In an automotive first, Kia Motors America (KMA) and music-loving Facebook users are creating a one-of-a-kind online playlist, titled “Kia Rio Windows Down,” through Spotify, the award-winning digital music service that embraces sharing music and hearing tracks instantly by hitting play on any music post or posting tracks on Facebook and Twitter.

Since the submission period began on the Kia Rio Facebook page in February, more than 1,100 songs have been submitted for inclusion on the playlist on Spotify, with song selections totaling 15 hours of music and an average of 24 minutes of time spent per user listening to the playlist, which provides an environment for users to listen, discover, and share the unique playlist with their friends.

To create the perfect playlist for a joyride in the all-new Kia Rio subcompact, songs from Spotify’s library of more than 15 million tracks can be submitted for the playlist until April 15, and will remain on the Spotify platform indefinitely.

“From our ‘Share Some Soul’ ad featuring LMFAO’s ‘Party Rock Anthem’ to Motley Crue belting out ‘Kickstart My Heart’ in last month’s Super Bowl commercial, music plays an important role in Kia’s marketing efforts and being the first in the auto industry to partner with Spotify continues that trend,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA.

“Spotify is an innovative music service, and aligning with a new platform that embraces the sharing of music was a natural fit for Kia to extend our Rio launch. Being the first to create a car-centric playlist on Spotify in the U.S. increases Kia’s interaction with our target audiences that are passionate about music and social media.”

Kia Motors is the one of the world’s fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling.

Kia Motors America’s full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality and the industry’s highest brand loyalty ranking.

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Adding another feather to its cap, Kia Motors America’s all-new 2012 Rio 5-door has been named one of the top five cars of the year by FAMA’s ”Mujeres Al Volante.”  FAMA is a leading modern lifestyle magazine in Spanish, and the Mujeres Al Volante awards honor vehicles that meet the priorities of U.S. Hispanic women when considering a new vehicle.

The Rio 5-door was recognized for its long list of standard safety features, modern amenities, outstanding fuel economy, strong family appeal and world-class design.

“The ‘Subcompact Car of the Year’ award for the all-new Rio 5-door from Mujeres Al Volante is the latest example of the impact the Kia brand is having in the U.S. market with unprecedented growth and an exciting lineup of vehicles that deliver cutting-edge technology, eye-catching design and class-leading fuel economy,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, KIA.

“Kia is one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. [3], and vehicles such as the Rio 5-door continue to raise awareness, perception and consideration for the brand by attracting new, style-conscious consumers to our showrooms.”

The Rio 5-door’s innovative green technology and features also impressed the Mujeres Al Volante editors. In addition to being the first in the segment to offer the fuel-saving Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology (available later this year), the Rio 5-door’s seat foam material is made from 100-percent biodegradable and non-toxic castor oil, which reduces the use of petroleum-based products. At the end of its lifespan, 85 percent of the all-new Rio’s materials are recyclable.

“The Rio 5-door has exceeded our expectations, and we think it’s in the top of its class when it comes to appealing to Hispanic women,” said Ileana Muniz, editor-in-chief of FAMA’s Autos Mujeres Al Volante. “On top of its outstanding design, the Rio 5-door handles well and is environmentally friendly with 40 MPG and ISG technology.”

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