(January 24, 2011) IRVINE, Calif. — Kia has been recognized as the "Most Improved Mainstream Brand" in the ALG Residual Value Awards brand rankings outlined in the latest ALG Industry Report , moving four spots from 14th place in 2010 to 10th in 2011.

The top brand in mainstream residual value was Subaru. Honda was second and Mazda third.

Kia is driven by the successful launches of the 2011 Sorento and Sportage and the all-new 2011 Optima.

"We have introduced seven new models in the past two years and throughout this aggressive launch cycle we have maintained Kia's commitment to offering stylish and fun-to-drive vehicles with the technology, convenience and safety features consumers desire, and this recognition from ALG is another example of the continued rise in consumer awareness and confidence in the Kia brand," said Michael Sprague, vice president, communications & marketing.

The 2011 Sportage compact CUV offers a class-leading residual value of 62 percent of the original manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for 36 months of ownership, while the all-new 2011 Optima offers a residual value of 52 percent, up 19 percentage points from the 2010 Optima and better than the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu.

Both vehicles express Kia Motors' current design language.