JEDDAH, 3 October 2006 --The all-new Carnival minivan has earned the highest possible safety rating -- five stars -- for all seating positions in the latest frontal and side impact crash tests by the US Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)-(IRVINE, Calif., April 5, 2006).

As well as this the all-new 2006 Carnival minivan has now been awarded the 'Gold top safety pick' for its impressive performance with top ratings in frontal, side and rear impact crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

In order to receive a gold top safety pick rating from IIHS, the vehicle must receive a rating of "Good" -- the institute's highest rating -- in all three categories of frontal, side and rear impact tests.

Among the current eight minivan designs the IIHS has rated, the Carnival is the only one that earns "Good" ratings in all three institute tests.

"The Carnival is the best minivan we've tested," said IIHS President Adrian Lund.

"Other minivans have earned good front and side ratings, but they haven't achieved a satisfactory level of rear crash protection. The Carnival stands out as the first to get a clean sweep of good ratings across the board," he added.

The all-new 2006 KIA Carnival was the only minivan tested by IIHS equipped with standard active head restraints, and it stood out above other minivans in that it not only performed well in frontal and side impact crash tests, but also in rear impact safety tests.

"Many manufacturers haven't paid as much attention to occupant protection in rear crashes, compared with front and side crashes," Lund points out. "KIA deserves credit for designing the Carnival's seat/head restraints for protection in one of the most common kinds of commuter traffic crashes."

Completely redesigned for the 2006 model year, the all-new Carnival builds upon a commitment to safety that was established with the first generation minivan, which earned the company's first five-star crash rating when it debuted in 2002.

The 2006 Carnival continues to offer a high level of standard safety equipment, including six standard airbags, front active headrests, electronic stability control (ESC), ABS with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), a traction control system (TCS) with brake assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Like the new KIA Carnival, KIA Motors Saudi Arabia is setting new standards in the world of automotive excellence, safety and customer care.

As part of their regular operating processes, KIA Motors Saudi Arabia will be offering its customers regular safety, comfort and cosmetic checks aimed at keeping their KIA as good as new. KIA owners will be able to have their brakes, tires and windscreen washer systems checked as the winter month's approach.

As the summer months draw near they will be offered an air-conditioning check and a general body condition check at different times throughout the year.

With 10 new models slated to be added between 2006 and 2010 the KIA family will attract an ever-expanding customer base with the complete regeneration of its product line up. Building upon its success to date and setting new levels of achievement throughout the automotive industry, KIA Motors Corporation and its distributor KIA Motors Saudi Arabia will grow hand in hand across the Kingdom.

Details of when these services will be available in various towns will be announced in the media.

© Arab News 2006