Thursday, November 29, 2012

Kia Donates $205K to Children’s Cancer Hospital in Egypt

Kia
Kia Motors’ Regional Headquarters for the Middle East & Africa along with its respective distributors made a $205,000 USD contribution to Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt ‘57357’ (CCHE) in Cairo,

Founded in 2007, CCHE is one of the largest children’s cancer hospitals in the world, whose purpose is to provide free treatment for those in need. It is solely funded by charitable donations and the hospital’s ‘57357 name’ is also the bank account number to which donations can be sent, and aptly serves as a public reminder of its philanthropic support engine.

Kia management attended the official donation ceremony which was held at CCHE in Cairo. The group toured the hospital’s facilities and witnessed firsthand how CCHE is creating a new healthcare system and becoming an icon of change and beacon of hope for millions of families.

Kia Motors donation to CCHE is the latest in a series of recent aid and involvement programs in the Middle East & Africa region, including its $13 million USD ‘Green Light Project’, which was launched this past August in Tanzania, and aims to improve the social mobility of needy children through accessible education and healthcare programs. Kia plans to expand the Green Light Project to other countries and regions through the cooperation of its global network, and its next project will take place in the southeast African nation of Malawi.

Courtesy of Kia-Buzz

Thank you for your outstanding review, Laura!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Road test proves Kia Sportage is a value for money package

Sportage
THE medium SUV market is a tough nut to crack especially with perennial favourites often scoring sales on reputation and loyalty instead of what is actually on offer.

Kia has done relatively well with the Sportage since a revitalised launch in 2010 with decidedly more buyers falling for the Korean manufacturer's charms.

A six-month wait on cars in the early part of the year didn't help sales figures with consumers going elsewhere but supply issues seem to be a thing of the past and the Sportage's definite style coupled with performance, comfort and price should have it high on the shopping list once again.

Comfort

The Sportage's heavy duty cloth seats have funky stich detailing and are especially generous particularly in terms of width and cushioning to the driver and front passenger.

Those in the rear have to make do with a shorter squab and slightly harder surface. You can fit three adults in relative comfort in the back although the sloping roofline may make matters uncomfortable for very tall occupants.

The inside of the Sportage seems quite dark probably because of the prevalence of black on the dash and fittings but the cabin has been designed with ease of use in mind.

Plastics are decidedly hard, although concession is made for those surfaces which gain the most contact. The boot, at 740 litres, is better than average for this class although that does climb to 1547 litres when the 60:40 seats are lowered.

On the road

The Sportage places more emphasis on ease of use than driving excitement and to that end it is efficient in delivery.

The electrically assisted steering is pretty light during linear driving but push her around a corner and there is enough feedback to keep the driver engaged. The Sportage is agreeable to most surfaces thanks in part to the tinkering by

Australian engineers to make it suitable for our conditions. We found the 2.0-litre 2WD lacked a bit of courage and appeared at times a different car than its AWD brother with a 2.4-litre petrol engine.

Much to our delight the latter seemed to find most tasks rather effortless and is probably a fairer reflection on how far the Korean manufacturer has come.

What do you get?

Inclusions have to be on the mark for SUVs to be competitive in such a tight market. Standard equipment in our SLi included 17-inch alloys, reverse camera, auto headlights, three 12V outlets, dual zone climate control and Bluetooth connectivity.

The entry-level Si misses out on reverse camera and auto headlights while the range-topping Platinum adds sat-nav, a cooling glovebox, smart key and rear parking sensors. A five-star crash rating comes courtesy of six airbags, stability and traction control, brake assist and hill hold. The AWD also has hill descent.

Practicality
The concession to design has left the Kia with large A-pillars and side mirrors and a small rear window that impedes vision.

While a reverse camera and sensors can help with problems in the aft, you still have to crane your neck when turning right.

Ground clearance of just 180mm means the Sportage is best suited for the school run than the Dakar but with ease of use and space and comfort that's where its strengths lie anyway.

Running costs

Fuel costs are on the steep side with the AWD consuming close to 10 litres/100km and the 2WD averaging only slightly better.

The diesel improves with official figures of 7.5 litres/100km.

Kia offers a five year unlimited kilometre warranty and capped service and insurance costs are mid-table.

Funky factor

The Sportage is a reflection of Kia's commitment to design with its sharp lines, tiger grille, fashionable lighting and chrome accents sparking interest. In a class with so many options it pays to stand out and the Korean manufacturer has done just that.

The lowdown

The Sportage impressed when it was relaunched in 2010 and the latest editions seem to be an improvement on that model. Kia has found a way to marry European engineering and looks with cost-effective Asian manufacturing. It is a pleasant drive that offers space and value for money and the all-wheel drive variants, both petrol and diesel, are worth a look


What matters most
What we liked:
The Sportage offers nice comfort and space and generous inclusions.
What we'd like to see: An improvement to the vroom of the 2.0-litre two-wheel drive, reverse camera and parking sensors as standard across the range.
Warranty: Kia offers a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, while there is also capped price servicing.

Courtesy of Frasier Coast Chronicle

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

A Unique Journey With The Kia Car

2
It is amazing on how the Kia car works smoothly on the road. It's an investment that will make your transportation life easier to deal with. It makes all things attainable. The way it performs gives enough focus and determination for every car owner to do things appropriately. It is every person's dream to have a kind of car that can be with them in all seasons. It is a durable and tough vehicle. It will not let you down. If you're looking for a vehicle, Kia has everything that will match your interest and personality. It is available in different unique models. The Kia vehicle is considered as a genuine investment in a lot of ways.

I can definitely see many car owners who found contentment and joy with the kind of engine they have. The real challenge is to keep it functions and value as each day pass by. You go out everyday and drive to your desired destination. You may use the car in going to work, school, events, road trips, vacations or just the normal drives to the ordinary destinations. There will be a lot of situations that you will be dealing with. How do you make sure that your car is still in its proper condition?

Ensuring the Kia's appropriate features, functions and performance is a big challenge. It's like taking care of a child. A lot of maintenance needs to be done. You need to make sure that the engines are working. It's difficult to be an expert of very details of the vehicle. Well, you don't need to have the skills of a mechanic just to be updated with it. The simple daily assessment and checks will be fine. The owner's manual will be a good partner in knowing your Kia better. It is an instructional booklet that includes every single basic information about your engine. You can have a guideline for assembly, basic trouble shooting, installation, maintenance, programming and safety. It is also on the manual where you can find the warranty information It is the right guide in taking care of your vehicle. Be attentive enough for suspicious smells on your car. Report to the mechanic right away for proper actions. It's better to anticipate things to happen. Don't wait for the time that you'll be paying for expensive repairs because of your negligence. Be attentive and knowledgeable of everything that's happening on your car.

Customize the interiors and exteriors of the Kia. It will add charm and style to the engine. Buy car accessories. It is advisable to look for high quality materials. It's proven that faulty accessories my result to a possible problems in your vehicle. It's better to choose quality over quantity. What's the use of buying the cheapest accessories if it will not give you a good function? You'll end up of buying a new one again. Instead of saving money, you'll be paying more. High quality accessories will give you a promise of durability, longevity and security. I'll give one example for each category. The Kia car mats and car covers will be a perfect example of the interior and exterior accessory.

The Kia car mats also absorb dirt, dust, mud, moisture and other unwanted materials. They keep your car secured and protected all the time. They serve as a barrier from the soles of your shoes and the floor. The car mats are the first line of defense against all unwanted materials. Aside from that, they provide comfort, cushion, protection and warmth to your feet. These will make you feel comfortable when you drive. They are dependable in all types of weather. Different kinds of car mats are designed for different weather changes and conditions. You need to have the correct mats for the season. It is beneficial for the engine. You can rely on them in cases of extremes in temperature like rainy days and winter. The Kia car mats even enhances your mood to drive cautiously. They create a certain spark that will relax your mind. They will give you a touch of warmth all throughout your driving. The car mats are available in a wide assortment of colors, styles and trims that will surely match the interiors of your car. They come in different designs like your favorite cartoon character, sports team, logos and even initials will do. The Kia car mats also have an anti-slip backing that will prevent them from moving. They also fit the foot wells of your vehicle perfectly.

Car covers are a good way in protecting your vehicle against possible damages while you are parking. They prevent dirt, mud and scratches. They are an excellent barrier between the paint of the car and the bad weather or pollution. You can find a variety of designs wherein you can also choose customized car covers for your vehicle.

Handle everything positively. A lot of unexpected things will happen. The road is unpredictable. You need to be ready in all kinds of driving situations. Be an optimistic person. Take good care of your driving. It will be the key to a safe journey. Pay attention on the road as well. Be careful in driving at night. Follow the right driving precautions during the extremes of temperature. Most importantly, just enjoy what you're doing. Appreciate your Kia car. The features, functions and performance that it gives you is all worth it. A happy driver will reach his destination safe and sound. You'll get to extend the life of your car as well. The small and simple things that you can do for it will be enough to keep its value. A Kia car owner will have all the privileges when it comes to transportation. Have fun on your driving. You'll experience a journey that will give happiness and contentment in life.

Courtesy of Rubber-Plastic.net

Monday, November 12, 2012

Military Special Incentive Program ($500 Incentive)


5_door
Enjoy our Military Special Incentive Program ($500 Incentive) for all 2013 Rio 5-door Trims.
Applies to a new vehicle purchased between 11/1/2012 to 12/3/2012. See Paramount Kia Hickory for more details.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Four More Justice League Members Join Kia’s Superhero Lineup

Kia
Kia Motors America (KMA) and DC Entertainment kicked off the 2012 SEMA Show today in superhero style with five radical machines inspired by the members of the Justice League: The Flash Forte Koup, Aquaman Rio 5-door, Cyborg Forte 5-door, Green Lantern Soul and the previously unveiled Batman Optima. Built by West Coast Customs, RIDES and Super Street, each of the vehicles feature custom artwork by legendary comic book artist and DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee and are intended to raise awareness for DC Entertainment’s “We Can Be Heroes” giving campaign to help fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa. Each Justice League character was assigned to a specific Kia vehicle based on personality and key attributes to create these five iconic works of art on wheels.

 

The Flash-inspired Forte (Cerato) Koup

Known for his speed, drive and commitment to fighting crime, The Flash is paired with the sleek Forte Koup (Cerato), a vehicle with proven on-track racing performance in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge. Built by West Coast Customs, the Koup electrifies the senses with a red, orange and yellow airbrushed exterior paint that matches the Scarlet Speedster’s trademark costume. A cutout in the hood incorporates The Flash logo and allows viewers to see the speedy punch the Forte Koup packs. The modifications continue with 20-inch Asanti color-matched wheels with Continental Extreme Contact tires.  A custom coilover suspension lowers the Forte Koup for razor-sharp handling.

On the inside, the Forte Koup’s seats are reupholstered in black nappa leather contrasted with red suede featuring yellow stitching with character artwork embroidered into the seats.  The headliner was also reupholstered using black suede showcasing custom stitching and custom-painted pieces throughout the interior. To keep the Koup’s occupants energized, West Coast Customs installed two, 10-inch sub woofers and two sets of coaxial component speakers with a Quart four-channel amp, while a pair of Rosen Entertainment seven-inch monitors plays a “We Can Be Heroes” campaign video in the front headrests.

Aquaman-inspired Rio 5-door

Given the Kia Rio’s reputation as one of the most eco-friendly vehicles on the road today – 85-percent of Rio’s materials are recyclable at the end of its lifespan – the subcompact provided a natural automotive alter-ego for Aquaman, symbolizing his role as protector of the environment, both land and sea. The Aquaman-inspired Rio 5-door also received the West Coast Customs treatment with special gold, green and orange exterior paint and a body kit featuring custom-fabricated fins. Visual elements also include Oracle Light Emitting Diodes (LED) wheel rings and body lighting across the exterior as well as 20-inch color-matched Asanti wheels wrapped in Continental rubber.

Inside the Rio 5-door’s spacious cabin, the seats have been reupholstered with green leather featuring yellow and gold accents.The headliner has been customized using green suede while the Aquaman logo was stitched into the back seats to complete the thematic transformation of the passenger compartment. Pop the trunk on this Rio and notice the customized enclosure featuring Aquaman comic-book art and a unique polycast cutout which creates an underwater scene that is lit with Oracle LED lighting.

This heroic Rio is further enhanced by a 12-inch subwoofer and two coaxial component speakers and amp while two seven-inch Rosen Entertainment monitors play the “We Can Be Heroes” video to promote this worthy cause.

Green Lantern-inspired Soul

Based on the intergalactic peacekeeper known as Green Lantern,the Super Street magazine’s wide-body Soul shines with a green and black two-tone exterior paint scheme complete with green mirror-chrome tint on the windows.Super Street’s build teamlowered the Soul to improve its stance and applied widened wheel wells with one-off 18 x 10.5-inch deep-dish wheels.Traditionally a four-door vehicle, the Soul’s back doors have been welded shut to streamline its appearance.Blacked out headlights feature projector beams that glow green. Customized Green Lantern-logo fog lights in the widened front fascia, and green LED lighting further enhance the overall appearance of the Soul –  this machine is ready for anything, just like Green Lantern.

A custom rear cargo compartment houses the Green Lantern power battery with his signature lantern logo etched into a clear panel displaying the superhero’s oath lit by LEDs.  The rear deck also holds a video monitor to display the “We Can Be Heroes” promotional video.Up front, the Soul’s steering wheel and front seats were reupholstered with green and black leather and includes the Green Lantern logo stitched into the seat backs.Other interior touches include various dash pieces painted in the green and black scheme.

Cyborg-inspired Forte (Cerato) 5-door

Built by RIDES magazine and based on Cyborg, the half human/half machine superhero for the modern age, the athletic and agile Kia Forte 5-door (Cerato) embodies Cyborg’s communications prowess, power and endurance.It features coilover suspension for more aggressive maneuverability and widened custom metal fenders that recall Cyborg’s ability to mechanically morph to face any challenge.  This robotic road machine sits on 18-inch Rotiform TMB wheels with chrome lip and red anodized bolts.  Other exterior elements include a vented air scoop on the hood and side ports with red LED lights.  An Aztec silver paint job enhances the fluid lines and balanced proportions of the Forte 5-door, while matching the polished steel of Cyborg’s armor.

The vehicle interior consists of red perforated leather and red suede similar to the red glow pulsing from Cyborg’s power core.  Red and silver trim highlights the Cyborg emblem featured within the interior design. The tablet in the center console reinforces the fact that Cyborg is constantly plugged in—a hub for communication and information.  And the JL Audio sound system is another technological enhancement that highlights the fun side of the Justice League’s youngest member.

 

Batman Optima SX Limited

Previously unveiled at New York’s Time Warner Center, Kia, DC Entertainment and RIDES magazine worked together to design and build the Batman-inspired OptimaRIDES transformed the exterior with a matte- and piano-black paint scheme, a dramatically lowered coilover suspension and muscular ground effects kit, huge Ksport performance brakes for extreme stopping power, custom-designed 20-inch black wheels with one-of-a-kind Batman-logo center caps and a performance exhaust system. Other exterior modifications include a custom front grille shaped like a batwing that took over 40 hours to create, yellow LED lighting accents throughout the vehicle and the iconic bat signal etched into the SXL’s HID headlights.

Moving beneath the cape, the Optima‘s seating surfaces are costumed in custom black leather and suede with bold yellow accent stitching. Gotham City‘s streets are full of villains, and this Optima is ready for action at a moment‘s notice with crime-fighting elements like utility throwing stars installed in the center console.

Stay tuned for more news on the Kia Motors and DC Comics partnership.  Now that five vehicles have been seen, there are three more to be unveiled at various auto shows and Comic-Cons over the next several months including Wonder Woman, Superman and a final vehicle that will feature all seven characters of the Justice League to be auctioned off to benefit the “We Can Be Heroes” giving campaign.

Big thanks to the authors of these great reviews!

"I visited Paramont Kia in hickory just looking for a car. I really like the look of all the new Kia's. The salesperson Patrick was so great helping me and showing me the car. He treated me like a person and not like a sales or paycheck. Everyone was so kind and helpful. They were very excited for me. I love my new car it is awesome. If I won the lottery today I would still keep my Kia!! Very happy customer!!!" - Krista

"I never felt pressured by Tim Whitener to buy a car. He helped me find a car that met my needs. Paramount Kia of Hickory has a wonderful staff. Scheduling service was easy and fast. Everyone is so nice at Paramount Kia! I would recommend that anyone looking for a car visit here first." - Kidtrans

"WE LOVE THE WONDERFUL SERVICE WE GET EVERYTIME WE VISIT KIA AND ALL OF THE PEOPLE IN THE SERVICE CHECK IN ARE EXCELLENT......." - John and Suzanne

"My experience at Paramount Kia was really impressive. I came late in the day and the Mechanic stayed to work on my car. That was above and beyond and that does not happen in other places. I would recommend Paramount to anyone." - lscul

"we have brought a lot of cars at paramount and still come back ,when we need to buy again,the people are great and the service is the best you get anywhere.i have never had a problem preston or candy did not fix,thanks again for all that you do for us." - sodbuster


"I bought my new Kia soul from paramount Kia of hickory last year and have recently had it serviced there. The purchasing experience was fantastic, it was clear and straight forward. ( thank you Dave Estes!) They even humored my 4 year old son. Everyone was knowledgeable and friendly. When getting my oil changed, I received the same top notch customer service. Will definitely return for service." - Tonya

Big thanks to the authors of these great reviews!

"I visited Paramont Kia in hickory just looking for a car. I really like the look of all the new Kia's. The salesperson Patrick was so great helping me and showing me the car. He treated me like a person and not like a sales or paycheck. Everyone was so kind and helpful. They were very excited for me. I love my new car it is awesome. If I won the lottery today I would still keep my Kia!! Very happy customer!!!" - Krista

"I never felt pressured by Tim Whitener to buy a car. He helped me find a car that met my needs. Paramount Kia of Hickory has a wonderful staff. Scheduling service was easy and fast. Everyone is so nice at Paramount Kia! I would recommend that anyone looking for a car visit here first." - Kidtrans

"WE LOVE THE WONDERFUL SERVICE WE GET EVERYTIME WE VISIT KIA AND ALL OF THE PEOPLE IN THE SERVICE CHECK IN ARE EXCELLENT......." - John and Suzanne

"My experience at Paramount Kia was really impressive. I came late in the day and the Mechanic stayed to work on my car. That was above and beyond and that does not happen in other places. I would recommend Paramount to anyone." - lscul

"we have brought a lot of cars at paramount and still come back ,when we need to buy again,the people are great and the service is the best you get anywhere.i have never had a problem preston or candy did not fix,thanks again for all that you do for us." - sodbuster


"I bought my new Kia soul from paramount Kia of hickory last year and have recently had it serviced there. The purchasing experience was fantastic, it was clear and straight forward. ( thank you Dave Estes!) They even humored my 4 year old son. Everyone was knowledgeable and friendly. When getting my oil changed, I received the same top notch customer service. Will definitely return for service." - Tonya

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Monday, November 5, 2012

Monday Maintenance Tip: How to Protect Your Car’s Interior

Try to add up the hours you spend in your car. It’s a lot, isn’t it? Commutes, errand runs and road trips can have you sitting in those bucket seats for hours on end, and during that time, you and your passengers are actually living in the interior. That means smudges on the windows, scratches on the dash and food in the seat crevices accumulate and leave you wondering what happened to the spotless interior you swear it had when you first bought the car.

A Quick Clean
Luckily, it’s not that difficult to keep a car’s cabin from looking a little too, well, lived in. First things first, get something to stuff your trash into. Just use a plastic bag or a container you don’t use around the house and throw it in the backseat. You can even affix a temporary hook to the door or seat to keep things even neater. Every once and awhile, take it out and relish in the fact that you haven’t spent an hour cleaning up. Keeping trash off the floor also preserves your carpets, which can get stained from any number of items.
The idea of taking a rag to your dash and leather seats is made easier if you have them on-hand. The key here is to just use a little bit of soapy water to wipe the surfaces of your car – some cleaning products contain alcohols that prematurely dry and age the materials by reducing the flexibility in the vinyl. Store a small spray bottle of your homemade cleaning fluid and a rag under your seat or in a storage bin for access when you’re waiting for your kids to get out of school or sitting in that crazy-long drive-through line. This will also come in handy when an emergency spill happens. Lastly, keep your car smelling like roses (or at least a laundromat) by adding dryer sheets under the seats.
Weather Resistant 
You can’t discount the impact weather has on your vehicle either. In summer, sandy feet can quickly make a mess of an interior, and dare we mention the destruction caused by mud and snow? If you spend a lot of time ducking in and out of the elements, you might want to grab some all-weather floor mats. They’re easy to clean and do a great job of keeping the muck in one place.
The sun’s rays can also wreak havoc on your car’s surfaces, causing vinyl to crack over time and materials to fade. A simple solution is to regularly put a sunshade on the windshield. They’re inexpensive and help to keep your interior looking new.
Saving money on repair work and cleaning comes more easily when you take the time to make preventative care a priority. Not only will these tricks make your car a nicer place to be, keeping grime out of your ride will cut down on large maintenance costs in the future and will help to retain its value over time.
Inside

Excellent work,Ted!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

KIA Motors Corporation : New look for upgraded Kia Cadenza in 2013

Kia's popular Cadenza large luxury sedan will receive a significant upgrade and a new look for 2013. Based closely on the 2009 model's styling by Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, and his global design teams, the new-look Cadenza features fresh elements that incorporate Kia's evolving design DNA.

Echoing some of the visual innovations of Kia's flagship Quoris sedan ('K9' in Korea), the 2013 Cadenza ('K7' in Korea) will have a more distinctive appearance with new hood, trunk lid, light clusters (front and rear) and new bumpers, plus side air vents in the front wings and a new interpretation of the brand's 'tiger nose' grille.

Made in Korea, the new-look Cadenza will also feature a host of new comfort, convenience and safety technologies when it goes on sale in different regions of the world during the first half of 2013.

Kia Motors Corporation (www.kiamotors.com) - a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart - was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 2.5 million Kia vehicles a year are produced in 15 manufacturing and assembly operations in ten countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 149 countries. Kia today has over 47,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of US$39 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA - the governing body of the FIFA World Cup?. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan - "The Power to Surprise" - represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.

Courtesy of 4-traders

KIA Motors Corporation : New look for upgraded Kia Cadenza in 2013

2013
Kia's popular Cadenza large luxury sedan will receive a significant upgrade and a new look for 2013. Based closely on the 2009 model's styling by Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, and his global design teams, the new-look Cadenza features fresh elements that incorporate Kia's evolving design DNA.

Echoing some of the visual innovations of Kia's flagship Quoris sedan ('K9' in Korea), the 2013 Cadenza ('K7' in Korea) will have a more distinctive appearance with new hood, trunk lid, light clusters (front and rear) and new bumpers, plus side air vents in the front wings and a new interpretation of the brand's 'tiger nose' grille.

Made in Korea, the new-look Cadenza will also feature a host of new comfort, convenience and safety technologies when it goes on sale in different regions of the world during the first half of 2013.

Kia Motors Corporation (www.kiamotors.com) - a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart - was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 2.5 million Kia vehicles a year are produced in 15 manufacturing and assembly operations in ten countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 149 countries. Kia today has over 47,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of US$39 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA - the governing body of the FIFA World Cup?. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan - "The Power to Surprise" - represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.

Courtesy of 4-traders

Thanks for sharing your experience with us!