Monday, December 31, 2012
Congratulations to Phil and Steven on another satistfied customer!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Maintenance Tip: How To Create Your Own Roadside Emergency Kit
If you're lucky to have an account with the Auto Club and your cellular phone works, or are driving a Caddy with OnStar, help is only a phone call away. If not, you're either faced with having to hail a passing motorist or spend a night in the boonies. That is, unless you have a well-stocked emergency roadside kit in the trunk of your car.
When it comes to commuting or traveling any lengthy distance, a roadside emergency kit can mean the difference between getting back on the road or being stuck for a long period of time. A roadside emergency kit is the one item that every vehicle should have; yet most of us never carry any of the basic items to help you get back on the road quickly and safely.
Some of the basic items include:
- 12-foot jumper cables
- Four 15-minute roadside flares
- Two quarts of oil
- Gallon of antifreeze
- First aid kit (including an assortment of bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic cream, instant ice and heat compresses, scissors and aspirin)
- Blanket
- Extra fuses
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Flat head screwdrivers
- Phillips head screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Vise Grips
- Adjustable wrench
- Tire inflator (such as a Fix-A-Flat)
- Tire pressure gauge
- Rags
- Roll of paper towels
- Roll of duct tape
- Spray bottle with washer fluid
- Pocketknife
- Ice scraper
- Pen and paper
- Help sign
- Granola or energy bars
- Bottled water
- and heavy-duty nylon bag to carry it all in.
Granted, all these items practically necessitate a Ford Excursion to haul them down the road, but a basic version with two roadside flares, a quart of oil, small first aid kit, extra fuses, flashlight, Leatherman Tool (or any other multipurpose tool commonly containing pliers, wire cutters, knife, saw, bottle opener, screwdrivers, files and an awl), tire inflator, rags, pocket knife, pen and paper and a help sign will take up a minimal amount of trunk space.
A few companies offer pre-assembled emergency roadside kits, ranging from RightTrak's 58-piece Deluxe Auto Safety Kit ($24.00) to the 78-piece Auto First Aid Kit from Home First Aid ($39.95). While these kits contain the basics in a small convenient carrier, you might want to augment yours with a few of the items listed above to suit your needs.
Before you actually use your kit in an emergency situation, take some time to familiarize yourself with the items you've collected and how to use them properly. Also remember that the most important item is your own good judgment - stopping to change a tire in the high-speed lane is only an accident waiting to happen.
Unfortunately, there isn't "one tool for all roadside emergency needs." But with a little planning and a smidgen of trunk space, an emergency roadside kit can often save the day.
Courtesy of Edmunds.com
Monday, December 24, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
2013 Kia Classic Moves To Aviara Golf Club In Carlsbad
"Kia is one of the fastest growing auto brands in the U.S.[1], and sports marketing initiatives such as our involvement with the LPGA have significantly raised awareness and consideration for the brand and our vehicles," said Michael Sprague executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "With the success of the past three tournaments, we are pleased to continue as title sponsor for the Kia Classic and bring the tournament to the luxurious Aviara Golf Club in 2013."
The venue for the 2013 Kia Classic, Aviara Golf Club, which was named by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine as one of the best resort golf courses in America and the No.1 golf resort in San Diego according to the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, overlooks the beautiful Batiquitos Lagoon ecological reserve and is the only San Diego golf course designed by Arnold Palmer. Aviara features a memorable par-72 coastal layout that stretches 7,007 yards and is uniquely sculpted through rolling hillsides, native wildflowers and plenty of bunker and water challenges. The golf club is part of the AAA Five Diamond-rated Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, which features 329 guest rooms, four on-site restaurants, full-service spa, tennis courts, fitness facility and more.
"We are thrilled to extend our relationship with Kia for the Kia Classic," said LPGA Chief Marketing Officer Jon Podany. "Kia has been a terrific partner, and the Kia Classic is one of the core pillars of the opening of our domestic season on the West Coast. Kia has also done an outstanding job of integrating with the LPGA and activating behind the Kia Classic to make this tournament better every year. We look forward to many more years."
The 2013 Kia Classic sponsor exemption will be given to the winner of the UC Irvine Women's Golf Anteater Invitational presented by Kia, February 25-26 at the Santa Ana Country Club. This partnership will make the UC Irvine Women's Golf Anteater Invitational presented by Kia the only collegiate tournament in the country that will allow the winner to qualify for an LPGA event. Additionally, the Kia Classic will continue to host a hole-in-one giveaway contest for both the Pro-Am and the tournament with a 2013 Kia vehicle as the prize.
"The Kia Classic has established itself as one of the premier professional golf events, and we're honored to have the opportunity to host a field of the world's best female golfers," said Mark Stiebeling, General Manager for Park Hyatt Aviara Resort. "Our commitment to excellence will ensure that the players and fans alike are treated to a first-class experience on the golf course and throughout the resort."
In 2012, Taiwan native Yani Tseng, the No. 1 player on the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings, won the third-annual Kia Classic at the La Costa Resort and Spa. In 2011, the Kia Classic was the stage for another breakout win as Germany's Sandra Gal became a Rolex-First Time Winner with her thrilling one-shot victory over eight-time LPGA Tour winner Jiyai Shin at Industry Hills Golf Club.
Kia's Southern California-based LPGA tournament complements its sports marketing activities in the U.S., including its partnership with two-time LPGA winner Michelle Wie, who is the brand's official golf ambassador. Kia is also the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA (National Basketball Association), and recently completed its inaugural campaign in the Pirelli World Challenge auto racing series.
[1] Based on 5-year cumulative growth between 12-month retail sales for periods ending November 2007 and November 2012 of all U.S. automotive brands.
Courtesy of The Auto Channel
Monday, December 17, 2012
2013 Kia Forte Koup - $1,000 Cash Back
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Catawba County United Way
The vision of Catawba County United Way is to be the most effective and efficient organization that identifies and prioritizies the greatest unmet human needs in the community, focuses human compassion, and mobilizes resources to meet those needs. Paramount Kia Hickory works along side this great organization and invites you to check in on their website to find out more.
http://ccunitedway.com/
Monday, December 10, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
2014 Kia Forte
The Kia Forte had been showcased at the L.A Auto Show, where Kia motors said that the new Kia Forte will be arriving at dealerships in early 2013. So the the new Kia Forte represents the heart of KMA’s small-car line-up, replacing the current Forte, which had been a huge success story since its arrival in 2009. The new Kia Forte has been placed between Rio sub-compact sedan
First the all-new 2014 Forte will be offered in LX and EX variants with a choice of an efficient
“The all-new Forte significantly raises the bar, offering upscale amenities and eye-catching appeal,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. “When you combine exclusive available features like a ventilated driver’s seat and UVO eServices in a car
Under the hood, the LX features a 1.8-liter powerplant, while the EX comes standard with a 2.0-liter engine. Both engines feature dual continuously variable valve timing and a lightweight intake manifold. The LX model, which has the 1.8-liter MPI inline four-cylinder engine, produces 148 horsepower available at 6,500 rpm and 131 lb.-ft. of torque on tap at 4,700 rpm, and the whole unit is mated to an standard six speed manual transmission or an optional six speed automatic gearbox. And the, EX model produces 173-horsepower at 6,500 rpm, from its 2.0-liter inline four cylinder GDI engine, and offers a robust 154 lb.-ft. of torque which is available at 4,700 rpm, the EX comes standard with a six speed automatic.
Outside, the car is longer (by 1.2 inches), lower (0.6 inches) and wider (0.2 inches) than the previous Forte sedan. With its 106.3-inch wheelbase, it is two inches longer than the present model, the all-new Forte rides on a McPherson strut front suspension and a coupled torsion beam rear axle. The offered drives are, Comfort, Normal and Sport, which vary steering effort at the touch of a steering wheel-mounted button. And the LX manual rides on 195/65R-15 tires, while 205/55R-16 tires on 16-inch alloy wheels are optional. The top-of-the- line EX is shod with the same 55-series tires. Low-profile 215/45-17 tires mounted on sporty 17-inch alloy wheels are optional.
Inside, the cabin features high-quality materials and soft touch points. There is an optional 4.2-inch color LCD screen nestled between the gauges in the EX models, Chrome bezels, and HVAC rotary knobs, and the optional push-button start. Additional chrome accents, standard Bluetooth
Click through the pictures and stay tuned for more updates.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Kia Donates $205K to Children’s Cancer Hospital in Egypt
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
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Road test proves Kia Sportage is a value for money package
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
Monday, November 26, 2012
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
A Unique Journey With The Kia Car
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 19, 2012
Thank you both for the great review!
"everyone involved in the presentation to the sale of the car were very professional and friendly. Brent was very helpful and worked closely with us to get the right vehicle. I would recommend anyone to your dealership for their next purchase. Feel free to use us as a happy customer" - Cliff and Linda
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
United Way Car Giveaway
Hey fans!
We are donating a car to United Way's Annual Fundraising Campaign, Fair Share Donor. The Finalist Drawing will be held on December 6th at Paramount Kia Hickory, and will be able to choose from a Kia Forte, VW Jetta or Hyundai Elantra!
Monday, November 12, 2012
Military Special Incentive Program ($500 Incentive)
Applies to a new vehicle purchased between 11/1/2012 to 12/3/2012. See Paramount Kia Hickory for more details.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Four More Justice League Members Join Kia’s Superhero Lineup
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 Optima. RIDES 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.
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.
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. 
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
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
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
The Safest Cars In America
Car buyers often value safety above all the other features of their new cars, SUVs, or light trucks. It's true that manufacturers often stress other features such as gas mileage or bells and whistles like the latest moonroof or comfortable seat. Still, virtually none neglect descriptions of safety features, which include airbags, crumple zones, and anti-lock brakes. The problem is that this mix and assortment of features leaves buyers with the difficult task of determining which autos are extremely safe and which only claim to be. 24/7 Wall St. sifted through the claims and the data from auto safety measurements used across the industry to find the safest cars sold in America.
Private organizations such as Edmunds, Consumer Reports, and J.D. Power have their own safety benchmarks. While these are often based on government tests and figures, each firm uses its own unique methodology to create its lists of safest cars. The two organizations that issue the most widely and closely followed research are The Insurance Institute for Highway the Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The IIHS describes itself as "an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing the losses - deaths, injuries and property damage - from crashes on the nation's roads." The organization measures front crash, side impact, and rear crash effects, as well as roof strength. The weakness of the IIHS system is that its highest rating, Top Safety Picks, number about 100 cars. 24/7 views this set of measurements as incomplete because such large number of vehicles pass the test.
Tests done by the NHTSA, a division of the Department of Transportation, are extremely thorough. The agency posts the results of the tests at Safercar.gov, and its Five-Star Safety Ratings database goes back to 1990. Starting with 2011 models, the NHTSA has upgraded its rating system by introducing "tougher tests and rigorous new 5-Star Safety Ratings that provide more information about vehicle safety and crash avoidance technologies," the agency notes.
The Five-Star Safety Ratings evaluation covers dozens and dozens of models. However, Catherine Howden of the Department of Transportation told 24/7 Wall St. that "NHTSA rated 81 percent of the light vehicle fleet for the 2012 model year, and estimates 85 percent of the light vehicle fleet for the 2013 model year will be rated." The ratings are based on measurements of overall safety, frontal crash, side crash, and rollover. Each car can receive up to five stars in each of the four categories, but only four model cars received five stars across all four categories. These are "The Safest Cars In America."
When reviewing the four cars, 24/7 Wall St. looked at major safety features, even if they were not a part of the government evaluation.
1. Chevrolet Camaro.
The Camaro is among America's iconic muscle cars. It was built and marketed by Chevy from 1966 to 2002. Over the course of that period, it competed with such cars as the Ford Mustang and Pontiac Firebird. As a matter of fact, the Mustang and Camaro fight for the attention of buyers today after the model was re-launched in 2009.
The Camaro comes in several models, depending in large part on engine size. The base Camaro has a sticker price of $23,345. The highest-end Camaro, the ZL1, has an engine comparable to the one used in Chevy's sports car flagship - the Corvette. Its eight-cylinder engine has a horsepower output of 580. The price of this model can be as high as $54,350.
All Camaro models come with StabiliTrak, a stability control system made by GM, and with limited slip differential that helps the car maneuver in difficult driving situations. The Camaro also has daytime running lights and a tire pressure monitoring system. Although the government tests do not consider this, the fact that the Camaro is built close to the ground and therefore has a low center of gravity makes it less likely to roll over than many cars and light trucks.
2. Honda Accord.
The Accord is usually among the top ten selling cars in the U.S. In September, Honda sold 29,182 Accords. For the first nine months of the year, total sales were 247,847, up 37% from the same period in 2011. The Accord is a relatively low priced, mid-sized car that happens to have a large number of standard safety features.
The Accord has three basic models. The first is a four door version with a four-cylinder engine. The next has four doors and a six-cylinder engine. The last is a sedan version. The base Accord has a sticker price of $21,680. The Accord competes primarily with the Toyota Camry, the Ford Fusion, and Nissan Altima.
Among the safety features of the Accord are Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering, which is built to distribute the energy of a frontal crash more evenly throughout the car's frame. Anti-lock brakes are standard on most cars, but Honda also has a system to distribute brake force among the four wheels as needed when the car stops sharply. Front airbags deploy based on the crash force and tension on seat belts. The Accord is also available, in some models, with a radar system that senses the distance between the front of the car and a vehicle ahead of it its, and another feature that detects whether the car has drifted out of its lane.
3. Kia Optima.
Each of the two major versions of the Optima makes our list - the four-door front-wheel-drive version and its hybrid counterpart. The Optima also made the Five-Star Safety Ratings list with its 2011 and 2012 models.
Kia is part of the family of brands made by Korea's huge car maker Hyundai which also markets in the U.S. under the Hyundai brand. Each of the car lines has done particularly well in America and has been able to gain market share due to its reputation for being a low-priced, high-quality car. Hyundai and Kia vehicles combined sold over 974,000 cars and light truck in the U.S. through the first nine months of the year. That is more vehicles than Nissan sold over the same period. The Optima has a base price of $21,200. The base price for the hybrid version is $25,700.
4. Volvo S60.
One of the stablemates of the S60 - the Volvo V40 - was recently named "the safest car in the world," scoring five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests.The "premium hatchback recorded the highest score of any car to undergo the tests," The Telegraph of the U.K. recently reported.
Volvo, for years the major car maker in Sweden, is now owned by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. Ford was the company's owner from 1999 to 2010. Volvo has struggled to compete in the U.S. with larger carmakers at the high-end of the luxury import market - BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. It also competes with the high-end models of Ford and GM. Through September, Volvo sold on average of nearly 6,000 cars a month in the U.S. Geely hopes that, over time, Volvo can build a brand presence in China, which would lift the brand's sales.
The V60 four-door comes in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. The S60 is Volvo's mid-tier sedan with a base price of $31,750. This model has a five-cylinder 250 horsepower engine. The V60 is heavy and weighs over 3,500 pounds. Weight tends to be an advantage in a collision. The S60 has advance stability control to aid handling in difficult driving situations. The car also has an optional pedestrian detection system, which helps maneuver in city driving situations.
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