Sure, it wasn’t necessarily a cure for cancer but judging from the elaborate celebration Kia hosted after rolling out production car no.1 in the US, it sure looked like one.

The 2011 Kia Sorento made history of sorts in the US after it became the first ever vehicle to be rolled out of the Kia Motors Manufacturing plant in Georgia. The occasion marks a milestone achievement for Kia as the Sorento likewise became the first-ever Kia vehicle to be built in America. Kia’s vision to become a major player in the US took a huge step forward after the Korean automaker officially opened the 2,200 acre facility in Georgia. As it stands, the plant has over 2,500 employees and, more importantly, has the potential to produce 300,000 cars per year.

According to B.M. Ahn, president and CEO of Kia Motors America and KMMG, “The start of production at our first manufacturing facility in the United States further demonstrates our commitment to growth in North America and we are proud to be adding 2,500 jobs to the local economy.”

With the opening of the KMMG, Kia has spiked its global production capacity to over 2.56 million units year after the Georgia plant joins other production plants located in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Relatively speaking, this occasion is monumental given the circumstances surrounding the auto industry over the past couple of months. Opening a state-of-the-art facility amidst strenuous times shows that Kia is moving on to become one of the major players in the industry now and in the future.

Congratulations Kia!

Press release after the jump.

Kia celebrates first US-built vehicle originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 21 November 2009 17:00 EST.

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The Korean automaker Kia has finally spilled the beans about the 2011 Sorento, the first vehicle to roll off the new assembly line at Kia Motors’ state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia with sales will begining in January of 2010.

For 2011, the Sorento will be offered with a choice of two engines: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 172 HP or a larger 3.5-liter V6 with 273 HP, either way both coupled to a new six-speed automatic transmission for effortless shifts.

The car will be longer and roomier than the previous-generation Sorento, with an overall length of 184.4 inches and overall width of 74.2 inches. First on a Kia model, the 2011 Sorento comes with a panoramic sunroof. Also standard equipment includes: AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service2, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting personal MP3 players, and Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls.

Press release after the jump.

Kia Sorento originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 24 September 2009 18:00 EST.

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Kia revealed the 2010 Sorento at the SEOUL Motor Show, while the North American debut will be made in New York. With a totally new design the 2010 Sorento will be offered with a choice of five engine, depending on the market.

For 2010 Sorento will be offered with wither a 2WD or 4WD systems. Engine line-up will include a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine with 175 hp for the base version, while the top version will get 3.5 liter V6 engine with 277 hp. All the engines will be mated to either a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

The new Sorento is longer and lower and comes with sleek styling and a futuristic touch to the world of the urban SUV. With its longer front overhang, wedge profile, crisply defined greenhouse and accentuated wheelarch volumes, Kia’s new SUV looks thoroughly modern and sporty. The 4.7-metre long new Sorento moves vehicle design in this segment up to a new level of sophistication.

Press release after the jump.

Kia Sorento originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 April 2009 09:00 EST.

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Kia Sorento Earns Five-Star Crash Safety Rating From U.S. Government originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 19 December 2006 16:00 EST.

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Kia has given its popular 4x4 Sorento SUV a healthy power boost for both the diesel and gasoline engines, plus the addition of several significant comfort, quality and safety features and a refreshed appearance, with a soft evolution of its fine original good looks and a touch more elegance.

KIA Sorento originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 28 March 2006 18:25 EST.

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