period of growth in the U.S. market, and we look forward to the continued maturation of our brand with the assistance of a progressive partner that will lead in the consumer digital marketplace and revolutionize our digital offerings now and into the future," said David Schoonover, national manager of CRM & digital marketing, KMA.  "As awareness, perception and consideration for the Kia brand continues to improve, the evolution of Kia.com is vital to the brand's growth, and Denuo has offered fresh new ideas and insights and proven they can help us navigate these transitions and further our momentum."

Work on Kia.com has already begun.

Kia:  One of the World's Fastest Moving Global Automotive Brands
Kia Motors America is one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales in each of the past four years, and in 2012 the company surpassed the 500,000 unit mark for the first time.  With a full line of fun-to-drive cars and CUVs, Kia is advancing value to new levels of sophistication by combining European-influenced styling – under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer – with cutting-edge technologies, premium amenities, affordable pricing and the lowest cost of ownership in the industry.  Kia recently joined the exclusive ranks of Interbrand's "Top 100 Best Global Brands," and is poised to continue its record-breaking momentum with seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles expected to arrive in showrooms in 2013.  Over the past decade Kia Motors has invested more than $1.4 billion in the U.S., including the company's first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) – which is responsible for the creation of more than 11,000 plant and supplier jobs.  The success of the U.S.-built* Optima and Sorento in two of the industry's largest segments has fueled Kia's growth and is complemented by Kia's comprehensive lineup which includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, 5-door compact hatchback and Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 765 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2012, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and gained U.S. market share for the 18th consecutive year.  Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

About Denuo
Denuo invents, solves and executes within the white spaces of marketing.  Its definition of white space: Emerging marketing challenges and opportunities where set solutions don't yet exist.  Denuo is part of Publicis Groupe.  It has offices in Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco.  Visit www.denuology.com for more information.  Follow Denuo on Twitter at @denuology.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
[1] Based on comparison of 12-month retail sales from December 2007 to December 2012 of all U.S. automotive brands and five-year average sales growth.

SOURCE Kia Motors America