Car manufacturer Kia has new reasons to celebrate as its two models, the Rio and the Picanto, have both been awarded titles in the 2012 red dot design competition.
More than 4,500 products, 1,800 manufacturers and 58 countries have participated in the international red dot design competition. Out of so many participants, however, Kia has been given the winning accolade in the ‘Product Design’ category.
Two particular models have succeeded due to their design, the A-segment Picanto and B-segment Rio.
"We are very proud of the red dot awards for the Picanto and the Rio," said Kia's Chief Officer Peter Schreyer, "They are a great tribute to our entire global design team, because all three Kia design centres were involved in the development of both vehicles. I am particularly happy about this thoroughly creative and successful collaboration between our teams in Korea, Europe and America."
Other red dot winners
Including the two prizes that Kia has won this year, the car manufacturer can boast of having received a total of six red dot awards. The Kia Soul in 2009, the Venga in 2010, and both the Kia Sportage and Optima were recognised with top spots in 2011.
In addition, the Kia Optima was also named 'best of the best’ in 2011. This represents the red dot competition's highest award for ground-breaking design, for which only the best products in each category are eligible.
'Best 4 x 4' and 'Green Car' award
Aside from those prizes, Kia received two more awards in the recently celebrated 2012 CarBuyer competition.
Specifically, the Kia Sportage landed the 'Best 4 x 4' title in the CarBuyer Awards and the Kia Rio was awarded CarBuyer's 'Green Car' award.
Drivers interested in getting their hands on a model in the Sportage range can do so from a starting price of just £17,295.
Likewise, buyers interested in the Rio range might like to know that its starting prize is £9,995, with the 1.1CRDi '1' model chosen by CarBuyer retailing at £11,895.
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