- Five star ratings achieved for frontal and side impact crash tests (SEOUL) April 3, 2006 -- The all-new Carnival MPV (known as ‘Sedona’ in some markets) has earned the highest possible safety rating -- five stars -- for all seating positions in the latest frontal and side impact crash tests by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Completely redesigned for the 2006 model year, the all-new Carnival builds upon a commitment to safety that was established with the first generation MPV, which earned the company’s first five star crash rating when it debuted in 2002. The 2006 Carnival continues to offer a high level of standard safety equipment, including six standard airbags, front active headrests, electronic stability control (ESC), ABS with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), a traction control system (TCS) with brake assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). “We are extremely pleased with the all-new Sedona’s performance and resulting five star rating in NHTSA’s recent testing,” said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of Kia Motors America. “The latest five star rating is further proof of our commitment to building high quality vehicles with unprecedented levels of standard safety and convenience features.” Available in two trim levels, LX and EX, all models feature an all-new, more powerful 3.8-liter 24-valve V6 engine, producing class-leading 244 horsepower. A longer wheelbase and increased length and width in comparison to its predecessor contribute to the minivan’s nearly 15-percent improvement in passenger room over the previous Carnival. Comfort and convenience equipment such as fold-in-the-floor third row seating, three separate climate zones covering all three rows and available power remote-operated side doors and rear lift gate were designed to bolster Carnival’s established position as a safety and value leader in the highly competitive MPV market. Editor’s note: Specifications and standard equipment may vary depending on country/region. Kia Motors Corporation (www.kiamotors.com or www.kia.com) -- one of the fastest growing automakers in the world -- was founded in 1944 and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world’s premier automotive brands. Kia’s 12 manufacturing and assembly operations in 7 countries produce more than 1.1 million vehicles a year that are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 160 countries. Kia today has over 32,500 employees and annual revenues of almost $16 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open and an official worldwide sponsor of the Davis Cup. From 2007 to 2014, Kia will be an official automotive partner of FIFA -- the governing body of the FIFA World Cup. Kia Motors Corporation’s brand slogan -- “The Power to Surprise” -- represents the company’s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.