Kia Master Technicians Vie For Skill National Cup Title

Kia University, the training arm of Kia Motors America (KMA), hosted the biennial Kia Skill National Cup competition at the company's headquarters in Irvine, Calif., to determine the top master-level technicians from each of the company's four regions (eastern, southern, central and western). The winning technicians on the national level will represent their respective dealerships and the U.S. at the Kia Skill World Cup, June 11-15 at the Chonan Technical Service Training Center in Seoul, South Korea. Kia's Skill Cup competitions encourage technicians to hone their technical skills to keep pace with the company's engineering advancements while promoting customer-care excellence and professional conduct.

"High-quality customer service begins with highly trained, professional technicians committed to diagnosing the root cause of any issues and making the necessary repairs on the first visit," said John Crowe, vice president, service and aftersale operations, KMA.  "Skill Cup competitors represent the best Kia technicians from across the country and around the globe, and they set the standard by which all Kia technicians are measured."

To qualify for the competition, technicians are given a 50-question online test, which requires comprehensive knowledge of Kia's powertrain designs, electrical systems and onboard vehicle management software. Only the top four test-takers in each of the four regions are selected to participate in the National Skill Cup challenge, a hands-on contest, in which technicians are judged on their ability to accurately execute Kia's five-step diagnostic process and successfully repair vehicles within specified time limits. While focusing on several diagnostic areas, participants most notably demonstrated their troubleshooting skills with Kia's latest drivetrain technologies, including that of the popular Optima Hybrid. In addition, finalists were judged on customer service criteria such as professionalism, safety and clean-up.

Of the 16 national finalists, only four will travel to Korea to compete for the honor of Kia's top technician in the Kia Skill World Cup. They are Jason Powell, Fox Kia; Michael Schwartz, Kia of Lynchburg; Ken Winders, Gene Messer Kia; and Christopher Cooley, Salazar Kia. See below for the full results of the 2012 Kia Skill National Cup.

Central Region

    1st Jason Powell, Fox Kia, Grand Rapids, Mich.
    2nd Max Umbs, Dick Brantmeier Kia, Sheboygan, Wis.
    3rd Tim Clark, Jeff Belzer's Kia, Lakeville, Minn.
    4th William Barcklay, Montrose Kia, Sheffield, Ohio

Eastern Region

    1st Michael Schwartz, Kia of Lynchburg, Lynchburg, Va.
    2nd Robert Worman Jr., Lehighton Kia, Lehighton, Pa.
    3rd Blair Vile, Steven Kia, Harrisonburg, Va.
    4th Thomas Cinque, Auto World Kia, East Meadow, N.Y.

Southern Region

    1st Ken Winders, Gene Messer Kia, Lubbock, Texas
    2nd Eddie Miller, Grindstaff Kia of Johnson City, Johnson City, Tenn.
    3rd Dean Dewitt, Bob Dance Kia, Merritt Island, Fla.
    4th Tommy Latulipe, Rusty Wallace Kia of Knoxville, Knoxville, Tenn.

Western Region

    1st Christopher Cooley, Salazar Kia, Avondale, Ariz.
    2nd James Baker, Christopher Kia, Salt Lake, Salt Lake City
    3rd Thomas Cruz, The Kia Depot, Santa Ana, Calif.
    4th Robert Laursen, Larry H. Miller Kia Lakewood, Lakewood, Colo.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality[1] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[2]. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan*. Kia's value and technology-laden lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

SOURCE Kia Motors America

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Stunning Optima making waves with sedan buyers

With the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata and others, competition among midsize sedans has always been fierce. But that wasn't a deterrent when Kia launched the all-new Optima in 2010. Since it underwent a major redesign last year, the sleek and attractive ride has stood apart from the crowd.

The base LX and volume EX are equipped with a 2.4-liter gasoline-direct injection inline-4 cylinder engine, which generates 200 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 186 pounds-feet of torque at 4250. But lead-foot drivers can opt for the sporty SX and EX turbo trims, which get a 2.0-liter inline-4 cylinder engine cranking out 274 hp at 6000 rpm and 269 pounds-feet of torque at 4500 rpm. Except for the LX, which is offered as a 6-speed manual, the rest come standard with a 6-speed auto, which shifts effortlessly.

Arguably, the steel-unibody based Optima is the boldest-appearing sedans in the market, thanks to a sweeping chrome arc from front to rear, projector headlights flanked by Kia's traditional tabbed grille, chrome/body color door handles and body-color side molding. The cabin touts notable standard amenities such as a cooled glove box, tilt/telescopic steering column, power door locks and windows, 60/40 split fold rear seat and remote keyless entry.

Base-priced at $19,500, with a mid-range at $23,200 and the high-end SX trim at $26,500. On the LX manual, EPA estimates are 24 city/35 highway. However, the SX is expected to get 22 city/34 highway. Our test-drive model managed 24 mpg in city/highway driving, which translates into about 440 miles driving before having to stop at the pump.

With striking looks, solid and stable ride, decent fuel economy and priced just right, the Optima competently meets the needs of most buyers in the midsize-sedan segment. And that means more sleepless nights for its rivals.

OPTIMA SX

Tires: P215/55R17 front; 255/45R18 rear

Suspension: independent MacPherson front; multilink rear

Steering: hydraulic power assist

Wheelbase: 110 inches

Length: 190.7 inches

Weight: 3,385 pounds

Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons

 

Courtesy of NITISH S. RELE | Tbo.com

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Kia Motors America Wins Bronze "Effie" at the 2012 North American Effie Awards

When Blake Griffin leaped over a Kia Optima to win the 2011 NBA Sprite® Slam Dunk contest, footage of the dunk immediately went viral online and Kia Motors America (KMA) captured the historic moment with a 30-second ad spot that began airing less than 72 hours later. Yesterday, "Not Your Average Slam Dunk" received the Bronze Effie award in the "Single Impact Engagement" category at the 2012 North American Effie Awards ceremony in New York. The annual Effie Awards (short for effective) presented by Effie Worldwide, Inc., highlight the most effective marketing communications efforts in the U.S. each year.

In the midst of the largest new-vehicle launch in company history, Blake Griffin's slam dunk over a Kia Optima generated more than five million YouTube views, garnered 385 media placements and increased consumer purchase consideration by more than 20 percent, all within 48 hours of the dunk. Following the multifaceted Optima launch efforts and iconic slam dunk, significant increases in consumer awareness and perception of the Kia brand have led to record sales of the Optima midsize sedan as April marked the fifth consecutive month that the Optima was Kia's best-selling vehicle. The slam dunk also was the perfect catalyst for Kia, the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA, to connect with Blake Griffin, who is now a global ambassador for the Kia brand and is the only professional basketball player with a global marketing relationship with an automaker.

"The unprecedented stunt of having a basketball star dunk over the Optima not only electrified spectators and sports fans everywhere, but landed the Optima in the center of a social media conversation that grew exponentially from the moment the ball went through the hoop," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "It is an honor to win the Bronze Effie for the slam dunk that broke all conventions and the ad spot that created lasting impressions of the Optima for sports fans and consumers alike."

In 2011, the Kia Soul marketing initiative earned the Gold Effie after taking home a Silver Effie in 2010.

About the 2012 Optima

The 2012 Kia Optima stands apart from the crowd with its head-turning design, fun-to-drive performance, modern amenities and long list of standard safety features. Kia's second U.S.-built* vehicle offers drivers cutting-edge technologies, including a standard eight-speaker Infinity®(2) audio system, HD Radio(TM)(3), and Kia's UVO powered by Microsoft®(4) voice-activated infotainment and communications system with a starting MSRP of $19,500(5).

Kia's Unprecedented Growth

Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality(6) and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking(7). Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia - KMMG - is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. - the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan*. Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

SOURCE Kia Motors America, Inc.

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Kia Motors Celebrates Team Member Appreciation Day

On Sunday, more than 6,000 team members and guests of Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) gathered for the company's Third Annual "Team Member Appreciation Day" at the plant to recognize the hard work and dedication of its team members. The day included a wide variety of entertainment, including appearances by Atlanta Hawks legends Dominique Wilkins and Spud Webb and the championship-winning Kia Racing team, and featured a fireworks display that could be seen throughout the 2,259-acre KMMG site that produces the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan[1].

Mr. Byung Mo Ahn, the Group President and CEO for Kia Motors America and KMMG, spoke to team members and their families during the event. Ahn recognized them for the most recent accolade of being named "Large Manufacturer of the Year" by the State of Georgia and for their hard work and dedication that has contributed to making KMMG a leader in automotive production.

"Your extraordinary work has earned KMMG recognition around the globe as a top automotive manufacturer," said Ahn.

(SOURCE: KIA Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc.)

 

 

Kia’s UVO eServices Keeps Car Owners Informed and Connected

Ask most people how they track the maintenance of their car, and it’s likely they’ll reference the tell-tale or the ubiquitous static cling oil-change reminder tucked in the corner of the windshield.
But if Korean auto maker KIA motors has its way, these analog mainstays could give way to something a bit more high tech.

Kia this year rolled out UVO eServices, which includes a suite of telematics tools to monitor your vehicle’s performance and help you stay current with factory maintenance schedules. UVO eServices also includes navigation and location-based services that help monitor your car’s location — whether lost in a parking garage or keeping tabs on where your teen took it the night before. UVO eServices is based on the UVO infotainment system that Kia and Microsoft first announced in 2010, and which is powered by Microsoft ’s Windows Embedded Automotive software platform. The core of the UVO experience is built around features that enable a driver to access music files, change radio stations, and make or answer phone calls, all by using the vehicle’s color touchscreen or voice recognition powered by Microsoft Tellme.

UVO eServices exemplifies the intelligent system, a new category of technology solutions that Microsoft identified last year, in conjunction with Intel and industry analyst firm IDC Research. Intelligent systems harness data and use it to drive greater insight — whether on the factory floor or behind the wheel of a car.

According to Microsoft , with the move to UVO eServices, Kia is expanding the driving experience into your day-to-day life, a concept Kia’s head of infotainment and telematics, Henry Bzeih, calls a “vehicle relationship management” system.

“There’s a lot of data potential locked inside the average vehicle, and with UVO eServices we’re making that data usable beyond the immediate driving experience through the PC, smartphone or the in-dash touchscreen,” Bzeih says. “The driver can view, share and manage the data for their car when and how it’s convenient for them. It takes this nice-to-have feature and makes it an essential part of vehicle ownership in the 21st century.”A Connected Experience Designed for the Practical Like any other intelligent system, UVO eServices takes the data from these sensors and sends it to a datacenter where it can be analyzed. In this case, the information is focused on improving the way a vehicle is made or, at your request, offering suggestions on how to drive more efficiently.

Kia designed UVO eServices specifically with the needs and desires of the millennial generation —especially young families with children. The result is a connected driving experience that fulfills this generation’s penchant for technology, along with providing practical applications to address a variety of needs.

In addition to the diagnostics and maintenance scenarios mentioned earlier, UVO eServices includes a few really slick tools for keeping tabs on your vehicle when you’re not behind the wheel. Known as Geo Fencing, Speed Watch and Curfew Limits, they constitute My Car Zone, a key feature in UVO eServices. Using the car’s GPS and telematics capabilities, each of these tools set limits around how late someone — a teenage driver, for example — is allowed to be out on the road, how fast they’re able to drive and where they’re allowed to go.

An audible alert notifies the driver that a limit is about to be broken. If the limit is exceeded, the next time the owner pairs his or her phone with the car, UVO eServices will provide details on the severity of the violation, along with when and where it took place.

Features such as My Car Zone help demonstrate why Kia UVO was recognized with the Industry Newcomer Award by Telematics Update in 2010. And as Kia puts the finishing touches on UVO eServices for its 2014 model year, it seems sure to impress.

 

Courtesy of The FINANCIAL

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2012 Kia Trackster Concept

What happens when a desire becomes reality? In the case of the Kia Trackster idea revealed at the 2012 Chicago, illinois Auto Show, car fanatics begin to salivate. In the midst of the generating beat of heavy-metal music, smoking and stunning lighting, Kia Engines The united states (KMA) took the parcels off a performance-oriented three-door Heart coupé proven fact that suggestions at what could possibly be the near future of Kia's extremely effective Heart.

"The idea was to make the Trackster challenging looking, like a bulldog," said Tom Kearns, Primary Developer for KMA. "But the car had to be friendly as well. We desired to platform the car in fact so people immediately realized it was a Heart, but with a lot of mind-set. It had to be a strong presentation that would change individuals ideas of what a fantastic Kia could be."

The strong mind-set Kearns represents begins with the eye-catching Whiteout and Inferno Red colour program. While the white shows complicated levels and colors that promote extraordinary level, the orange is completely matched for rushing. Kia's trademark grill features an air consumption cunt and is clipped in light and portable graphite. Easily incorporated head lighting brush back suggestively over the attractive front-wheel archways. The greatly recessed contacts replicate the trapezoid styles found throughout the Kia Trackster Idea and are adorned with powerful LEDs.

Most stunning in advance side is the Trackster's reduced consumption grill. Between tremendous LED generating lighting with billet aluminum encompasses, the Trackster is capable of consuming vast amounts of air to keep the engine running awesome even under the most constant circumstances. The reduced valance, clipped in graphite and adorned with Inferno Red, trips just inches wide off the earth and gives to the vehicle's scary position.

The Kia Trackster Idea is not just another pretty face; it has a body to match. Attractive materials seem to flow into each other naturally. The flanks are sleek but ornamented with well-defined wheel enclosures. Nestled within the Trackster's waist are custom HRE-K1 monoblock billet efficiency tires that were a joint effort of Kia's Florida design team and HRE. The tires are covered in 245/40-19-inch front side and massive 285/35-19-inch back Michelin Head Sport PS2 high-performance car tyres.

The wheelbase on the style is expanded to 101.2-inches, almost an inches wide longer than the Heart. As expected on a car with the Trackster's efficiency objectives, large 14-inch Brembo venting and cross-drilled dvd braking system are accepted by six-piston callipers in advance side and 13.6-inch disks are combined with four-piston calipers at the back.

Soul lovers will immediately recognize the Trackster's set at an angle roof, ornamented with Inferno Red. Closer examination shows this idea, while Heart motivated, is losing the vehicle's back gates. The top side gates have been prolonged and ornamented with sleek billet push-style manages which replicate the racing-inspired billet fuel product door. Graphite lower side window valances are also ornamented in Inferno Red and incorporate efficient rear-brake cooling tubes. The back hatch out carries a horizontally Inferno Red "backpack" section that enhances the Kia Trackster Concept's 75.5-inch size, which is more than 5-inches greater than a development Heart.

With performance as the top concern, the Trackster comes into Chicago, illinois with a concept drivetrain sure to boost any driving enthusiast's heart. KMA's design team believed big, but also kept their perspective strongly based in reality. A 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line-four website places 250 power to the street, a 66 per cent increase over that of the production Heart. Power is provided to all four tires via an digitally managed four-wheel-drive system. The short-throw six-speed stick switch is to cap it with a stubby rounded switch handle. The Trackster trips on a reduced game revocation updated for monitor performance.

Opening the driving entrance shows a light and ethereal internal outlined with greatly supported Inferno Red suede-covered rushing chairs. Marble Greyish natural leather covers the internal surroundings and imparts a feeling of strength and balance. Marble Greyish suede parcels the game rim and entrance sections. Situated deep within red-glowing nacelles, the primary equipment are huge and easily legible. Additional vehicle information such as oil temperature and battery current is found on top of the rush while routing, enjoyment and air flow manages are utilized through a huge touch-screen section located just above the website Start/Stop push-button.

Behind the front chairs is where The Kia Trackster Idea takes a considerable step away from its Heart constant friend. The back chairs have been eliminated and changed with a completely incorporated devices plate and spare-tyre well. "We saw the Trackster as a performance-inspired proven fact that could spend some time on the street and track," said Kearns. "The idea was to make the devices necessary to keep the car doing in top condition readily available." Large panelled containers store rushing items such as boots, matches, work gloves and resources while urgent situation resources are located within a individual and extremely noticeable Inferno Red package. A customized back swagger prepare carries a quick-release manage to allow for fast rim changes.

While there are no current plans to generate the Trackster, Kia's Florida style hub group happily took on the venture. "Concept vehicles are frosting on the food," said Kearns. "They allow KMA's style group to desire about what could be. Whether that desire becomes a actuality or not is a individual concern.

Courtesy of Hot Car Review

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Kia Racing Optimas Look For Third Straight World Challenge Podium At Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

Kia Racing's two turbocharged Optimas continue their impressive debut season at the legendary Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on the Monterey peninsula for Round Five of the Pirelli World Challenge Championships (PWC).  Michael Galati, driver of the No. 36 Infinity Audio Optima, is currently 5th in the Grand Touring Sport (GTS) championship battle at the halfway point of the 2012 season.  Galati's 3rd place finish at Miller Motorsports Park gave Kia Racing back-to-back podiums but also earned a "reward" of 22 pounds of added ballast for the No. 36 machine to carry in Monterey.

"We've had a fantastic start to the Pirelli World Challenge season, and the rapid development and outstanding performance of the Optimas is a testament to the commitment and dedication of Kia Motors America and Kinetic Motorsports," said Galati.  "Competing at a technical track like Laguna Seca will further challenge the Optima program – as will the 'reward' weight we've been given – but we feel we are coming to the track with the right package and are looking to turn some heads in Monterey this weekend."

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca features significant elevation changes throughout its 11-turn, 2.2-mile circuit.  Because of this, both Kia Racing drivers will look to take advantage of the impressive torque generated by the Optimas' turbocharged 2.0L gasoline direct injected (GDI) engines to climb the hill to the famous corkscrew and pull them up the long front straight.

The No. 38 Infinity Audio Optima will be driven by Kia Racing's newest team member, Mark Wilkins, a 28-year-old native of Toronto, Ontario.  Wilkins brings a wealth of talent to the Kia Racing team with experience in the American Le Mans Series, GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car series, Star Mazda Championship and Formula Renault North American Championship.  His past achievements include wins in Daytona Prototypes and American Le Mans Series prototypes as well as numerous victories and podiums in other classes.

"Mark has been on our radar for some time, and we are extremely pleased to welcome him to the Kia Racing team at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca," said Russell Smith, co-owner, Kinetic Motorsports.  "Mark is a driver who will continue to help us with the fast-paced development of the Infinity Audio Optimas as the season hits the midway point."

Round five of the PWC season at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca takes place Friday, May 11 at 12:20 p.m. PT.  Check out live race status, photos and updates at www.facebook.com/kiaracing, and watch live streaming race coverage at world-challengetv.com.  Race fans can also tune in for television coverage on the NBC Sports Network Sunday, May 27 at 11 p.m. ET.  (Time and date subject to change.  Check local listings).

 

SOURCE Kia Motors America

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2012 Kia Sportage Recognized by USAA as "Best Value" for Second Consecutive Year

United Services Automobile Association (USAA), a leading financial services provider to the U.S. military and their families, honored Kia Motors America (KMA) by naming the 2012 Kia Sportage to its second annual "Best Value" vehicles list, which identifies the top 2012 automobiles in 16 categories that give consumers the most bang for their buck.  The Sportage rose to the top in the Small SUV category, recognized for offering a competitive price and low insurance costs as well as being one of the Small SUV Top Safety Picks for 2012 from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

"The Kia Sportage being named to USAA's 'Best Value' list for the second year in a row is not only indicative of this utility's affordability factor, but also validates it as one of the most well-rounded offerings in its segment," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, KMA.  "The Sportage is the ideal vehicle for anyone who seeks a lively crossover that's comfortable and offers an abundance of safety features and amenities."

"Best Value" automobiles offer the best financial value of all vehicles USAA evaluates as part of a broader rating system called USAA Preferred, which uses quantitative data to evaluate vehicles' cost, safety and reliability, among other key factors.  There are nearly 80 cars, trucks and minivans that are currently designated as USAA Preferred vehicles, and the "Best Value" list represents the vehicles that rose to the top of each category.

"The goal of the list is to help members identify vehicles that typically offer better safety ratings, lower insurance premium costs, higher fuel economy, better overall reliability and lower MSRP compared to other vehicles in the same category," said Steve Thompson, an assistant vice president at USAA.  "The Kia Sportage rose to the top as a vehicle that offers these key elements, making it a great buy for the value-minded consumer."

 

Kia's Unprecedented Growth Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling.  Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand.  In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality(1) and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking(2).  Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan.*  Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea.  KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA.  In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S.  Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

SOURCE Kia Motors America

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/08/4473879/2012-kia-sportage-recognized-by.html...

 

Here's A Tip To Extend the Life of Your Car

Check engine oil at every other fill-up

For an accurate reading, follow this procedure:

• Run or drive your car for about 15 minutes to warm the oil; then park the car in a level place.Turn off the engine and wait 15 minutes to allow the oil in the engine to drain back to the oil pan.
• Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a paper towel or rag. Reinsert the dipstick, being sure to push it in all the way, then pull it out again to check the oil level. It should be somewhere between the hash marks on the dipstick.
• Add the type and amount of oil as specified in your owner’s manual, if necessary.

Kia K9 Flagship Sedan Now On Sale in Korea

The new, rear-drive Kia K9 officially goes on sale in Korea this week and now we have more details on its powertrain choices and features. The automaker first unveiled its new flagship sedan earlier this year.

Kia says the K9 is the automaker’s first large rear-drive sedan   in over a decade. As previously reported, the K9 is largely based on the Hyundai Genesis sedan, and two V-6 engines will be offered once the K9 reaches overseas markets. The first is the automaker’s Lambda 3.8-liter V-6 tuned to 286 hp while a direct-injection 3.8-liter V-6 rated at 329 hp will also be available. Both engines send power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic. Kia claims the K9 has “near-perfect front/rear weight distribution.” With an overall length of 200.4 inches, the K9 falls in between the Hyundai Genesis and Equus sedans, which are 196.3 and 203.1 inches, respectively. The K9’s 119.9-wheelbase, however, matches the Equus and is longer than the Genesis (115.6). Interior dimensions weren’t provided, but we predict passengers won’t be complaining about lack of legroom.

Flagship features include adaptive all-LED headlights, a lane departure warning system, blind-spot monitoring, around-view monitor with four cameras, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and a 17-speaker premium sound system, plus two 9.2-inch screens for rear seat passengers. Four driving modes will include Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow. Like the Equus, Kia’s flagship will be offered with a premium rear-seat package featuring twin seats that are heated and ventilated with a reclining backrest.

Other markets will see the K9 this fall. A Kia spokeswoman said the automaker isn’t ready to confirm whether its new flagship will be offered in the States, although “anything is possible,” which means you better speak up if you like what you see.

Source: Kia

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Kia Motors America Announces Record April Sales

Kia Motors America (KMA) has been the fastest growing car company in the United States[1] over the past five years, and the brand's strong momentum continued with best-ever April sales of 47,550 units. Kia has achieved 20 consecutive monthly sales records thanks in large part to continued high demand for the brand's two U.S.-built* products - the Optima midsize sedan and Sorento CUV built at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) - as well as the ongoing popularity of the Soul urban passenger vehicle. Sales of the fuel-efficient 2012 Rio subcompacts, which can deliver up to 40 miles per gallon[2] on the highway, increased 55.6-percent over the same period in 2011.

"Our record April performance is the latest illustration of how far the Kia brand has progressed as we continue to attract new customers with our unique value formula of world-class design, outstanding fuel efficiency, premium features and cutting-edge technologies," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG. "KMMG recently was named 'Large Manufacturer of the Year' by the State of Georgia, and the plant's success is a major contributor to our growth. With more new products and technologies set to arrive within the next year, we will continue our efforts to raise consumer awareness and consideration for the Kia brand and our full lineup of stylish and fuel-efficient vehicles.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality[3] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[4]. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia - KMMG - is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. - the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan[5]. Kia's value- and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website - www.kia.com . For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com .

MONTH OF APRIL    YEAR-TO-DATE Model    2012    2011      2012    2011 Rio      4,006   2,575     14,709  7,460 Spectra  -       -         -       1 Forte    7,053   8,535     25,557  26,702 Optima   11,021  6,533     46,401  22,087 Amanti   -       -         -       1 Sportage 3,277   4,738     13,165  16,442 Sorento  9,610   12,001    35,621  39,829 Sedona   1,867   2,201     6,867   6,467 Rondo    -       4         -       44 Borrego  -       28        -       299 Soul     10,716  10,459    43,290  32,516 Total    47,550  47,074    185,610 151,848

SOURCE Kia Motors America