The Forte sedan was designed in Kia's California design studio by Tom Kearns and his team.[8][9] The Forte two-door ("Koup") was previewed as the "Kia Koup" Concept, and was also designed in Kia's California design studio.[10][11] The Korean model went on sale on August 22, 2008.[12] The US model was unveiled at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.[13][14]