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• updated 05/23/2012 8:35AM 2012 Kia Forte earns spot on “Top Cars for College Grads” The 2012 Kia Forte sedan and hatchback models have been included in the latest “Top Cars for College Grads” by Total Car Score, an automotive evaluation and car comparison website. The online aggregator provides automotive rankings and reviews for consumers by analyzing car dependability, price, safety factors, fuel-efficiency, comfort and performance.
  
  “Forte’s achievement of being named to Total Car Score’s ‘Top Cars for College Grads’ list is validation that its low cost and abundance of smart, youthful characteristics make it a natural fit for young adults who are about to enter the professional world,” said Orth Hedrick, director of product planning for Irvine-based Kia Motors America.
  
  This list was produced in time for upcoming graduations, and dedicated to helping grads and their parents look for the most economical car to explore the career world. The Kia Forte made the list’s top 10 for its affordability, appearance, space, equipment and interior factors.
  
  Karl Brauer, CEO and editor-in-chief of Total Car Score, said, “The Kia Forte is one of the best compact car values of the market today. With standard features like Bluetooth hands-free phone operation, a USB port for iPod connectivity and a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, the Forte offers the technology and long-term quality today’s college graduates seek in a new-car purchase.”
  
  Total Car Score features a rating method to compare cars in all different aspects. Each vehicle receives a “Total Car Score” from their thorough manufacturing review, assessing information from other major automotive leaders, such as Institution for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Forte earned a Total Car Score of 77.28 out of 100.
  
  Froom 2009 to 2011, Kia Motors released more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other manufacturer, led by the chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, creating a reputation for their automotive styling within the industry. In 2011, Kia Motor America reached their best-ever annual sales total and is known as one of the fastest expanding company for its model service, safety and technologies.
   
  
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