Kia Motors America Announces Best-Ever November Sales And 27th Consecutive Monthly Sales Record

Kia Motors America (KMA) has been one of the fastest-growing car companies in the U.S. over the last five years[1], and November saw the brand achieve its 27th straight month of record sales with 41,055 units sold, a 10.9-percent increase over the same period in 2011. Year-to-date sales are up 17.3 percent over 2011, and the brand achieved another important milestone in November with the sale of its 500,000th vehicle in 2012 -- a first for Kia in the U.S. The U.S.-built* Optima midsize sedan has been Kia's best-selling vehicle each month in 2012, and that trend continued in November with 12,715 units sold, and together with the popular Sorento CUV -- also built at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia -- represents more than 40 percent of Kia's record November volume.

"Kia has sustained record-setting momentum for more than two years, and eclipsing the 500,000 vehicle sales mark for the first time is an historic achievement for KMA and our dealers," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. "The popular Optima is on track to set an all-time single year record for a Kia nameplate, and the upcoming launches of the all-new 2014 Forte sedan and refreshed 2014 Sorento unveiled last week at the Los Angeles Auto Show will take the value equation we are known for and advance it to new levels of sophistication with exciting technologies such as the next generation UVO eServices hands-free infotainment system."

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 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 [2] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking [3] . 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.

Courtesy of The Auto Channel

5 money-saving DIY tips for car owners

As cars have become more advanced over time, it has been increasingly difficult for enterprising owners to perform basic maintenance and repairs. While some jobs do require professional expertise and pricey tools, there are still many things that a handy owner can do to keep a car running in top shape and save money in the process.

Below are a few tips from our automotive experts.

1) Treating hazy headlight lenses. Modern headlight assemblies usually have clear plastic covers that can grow hazy over the years from exposure to the elements. To save the expense of changing the whole headlight reflector assembly, you can use a restoration kit, usually consisting of abrasive cloths and a special finishing liquid. Some kits are applied with elbow grease, while others call for an electric drill.

2) Windshield wipers. You can extend the life of wiper blades by keeping them clean. Wipe off the rubber edge with a paper towel moistened with glass cleaner, or water and a little dish soap. Wiper blades don't last long. In our tests we've found that six months is about the best you can expect a set of wiper blades to stay in top form.

3) Wash and wax your car. Giving your car a good cleaning helps preserve the paint by removing road grime and residues that can eat through the finish. The time spent hand washing a car gives you a close-up view of every body panel, so you can spot scratches, chips, and dings you may not have otherwise noticed. To maintain a quality shine, periodically apply car wax. A spray wax is best suited to weekly or special-occasion applications. Other waxes can be used less frequently, every 2-3 months.

4) Light bulbs. Changing a light bulb isn't difficult—most these days have a twist-and-pull bayonet base or they simply pull out and push in. Bulb specifications are usually found in the owner's manual. However, accessing a bulb (usually called a lamp in industry parlance) can be a real chore. Consult a service manual or look online if access to the bulb isn't obvious. Auto-parts stores and your franchised dealer carry good selections of replacement bulbs. If you're replacing a halogen headlight bulb take care not to touch the glass with your bare fingers. Skin oils on the quartz glass are said to shorten its life.

5) Touch-up paint. Touching up paint flaws early can save a heap of money down the road. You can touch up small scratches and chips with touch-up paint, available for a few dollars at your car dealership and at some auto-parts stores. Make sure you get an exact color match. Touch-up paint usually comes in a small bottle with an applicator brush in the lid. Otherwise, use a small, pointed artist's brush and cover the scratch by going over it in tiny dabs. Let this paint dry for at least a day or two before polishing the car.

Courtesy of Yahoo Autos

2012 Calendar Year End Holiday Sales Event (Video)

Make an end-of-year resolution with Kia's Holiday Sales Event. 2012 may be coming to an end, but the best time to buy a Kia is right now!

Coupons

Hey fans! Don't forget to stop by and see us this month to take advantage of our current special offers. You can get an Oil, Lube and Filter change for just $24.99, or a FREE Kindle Fire or Kindle Paperwhite with the purchase of a new vehicle! Hurry, these deals ends on 11/30.

Kia Donates $500,000 to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy Recovery

Hurricane Sandy pounded the Eastern Seaboard of the United States at the end of October, leaving millions of residents without power, or worse, without homes. South Korean automaker Kia is doing its part to support those affected by the storm, donating $500,000 to the American Red Cross, which is providing food, supplies and shelter for victims.

"Luckily, much of Massachusetts escaped with relatively minor damage from Sandy, but those in states like New York and New Jersey didn't fare as well," said Dave Campbell, general manager of Quirk Kia, a Kia dealer in Massachusetts. "During times like this, it's important to come together and support those in need, and Kia is answering the call by helping lift up communities as they recover."

The American Red Cross isn't the only charitable group that has recently received support from Kia. The automaker has teamed up with DC Entertainment to raise awareness for the comic book brand's We Can Be Heroes campaign, which fights hunger in the Horn of Africa by benefiting the nonprofits Save the Children, the International Rescue Committee and Mercy Corps. With the help of West Coast Customs, RIDES magazine and Super Street magazine, Kia created five bespoke rides based on five members of the Justice League that were displayed at this year's SEMA Show, which ran Oct. 30 through Nov. 2.

Representing Batman, Aquaman, The Flash, Green Lantern and Cyborg, the five Kias even stood out amongst the tricked-out rides at SEMA, thanks to their wild paint and body modifications. Each vehicle was adorned with superhero-worthy features, from the utility throwing stars in the center console of the Batman-themed 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited to the spokes on the Green Lantern-inspired Kia Soul that were shaped like the character's logo.

Other Justice League vehicles on display at SEMA included a Kia Forte Koup painted with flames to pay tribute to The Flash, a scaly-looking Kia Rio5 honoring Aquaman, and a Kia Forte 5-door with bulging bodywork that conjured the strength of Cyborg. In the coming months, Kia will create models dedicated to Superman and Wonder Woman to complete the set.

While Kia's modified rides received plenty of attention at SEMA, their stock counterparts have been making waves in the showroom. The auto brand set a new October sales record last month, boosted by the popularity of the Kia Optima sedan and Kia Sorento crossover. More than 42,000 Kia models were sold in October in the United States, a 13-percent increase compared to the same month last year. Kia's year-to-date sales are now up 18 percent year-over-year through October.

"From the show floor to the sales floor, more and more people are seeing the appeal of a Kia," added Campbell. "Even with all of its success, Kia is always looking for ways to make the world a better place, so it's an auto brand you can feel good about as well."

Courtesy of Read Media

2013 Kia Optima Blake Time Travels - 1995 Free Throws (Video)

Watch Blake Griffin travel back in time with the Kia Optima SX to teach himself valuable life lessons.

Driving with Pets

If you're planning to take your pet with you on trips in the car, start early when the pet is young to get used to the routine. Short jaunts across town and back or easy day trips will get your pet used to the ride. A carsick pet can make the trip miserable for everyone.

A seat upholstery protector, such as a pet hammock or waterproof seat cover will make clean-ups easier in case your pet does get sick or has an accident.

Be sure to bring along cleaning supplies to avoid having to search out a place to purchase them at the last minute.

Make your pet travel experience fun and enjoyable by following these simple, common sense pet travel tips:

    Safely secure your pet while traveling. An unrestrained pet can become a deadly projectile in the event of a sudden stop or crash, causing serious injury (even death) to passengers. For example, an unsecured, 25-pound dog in a 40 mph crash becomes a 1,000-pound mass (half a ton) flying uncontrollably inside the vehicle.
    Dogs should be restrained with a vehicle pet harness designed for pet travel. Smaller dogs can be secured in pet car seats, which allow them to also see out, while being properly restrained.
    Never attach a restraining device to the pet's collar. Always use a harness to prevent injury.
    Cats should be contained in a crate, cage or pet car seat that is secured with a seat belt. Never allow a cat to roam freely in the vehicle, as it could get tangled around the driver's feet or get in the driver's sight of the road.
    Do not allow your pet to ride with its head outside of the window. An obstacle close to the vehicle could potentially strike your pet's head, causing injury or death, or dirt particles could get into your pet's ears, nose, eyes, or throat, causing health problems.
    It's a good idea to stop every couple of hours for your pet and you to stretch and walk around. Be sure to have your pet's leash handy to have control and so your pet doesn't run away in unfamiliar surroundings.
    Have your own supply of cold water, as fresh water is not always handy or convenient when you need to stop.
    Have your pet consume small amounts of food and water, but don't allow to overeat or drink if you still have more traveling to do. Reserve your pet's main meal for the end of the day.
    Leaving a pet in a parked car is never a good idea. Temperatures in confined spaces in the summer time can heat up fast, causing heatstroke — even death — to a pet. Extremely cold temperatures in the winter can be just as threatening, so be sure not to leave a pet in the car if the temperature is near the freezing mark.
    A pet first-aid kit is an essential item to pack when venturing out and should contain things such as antiseptic cream, assorted bandages, tweezers, eye drops, gauge, tape, and the like. Phone numbers for your pet's vet, the National Animal Poison Control Center hotline (            888-426-4435      ), and emergency pet hospitals in the areas where you plan to travel should be taken along.
    A travel tag on a pet's collar will help someone locate you should you and your pet become separated. The travel tag should contain information about where you are staying locally (while away from home), including addresses and phone numbers. A cell phone number is also a good idea since most people have one with them, especially when they travel.

Bus or Train

    State and local restrictions usually prohibit pets from riding on buses or trains unless they are assisting visually impaired or physically challenged persons. Always check in advance with these transportation providers to find out what regulations they may impose.

Courtesy of Pet Travel Center