Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Kia Motors American Wins Bronze ‘Effie’ at the 2012 North American Effie Awards
IRVINE, Calif., May 24, 2012 - 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™3, and Kia's UVO powered by Microsoft®4 voice-activated infotainment and communications system with a starting MSRP of $19,5005.
Courtesy of Kiamedia.com
Friday, May 25, 2012
Thank you for your kind words!
" Cathy made the buying experience very easy. The price for the vehicle purchased was $2000 to $4000 below comparable vehicles at other dealers in the area and online" - bigronnie 
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Next Kia Sorento caught on the 'Ring
Last year, the Kia Sorento took the honor of being the best-selling vehicle in the Korean automaker's stable. That pace has slowed somewhat in 2012, as both the Soul and the Optima push past the CUV for sales dominance, but the company's engineers are already hard at work on the next Sorento facelift.
Our spy photographers spotted the heavily camouflaged version of the tweaked crossover prancing around the Nürburgring. This is the second time we've seen the machine out in open air. As you may recall, the Sorento was last spotted romping around in the snow along with a few friends, including an Audi Q5 and a Mercedes-Benz GLK. With those kinds of benchmarks, there's a good possibility the next-generation Sorento will offer significant improvements in ride and interior refinement. Word has it the next revision will also bring along a fresh fascia, complete with LED headlights, as well as a freshened rear valance with LED treatments of its own.Courtesy of autoblog.com
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Paramount Automotive Group's Blood Drive
Please join us for Paramount Automotive Group's blood drive! Donors get a free ARC Tumbler ! Be extraordinary. Donate blood. Check our our Events tab for more information about this exciting opportunity to give back to those who need it most.
Paramount Automotive Group's Blood Drive
Please join us for Paramount Automotive Group's blood drive! Donors get a free ARC Tumbler ! Be extraordinary. Donate blood. Check our our Events tab for more information about this exciting opportunity to give back to those who need it most.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Total Car Score Names 2012 Kia Forte to “Top Cars For College Grads” List
IRVINE, Calif., May 18, 2012 - Total Car Score (www.totalcarscore.com), one of the most comprehensive automotive ranking and comparison websites, has named the 2012 Forte sedan and hatchback to its "Top Cars for College Grads" list. This roster of over-achieving compact cars was released on the cusp of graduation season, as new college grads – along with their parents – look to purchase vehicles that are reliable and cost-conscious, while also considering factors including safety, fuel-efficiency, comfort and performance. Beyond praise for its styling, spaciousness, technology and interior materials, the 2012 Forte was found to be the most affordable vehicle among the cars selected.
"Forte's achievement of being named to Total Car Score's 'Top Cars for College Grads' list is validation that its low cost and abundance of smart, youthful characteristics make it a natural fit for young adults who are about to enter the professional world," said Orth Hedrick, director of product planning, Kia Motors America. "Furthermore, as the automotive marketplace becomes increasingly competitive with higher-quality cars, the Kia Forte is poised to succeed as one of the most well-built, well-equipped cars in its class."
Total Car Score provides a comprehensive auto rating system that lets car buyers and enthusiasts compare models from all automotive segments. The "Total Car Score" assigned to a vehicle is an overall industry assessment that combines quantitative car reviews from various major automotive authorities, including the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Kia Forte is one of the best compact car values on the market today," said Karl Brauer, chief executive officer and editor-in-chief of Total Car Score. "With standard features like Bluetooth®1 hands-free phone operation, a USB port for iPod2 connectivity and a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty3, the Forte offers the technology and long-term quality today's college graduates seek in a new-car purchase."
For more information about Total Car Score's "Top 10 List for College Grads," visit totalcarscore.com/car-reviews/news-stories/tcs-identifies-10-best-cars-for-college-graduates.
Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the 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 quality4 and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking5. 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.
Courtesy of kiamedia.com
Monday, May 21, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Maintenance Tip: Avoiding Potholes
Damage from potholes doesn’t stop at tires. In a blink of the eye, you can experience $1000 of damage, possibly more, when your car hits a pothole – it’s possible to impair your car’s shock absorbers, suspension system, struts, rims and alignment as well. According to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the average additional vehicle operating costs due to rough roads in 2007 was $400, with higher costs experienced in places including Baltimore ($589), Concord, NH ($656), Dallas-Fort Worth ($512), Los Angeles ($746), New Orleans ($622), New York-Newark ($638), Oklahoma City ($631), San Francisco-Oakland ($705) and Tulsa ($703). Deteriorating roads and general inflation since 2007 likely pushed these costs higher.
But there are things you can do before, during and after hitting a pothole. A preventive strategy is more about preparation, driving skills and reacting appropriately when a pothole sneaks up to surprise you. We suggest you approach it on three fronts, as follows.
Adopt smarter driving practices
You can reduce damage with vehicle preparation and driving with good sense:
- Check your tire pressure to keep it at the tire manufacturer’s recommendation. If a tire is too soft, it handles poorly and in a sudden bump may rupture if the wheel rims pinch it against the jagged edge of a pothole. Over-inflated tires are more susceptible to damage as well.
- Have a clean windshield! Your field of vision is critical.
- Observe the traffic ahead of you – if other cars are swerving and stopping, it’s because of a problem in the road.
- Beware of puddles – what might look like a little surface water might have a nasty, deep and sharp-edged pothole lurking below.
- Reduce your speed on roads that are prone to potholes. Slower hits generally involve less damage, a simple matter of physics.
- Stay focused and pay attention to the amount of traffic in front, behind and alongside you. You might be able to avoid potholes but do not want to cause an accident while doing so.
React quickly, intelligently when a pothole is upon you
Assuming you drive defensively – and do not tailgate, which restricts your ability to anticipate potholes or sudden braking by the vehicle in front of you – here is what to do if you are just about to hit a pothole:
- Brake only lightly, if at all. And do something counterintuitive by letting off on the brakes entirely the moment before impact. Clamping down on your brakes at higher speeds not only tempts rear-end collisions but also compresses the front-end suspension system, increasing the damage.
- Hard braking can actually cause greater contact between the tire and the pothole where it might otherwise glide over it.
- Do not swerve in a last ditch attempt to avoid the pothole. Aside from creating a hazard for vehicles immediately behind and beside you, you risk hitting the pothole on an oblique angle, which can cause more damage to the tire, wheel rim and alignment than if you hit it perpendicularly.
Reduce the damage in the aftermath
Post-impact, the right moves can at least limit the extent of the damage:
- Immediately pay attention to whether or not you have a flat tire. If so, minimize how much you drive on it, pull off the road as soon as you can do so safely where you can change the tire to your spare. This will minimize the damage to your wheel rim.
- Even without a flat, there may be preliminary damage. At your next stop, check tire rims to see if they were bent, if there is visible cord material or bulging. This could fail later while driving.
- Note if your car pulls to one side without corrective steering. This suggests the wheels are out of alignment and need mechanical attention.
In most municipalities, you can and should report potholes to the streets department – use a smartphone app such as SeeClickFix or SaveMyTire.com, or the local 3-1-1 or other call-in line. You might also be compensated for your loses if that pothole was reported previously and left unfixed, however rules for this are determined on a city, township or county level.
Courtesy of Pothole.info
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Review: 2012 Kia Soul
Kia Motors America (KMA) celebrates the world premiers of the all-new 2012 Kia Rio sub-compact sedan and therefore the comprehensively upgraded 2012 Kia Soul at the 2011 new york International Auto Show. The product that began Kia Motors’ design-led transformation returns to new york with a contemporary and updated look, more power, and therefore the same funky demeanor that customers all round the world have return to like from this compact crossover. The massively successful Kia Soul is fine-tuned for 2012 with a big range of technology and powertrain enhancements to deliver a lot of power and improved fuel potency.
The 2012 Kia Soul can amplify the fun-to-drive issue with important horsepower will increase, new six-speed transmissions and therefore the ability to deliver up to thirty four miles per gallon on the highway. A new 1.6-litre GDI engine produces 135HP (100kW), an eleven p.c increase from the previous engine). For consumers yearning for a larger boost in power, a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is on the market with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission – advanced technology that’s rare during this section.
This engine, that produces 160HP (119kW), a thirteen p.c increase from the previous engine, and 143 pound-feet (194Nm) of torque, is customary on the 3 Kia Soul models. Kia calculates that fuel economy for the one.6-litre is a powerful 28/34 mpg city/highway (8.4-6.9L/100km), ten p.c a lot of economical than the previous engine, whereas the two.0-litre offers a fuel-sipping 27/33 mpg (8.7-7.1L/100km) for each the automated and manual transmissions.
In addition to the 2012 Soul’s performance upgrades, the new model also introduces a number of significant design improvements. On the outside, Kia Soul is freshened with new projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, a redesigned hood and new front and rear bumpers. New and modern LED rear light clusters enhance the Kia Soul’s unique design, while the overall shape of the vehicle has been finessed to give Soul a smoother and more streamlined silhouette.
Kia Soul envelopes its passengers within a more high-tech, futuristic cabin for 2012, featuring a generous blend of technologies at tremendous overall value. Soul was a recipient of the Ward’s AutoWorld “Grooviest Interior” award for 2010, and passengers in the 2012 model will find genuine comfort in the roomy cabin.
New for 2012, an Infinity premium audio system is available on Soul+ models and standard on Soul! and Soul sport models for a more robust listening experience. Also new for 2012 is the UVO powered by Microsoft® in-car hands-free communication and infotainment system. A Premium Package is also available with heated front seats, leather seat trim, automatic climate control, and a navigation system among its upscale comforts.
Courtesy of automobiles-industry.com
Monday, May 14, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
2013 Kia Rio: Green Light For Fuel-Saving Stop-Start Option
The 2012 Kia Rio and 2012 Kia Soul models had been poised to be eco-tech trailblazers, as the first affordable mass-market models in the U.S. to offer stop-start, which smartly shuts down the engine when it would otherwise be needlessly idling and automatically (and quickly) restarts it.
But plans have changed, and now neither of those models will arrive with the fuel-saving Idle Stop & Go (ISG) technology before the end of the model year. It's now slotted in as a new feature for 2013 instead-arriving just a few months, potentially, before EcoBoost versions of the 2013 Ford Fusion, which will have a comparable feature. The reason for the delay is, at least in part, that Kia wanted engineers to make the engagement a little smoother for U.S. customers, who will be paying extra for it.
A green option that won't pay off for everyone
ISG has already been included in some Kia models for overseas markets, however here in the U.S. Kia has been a little more careful in forming a positive impression around the new technology, which will be included as part of a $400 Eco Package. In order to get that Eco Package, though, you'll also need to get a $1,150 Convenience Package that includes alloy wheels, the UVO connectivity system, a rear camera system, power-folding mirrors, a soft-touch dash, and other upgrades-bringing the total for a 2013 Kia Rio with ISG to $18,800.
Although the feature has been rapidly deployed across the luxury market and is now included in various models from Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, it hasn't yet become common in the mass market.
One of the reasons why the rollout has been so slow in affordable models is that U.S. EPA numbers don't represent the gains that some drivers will see with the system. The Rio will gain 1 mpg in the EPA cycle-to 31 mpg city, 40 highway-although those who commute mostly in dense stop-and-go traffic could possibly see improvements of ten percent or more versus Rios without the feature-meaning that there could be an eventual payoff many years down the road, especially if gas prices continue rising.
According to earlier reports-some based on feedback from drive events where the automaker allowed members of the press to drive pre-production vehicles with this system-prior versions of ISG operated with too much driveline shock (and shudder) when the engine would stop and restart.
A few months ago, Kia anticipated that the technology would still arrive in 2012 models, just later in the model year-and that it had to do in part with customer and dealer education.
Since then engineers have gone back and made some important changes to the system that, Kia Motors America spokesman James Hope told us, will provide "a smoothness in transition that we're happy with."
Minor changes elsewhere for 2013 Rio
Otherwise for 2013, the Rio has just a few changes. There's a revised Kia badge on the hood, trunk lid, and steering wheel, while steering-wheel paddle-shifters have been made standard on the SX model and EX and SX 5-door models now get a cargo-floor tray and net, and their seatback release lever has been redesigned. Prices are up $200 across the board.
Stay tuned, as the 2013 Kia Rio is already at dealerships, and we hope to revisit Kia's Idle Stop & Go technology very soon.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Take advantage of our latest incentive for the 2012 Forte Koup!
2012 Forte Koup - $1000 Cash Back Offer
Cash back from Kia Motors America, Inc. Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock from 5/1/2012 to 6/4/2012. Cash back offer when you purchase a new car and may not be combined with Special LOW APR offer. This incentive is for a limited time offer on eligible Kia vehicles. Not all incentive programs are compatible. See dealer for details.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Posted Content: 2012 Kia Sportage Recognized by USAA as "Best Value" for Second Consecutive Year
IRVINE, Calif., May, 8 2012 - 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."
Courtesy of kiamedia.com
Monday, May 7, 2012
Friday, May 4, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Kia Motors’ U.S. Corporate Campus Honored with “Good Design is Good Business Award” by Architectural Record
IRVINE, Calif., April 30, 2012 - Kia Motors America (KMA), the fastest-growing car company in the United States1, celebrates another prestigious architectural accolade, as the KMA Corporate Headquarters and state-of-the-art Kia Design Center America (KDCA) in Irvine, California have been honored with the "Good Design is Good Business Award" by Architectural Record. In its 15th year, the award celebrates architecture as a vehicle to enhance the company's bottom line and the architect/client collaborations responsible for them that prioritize quality of life, community outreach and sustainability to achieve their goals. Judging parameters included sustainability, work environment, employee recruitment, retention, performance and productivity, branding, culture, development of new work tools, and space for amenities like exercise facilities. As part of the honor, Kia's corporate campus will be featured in the May issue of Architectural Record.
Representing a total investment of $130 million, the 21.7 acre campus was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP. The 239,000-square-foot modern glass and steel main structure features two administrative office and research buildings connected by an expansive entry and vehicle display area topped by executive offices. Other common spaces are organized around the light-filled public space that links the entry to a 36,000 square-foot reflecting pool and views to the hills beyond. The state-of-the-art, 100,700-square-foot U.S. design center features a covered entry and extensive design and modeling studios, workshops and presentation rooms. Both buildings are integrated with landscaping and parking areas to create a cohesive campus prominently visible to drivers on the adjacent Interstate 5.
KMA was one of the first companies in Irvine to voluntarily install an eco-friendly bioswale system in its parking lot to remove silt and pollution from surface water runoff. The landscaping features drought-resistant plants, and reclaimed water is used for landscaping irrigation and toilets. SOM provided full-service architecture and interior design. The team also included Nabih Youssef, structural engineers; MEP engineers; Tom Leader, Landscape architect, and PBQA, lighting designers. The property is managed by RiverRock Real Estate Group, Inc.
"As the fastest growing automotive brand in the U.S. Kia is committed to providing cutting-edge vehicles with world-class design, and our Corporate Headquarters and Design Center reflect that same philosophy," said John Yoon, vice president of human resources/administration and general counsel, KMA. "The corporate campus symbolizes innovation through leading architectural design, as well as Kia's ongoing commitment to the U.S. market, which has led to our record-breaking sales and market share increases."
The campus also features a state-of-the-art workout facility with the latest equipment and with exercise classes offered to employees during the day, as well as an on-site cafeteria and lunchroom. The Multi-purpose room found in the lobby area also is available to community groups as a meeting or event function space when not in use by KMA.
KMA and KDCA previously were recognized with "The Outstanding Building of the Year" (TOBY) award for corporate facility from the Orange County chapter of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), an Award of Excellence from the American Institute of Architects' Orange County chapter (AIAOC), and also recognized on the 2009 International Architecture Awards List, presented by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and Metropolitan Arts Press Ltd.
Exemplifying "Good Design is Good Business," Kia's U.S. sales are up 31.8 percent year-to-date, while March marked the brand's 19th straight monthly sales record with 80 percent of sales in March, including vehicles that achieve more than 30 highway miles per gallon2.
"Kia Motors' U.S. corporate campus proves that thoughtful, rational design can be a powerful engine for business growth and talent retention," said Brian Lee, Design Partner, SOM. "The project exemplifies SOM's commitment to provide our clients with high-performance design that adds value to their brand and expresses their corporate identity."
Architecture and design has become a top priority for leaders of business and industry looking to rebrand, boost productivity, and attract customers. The Architectural Record Good Design is Good Business (GDGB) Awards program honors the architects and clients who best utilize design to achieve such strategic objectives. For more information, visit: Architectural Record.
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 quality3 and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking4. 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 sedan5. 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.
Courtesy of kiamedia.com
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