2013 Kia Optima And Sportage Earn Autopacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

Two of Kia Motors America’s (KMA) most popular models were recently named to AutoPacific’s annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA).  The 2013 Optima sedan was named most satisfying Mid-Size Car and the sporty 2013 Sportage was heralded as the most satisfying Compact Crossover SUV by the trusted automotive marketing and product-consulting firm.  The 17th annual survey based the results on responses from more than 52,000 new-vehicle owners.

“There is no doubt that competition is stronger than ever and winning the AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards is further proof that Kia is offering a strong product lineup for today’s car buyers,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA.  “The Optima’s combination of stunning design and tremendous value continue to resonate with customers while the Sportage continues to set the bar very high for the compact crossover segment in terms of packaging, performance and style.”

AutoPacific’s VSA identify the most satisfying vehicles for sale in the U.S. market and assist new-car buyers in making informed vehicle purchase decisions.  The survey measures owner satisfaction with 51 separate attributes ranging from interior comfort and convenience to fuel economy and performance.  “Vehicles that score highest in the Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are delivering value and satisfaction across a wide range of attributes,” noted president of AutoPacific, George Peterson. With 294 models and 33 brands from which to choose a new vehicle, AutoPacific’s VSA helps buyers sort through the increasingly complicated selection of products on the market.  “The VSA clearly shows buyers which vehicles are at the top of the class they are considering,” continued Peterson.

2013 Kia Optima
Every 2013 Optima, available in LX, EX, SX and the Limited trim, comes well equipped with a generous roster of standard features, with the LX trim offering dual exhaust with chrome tips, solar glass, exterior mirror turn-signal indicators, front fog lights, exterior heated mirrors, chrome accented exterior door handles and 16-inch alloy wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tires and a six-speed automatic transmission. The volume-leading EX trim offers larger 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 215/55R17 tires. Moving to the SX trim, consumers will find stylish 18-inch polished alloy wheels with 225/45R18 tires, unique front and rear lower bumpers and side sills, a rear lip spoiler, aero wiper blades and HID headlights with auto leveling. Elevating to the top-of-the-line Limited trim brings Optima to another level of sporty refinement, adding unique and luxurious 18-inch chrome wheels, daytime running lights, red brake calipers, chrome accented side sills, chromed side mirrors and rear spoiler.  Pricing for the 2013 Optima begins at $21,3502, excluding destination charges of $800.

2013 Kia Sportage
Starting with the base trim, Sportage offers numerous standard exterior features, including 16-inch alloy wheels matched with 215/70R16 low-rolling-resistance silica tires, body-color door handles, body-color and electronically adjustable side mirrors and a six-speed manual transmission. Moving to the LX adds standard 17-inch alloy wheels, LED turn signals on the outside mirrors, keyless entry with folding key, six-speed electronically controlled Sportmatic™ automatic transmission, solar glass, privacy glass, and LED accent lighting along the headlamps for a sportier, more upscale appearance.  The popularly-equipped EX trim offers stylish 18-inch alloy wheels mated with 235/55R18 tires, high-performance dampers, LED daytime running lights, roof rails, a rear spoiler, fog lamps and chrome body trim and door handles. The top-of-the-line Sportage SX adds a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI engine producing 260-horsepower, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust, sculpted side sill moldings and unique SX grille.  The starting price of the 2013 Sportage is $19,0003 excluding destination charges of $850.

Courtesy of Kia

Soul Ranked Highest In Its Segment In Strategic Vision’s Total Quality Index Study

Kia Motors America (KMA) has been one of the fastest-growing car companies in the U.S. over the last five years, and its edgy urban passenger vehicle, the Soul – a key factor in that growth – was recently named to Strategic Vision’s 2013 list of Total Quality Vehicles. The list, compiled after consulting with new car buyers, reveals the fierce competition between brands to improve quality and win customer loyalty. The Soul was chosen by consumers as the leader in the small multi-function segment after receiving the highest Total Quality Index (TVI) score.

“Since its release in 2009, the Soul has been a prime example of Kia’s commitment to providing our customers with vehicles that feature world-class design, inspired driving dynamics and cutting-edge technology, all at an impressive value,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “The Soul being named as a Strategic Vision ‘Total Quality’ vehicle really illustrates how far the Kia brand has come in a relatively short period of time.”

New vehicles were evaluated by 17,000 buyers who purchased 2013 models from September to November 2012.  These owners were surveyed to designate Strategic Vision’s 14th annual Total Quality leaders. “Kia Soul being a leader in this segment is substantial, as the ‘Small Car Multi-Function’ segment is highly competitive and really requires that the leader have a great emotional impact on owners along with its superior quality features.  Kia Soul provided all of this and more, as customers reported in our comprehensive study,” stated Alexander Edwards, president of Strategic Vision.

Courtesy of Kia

Kia Announces Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance Program For The All-New 2014 Cadenza Premium Sedan

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced a complimentary scheduled maintenance program available for the all-new 2014 Cadenza premium sedan.  The program covers the first five factory-scheduled service appointments and is applicable for 36 months or 37,500 miles.  The program highlights yet another way Kia is elevating value to new levels of sophistication and promises to further differentiate the Cadenza from its competition.

“The Cadenza competes in a class in which customers have higher expectations for their ownership experience. Our complimentary scheduled maintenance program – a benefit many would not have previously associated with the Kia brand – fulfills those expectations,” said John Crowe, vice president of service and after sale operations, KMA.  “The program helps differentiate the Cadenza from its competition and illustrates Kia’s intentions of launching a credible contender into the emerging space between mainstream and luxury.”

Already a tremendous value at a starting MSRP of just $35,100 (not including $800 destination), the Cadenza packs power, technology and refinement in Kia’s first full-size sedan, and the newly announced complimentary scheduled maintenance program only adds to the vehicle’s value proposition in its segment.  Complimentary scheduled maintenance is available to customers who either purchase or leas3 a new 2014 Cadenza and complete the maintenance work for their vehicles at participating Kia retailers.  The complimentary scheduled maintenance program, which excludes wear and tear items such as tires and brakes, is another benefit along with Kia’s industry leading 10 year/100,000 mile new-car warranty and Roadside Assistance.

UVO eServices Makes Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance Easy
As Kia’s most technologically advanced vehicle, the 2014 Cadenza comes standard with UVO eServices, which makes scheduling service appointments easier than ever. UVO eServices monitors service intervals and will alert the owner when it’s time to schedule an appointment at a Kia retailer.  Following on-screen prompts, the system has the ability to contact the retailer and schedule service appointments at the owner’s convenience.  UVO eServices is an enhanced telematics suite that offers a number of safety, maintenance and infotainment functions, including Automatic Diagnostics, Manual Diagnostics, Scheduled Diagnostics, vehicle maintenance, and eServices Guide, many of which are run through the owner’s Smartphone equipped with the UVO eServices app, which is available at no charge.

Through the UVO eServices owner's portal, known as "Car Care Web," owners can check vehicle diagnostics, vehicle status, maintenance schedules, driving behavior, and schedule appointments with their preferred or nearby Kia retailer via their home computer or mobile device.  If UVO's eServices identifies a problem by way of the Automatic Diagnostics function, it will communicate the vehicle's issue(s) and its location to Kia's 24/7 call center or will schedule an appointment online with the nearest Kia dealership upon the owner’s request.  Additionally, the user can take advantage of Scheduled Diagnostics from their Smartphone, setting a monthly diagnostic check of the vehicle.  Upon completion, any issues found are automatically forwarded to Car Care Web.

Kia:  One of the World’s Fastest Moving Global Automotive Brands 
Kia Motors America is one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales in each of the past four years, and in 2012 the company surpassed the 500,000 unit mark for the first time. With a full line of fun-to-drive cars and CUVs, Kia is advancing value to new levels of sophistication by combining European-influenced styling – under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer – with cutting-edge technologies, premium amenities, affordable pricing and the lowest cost of ownership in the industry. Kia recently joined the exclusive ranks of Interbrand’s “Top 100 Best Global Brands,” and is poised to continue its momentum with seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles scheduled to arrive in showrooms in 2013. Over the past decade Kia Motors has invested more than $1.4 billion in the U.S., including the company’s first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – which is responsible for the creation of more than 11,000 plant and supplier jobs. The success of the U.S.-built* Optima and Sorento in two of the industry’s largest segments has fueled Kia’s rapid growth and is complemented by Kia’s comprehensive lineup which includes the Cadenza flagship sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima Hybrid, the Forte sedan, 5-door and Koup compacts, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the Sedona minivan.

Courtesy of Kia

Check out Rachel's great review of her visit to Huffines Kia McKinney!

"We will be returning for all our service for our new car (which we LOVE) and I would not hesitate for a moment to recommend Tom and Huffines Kia McKinney to my friends and family." -Rachel R.

Thank you for letting us know about the great job Tom did for you and your family! We look forward to seeing you again soon for your Kia's first check-up.

Check out this review and many more on our Google+ Local page HERE!

Check out the 'excellent' review we received on Google+ Local!

"Tom Eppler was Great!  He made the Kia buying experience a pleasure." -Behdad Y

Thank you for letting us know about the great job Tom did during your recent visit! We look forward to seeing you again soon for your Kia's first check-up.

Check out this review and many more on our Google+ Local page HERE!

Sue, thanks for letting us know about the great job we did!

"Our whole experience from start to finish has been very enjoyable.Our whole experience from start to finish has been very enjoyable." -Sue G.

Thank you for the great review of our dealership, Sue! It's great to hear that we could exceed your expectations. We look forward to working with you again in the future!

Check out our Google+ Local page HERE and read Sue's full review!

Kia Motors Announced Pricing For All-New 2014 Cadenza Premium Sedan

• The most powerful and technologically advanced Kia in the U.S. market is defined by European-influenced styling and extraordinary levels of refinement and amenities
• Cadenza features class-leading interior room and is offered in one trim level with two available option packages

 Kia Motors America (KMA) is pleased to announce pricing for its most powerful and technologically advanced vehicle ever offered in the United States.  The 2014 Cadenza will be offered in one trim level with a starting MSRP of $35,100, plus $800 destination and handling, when it goes on sale later this month.  Aside from a unique blend of European-inspired design, dynamic performance and high levels of refinement, Kia’s newest flagship offers class-leading interior room and standard features like keyless entry, advanced navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic and UVO eServices, Bluetooth® wireless technology,an eight-inch touch screen, 550-watt Infinity® 12-speaker audio system, Rear Camera Display and leather-trimmed seats with heat and power adjustment in the front.

In addition to the long list of standard amenities, the Cadenza offers two option packages – Luxury and Technology – both of which advance value to new levels of sophistication.  Priced at $38,100 MSRP, a Luxury Package-equipped Cadenza adds more upscale character with a full-length panoramic sunroof and power retractable sunshade, opulent Nappa leather trim with heated rear outboard seats and ventilated 12-way adjustable driver seat, HID headlamps with adaptive front lighting system (AFLS), a seven-inch LCD instrument cluster for superb clarity and customization, a heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescoping capabilities, and two-position memory setting for driver’s seat, outside mirrors, and steering column.  Adding the range-topping Technology Package builds on the Cadenza’s Luxury Package with 19-inch alloy wheels, an electronic parking brake, Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), a Blind Spot Detection System (BSD) and Kia’s first-ever Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), all for $41,100.  In addition, the front side windows feature hydrophobic technology, which repels water for enhanced visibility during rainy weather conditions.

“The all-new Cadenza is a world-class Kia for the emerging space between mainstream and luxury and will appeal to discerning shoppers in the market for an upscale sedan,” said Tom Loveless, executive vice president of sales, KMA. “We’re confident that Cadenza’s sophisticated styling, luxuriously appointed cabin and long list of available technology will make it a strong contender in the marketplace.”

The Cadenza’s smooth-revving, all-aluminum 3.3-liter V6 generates 293 HP and utilizes gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology that improves performance while maintaining fuel-efficiency.  Power is seamlessly transferred via a six-speed, sport-tuned automatic transmission, and a sophisticated, fully independent suspension provides the perfect balance between comfort and sportiness.

Courtesy of Kia