DETROIT - Presented during the 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit during a presentation sponsored by Bridgestone Tire, the 2011 Kia Sportage compact CUV was honored with the "International Truck of the Year" award by Road & Travel magazine.  Launched in summer 2010 as part of Kia Motors America's dramatic design-led transformation, the Sportage quickly earned a 2010 "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and was chosen by the International Car of the Year juryfor its head-turning style, emotional appeal, and overall performance.

"The 2011 Sportage is an eye-catching CUV that appeals to a wide audience with its unique combination of breathtaking design, value, quality, technology and standard safety features," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA).  "Since its debut last summer, Sportage's popularity and consumer appeal has outpaced supply in our showrooms."

To be eligible for the ICOTY award, vehicles must be sold in the U.S. and be either all-new or significantly changed from the previous generation in design and/or technology.  Winners are judged based on lifestyle compatibility, with jurors considering a number of lifestyle attributes, including appeal to men and women, head-turning ability, environmental friendliness, style and performance, being affordable and practical, grocery-getting potential, safety and dependability, being fun and cool, ability to be considered a status symbol and a vehicle consumers would be proud to drive and be seen in.

The ICOTY jury consists of 12 diverse automotive writers and editors who represent respected automotive publications, including Kelley Blue Book , AutoWeek, Consumer Guide® Automotive, MSN Autos, Truck Trend, NewCarTestDrive.com and Cars.com.  Completed voting ballots are sent to J.D. Power and Associates for final tabulation to ensure accuracy and credibility.