Thursday, December 27, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Maintenance Tip: Wax The Lights
Here's an easy two-minute drill: Make sure the headlamps are clean of dirt, rub car wax (any type will do) on the lamps, let it dry and buff it off. Repeat. For bonus points, do the taillights.
The slippery surface you leave behind will be less likely to build up an "icicle" coat when road slush refreezes on your car -- and will make it easier to remove it if it does.
Courtesy of www.kiplinger.com
Friday, December 21, 2012
Wilson Kia's Year End Sales Event!
Fans! Don't miss our huge year end event! This will be the biggest sale week of the year and is your time to get 0% on selected models! We have a huge selection of Optimas, Souls, and Sorentos as well, so don't miss this exciting opportunity! 
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia continues to demonstrate corporate citizenship by giving back to the community. That's something we can all cheer for!
Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) provided an $8,000 donation to the Troup County School System Thursday that will be used to provide Child ID kits to children in the local community.
The news release explains that the Child ID kits will allow parents to store comprehensive and confidential records and descriptions and quickly share this information with police and other responders, saving valuable time in the event of an emergency.
“The well being of the children in our community is of critical importance to Kia Motors and the team members of KMMG,” said Randy Jackson, KMMG’s vice president of human resources and administration. “We thank Dr. Cole Pugh and the Troup County School System for their willingness to be our partner in this project to help increase the safety for this area’s children.”
Pugh thanked KMMG for the plant’s commitment to giving back to the local community.
"Ka Motors Manufacturing Georgia continues to demonstrate corporate citizenship by giving back to the community," said Pugh. "We are thankful for Kia's support. The child identification kits will greatly benefit our students."
Courtesy of http://www2.wrbl.com
Monday, December 17, 2012
2013 Kia Forte Koup - $1,000 Cash Back
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Kia receives iF design awards for its three-door pro_cee’d and innovative Optima iPad app
The second-generation Kia pro_cee’d has become Kia’s latest model to be recognized for its exceptional design, earning a prestigious iF product design award.
he three-door pro_cee’d which will go on sale in the second half of 2013, was a winner in the ‘Transportation Design’ category of the awards, which saw more than 3,000 products entered from 48 countries. A jury of over 30 industry professionals judged the entries on design quality, workmanship, innovation, functionality and safety. The award is the fifth iF design award for Kia, which has won almost 20 awards for design since 2009.
The all-new pro_cee’d differs significantly from the five-door cee’d, featuring a dynamic wedge shape and muscular ‘shoulders’. The roofline has been lowered by 4mm and the B-pillars moved 22mm rearwards, while the side panels, tailgate, rear light clusters and rear bumper have all been redesigned.
Kia also received the highly sought-after ‘iF Communication Design’ award in the ‘Digital Media – Mobile Applications’ category, coming on the heels of a “Best of the Best” distinction by the red dot awards in recognition of Kia’s all-new Rio iPad application. Available for download in the iTunes app store for free, the Kia Optima iPad app boasts a multitude of engaging content, which all work together to create a truly interactive experience. Users can explore the fully interactive e-publication which allows to the Optima in 720° rotations, flip through available colors and wheel options; and browse through a plethora of multimedia content and information in a matter of seconds. If you don’t have it yet, download it here.
The official presentation of the iF design awards will take place on 22 February 2013 at the “Munich Creative Business Week” and all winning designs will be shown at the iF design exhibition in Hanover, 5-9 March 2013.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Kia Launches UVO eServices at L.A. Auto Show
According to a Kia press release, the updates to UVO center around smartphone connectivity. An eServices smartphone app will provide connected car telematics information, the ability to locate your parked vehicle in a large lot, a suite of new safety and security features including a service Kia calls 911 Connect, and the ability to upload map and point-of-interest (POI) info from the web or a mobile device to the UVO system.
Kia said the eServices app will not come with a monthly fee like GM’s similar Onstar service. UVO, short for “Your Voice,” will continue to offer drivers the ability to manage their mobile phones and music playlists hands-free. The eServices app will further expand that voice-controlled ability to the navigation system, the company said.
Much like MyFordTouch, which received a number of bad reviews after its recent updates and even got Ford dinged in Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates’ Initial Quality Survey, UVO is Microsoft-powered. So far, Kia’s UVO is getting better reviews than MyFordTouch– we’d estimate that’s because it has kept buttons and knobs as part of the equation instead of trying to go touchscreen-only as MFT and some others have. We look forward to the opportunity to try the next-gen UVO with the eServices app when the 2014 Sorento bows next year.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Help On Wheels
Hey fans! Be sure to check out Help on Wheels! Wilson Auto Group is working with WLBT and utilizing ministry partners: Boys and Girls Clubs of MS, Mission First, Neighborhood Christian Center and Voice of Calvary Fellowship to deliver "working cars for working folks" this holiday season. We will be giving away a car this Thursday, December 13th, so check back for 
Thursday, November 29, 2012
All-new Kia cee’d Design Story
The main concept of the cee’d exterior design is ‘solid, fast and dynamic’. New design elements such as the ‘DLO (Day Light Opening)’ (overall shape of the car’s side windows) was extended to the front for a more dynamic and masculine appearance. The steep shoulder lines add to the ‘open’ look of the new cee’d.
Designers also focused on the exterior, as they wanted to create a well-equipped yet simple feel. For example, the DLO, exclusive headlamps and a chrome coating on the front grilles were all utilized to create a more luxurious expression.
The designers went to great lengths to create a more dynamic and sporty look by making the frontal design of the car lower and wider. The key design elements that define the character line of the exterior, including the radiator grille and headlamps, were created to achieve the highest aesthetic value possible. The location of the A pillar was pulled forward to create a more dynamic aspect, creating a cab-forward design. The volume of the different parts of the vehicle was then adjusted to create a balanced appearance.
The lower part of the cee’d was designed with the intention of creating stable and tough expression that would match any car on the road. The rear design was created with an emphasis on infusing strong and orderly look that would match well with the dynamic and solid display of its front and side.
Simplistic yet elegant, the design of the new cee’d manages to stand out from the crowd with its distinctive design elements and in particular boasting Kia’s signature front grille design. It can undoubtedly compete against all models in its class.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Kia to launch 51 new or updated models by the end of 2016
Courtesy of 4wheelsnews
Monday, November 26, 2012
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
2013 Kia Soul is an Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the year
The car has been a hit with the younger crowd, which has now been reflected in the most recent awards the Soul received. It was named the Active Lifestyle Vehicle (ALV) of the Year at the 9th annual ALV awards in the Urban Vehicle category. That award follows close on the heels of the Kelley Blue Book awards for including "Top Tailgating Car for 2012? and "Top Back-To-School Car."
The ALV event was held on the campus of Local Motors in Chandler, AZ., and featured no less than 28 vehicles vying for the top spot. The judge's panel was made up of over two dozen media members, seventy athletes from a variety of different outdoors sports, and over 100 panelists.
Each member of the panel was chosen for their ability to judge how well each vehicle could fit into an active lifestyle. The testing of all the vehicles was performed in both on and off road environments.
Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America said the company was honored to have received the award from ALV. He went on to say that he believed the award validated Kia's feeling that the Soul has the functionality and versatility to make it perfect for the casual outdoors lover to the world-class athlete.
He went on to talk about the performance of the 2013 Soul, as well as it's IIHS 'Top Safety Pick' status. He was also quick to point out that the comfortable interior and top of the line front suspension system make the Soul a great ride, no matter what sort of road it was driven on.
There are many different car awards out there, but the ALV award is the only one that takes into consideration the opinions of automotive journalists and local athletes. That makes for one truly unique award that is a real honor to win.
Source: Kia Media
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Kia Motors America Donates $500,000 to Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts through the American Red Cross
IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 9, 2012 - Kia Motors America (KMA) today donated $500,000 to the American Red Cross to aid the Hurricane Sandy relief efforts and provide much needed food and supplies to affected communities throughout the Eastern Seaboard of the United States.
"In the aftermath of this historical storm that affected much of the Eastern United States, Kia Motors is committed to providing assistance through the American Red Cross to impacted individuals and communities," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. "Our thoughts go out to those affected by the hurricane, and we hope that our donation will help provide comfort and aid the recovery effort."
The funds provided to the American Red Cross will help provide food, shelter, supplies and comfort to the individuals affected by the disaster. KMA is actively encouraging its employees, dealer network and vendor partners to provide additional support. For more information, on how to donate, please visit www.redcross.org.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S.1 Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.
Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
Monday, November 12, 2012
$1000 Cash Back on all 2013 Forte Koupe Trims
Thursday, November 8, 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: 9 Ways to Ruin Your Paint Without Knowing It
Keeping your car looking good isn’t just a matter of enhancing its resale value, although that’s important too, it’s also your car’s only line of defense between the sheet metal and the elements. You already know parking lot dings, gravel roads or an angry ex can ruin your car’s paint in the blink of an eye, but a lot of things out there can do just as much, if not more, harm to the exterior of your car.
We contacted Mothers for advice on how to deal with common paint-damaging situations. While their specific advice is below, time and time again, they recommended keeping a good coat of wax on your car. Not only does it keep it looking pretty, it helps prevent most paint damage, or at the very least, buys you some time to get your car professionally washed. Mothers also recommended keeping a bottle of quick-detail spray and a microfiber cloth in your trunk. As you’ll see, a lot of these common problems can be prevented with a quick wipe of this solution.
The Source: Wildfires
The Solution: Keep your car covered, use a car duster for white ash, wash thoroughly if it’s soot.
These days it seems like every state is burdened with wildfires. The ash gets everywhere, and your car’s finish is no exception. While your instinct may be to hit the windshield washers, or just hose down the whole car, water mixed with ash can create powerful alkalis, which will ruin your paint. White ash can be removed with a car duster, or just by driving away and letting it blow off. Black ash can scratch your paint, even when you use a duster, so you’ll need to wash it off using a car wash solution, and dry thoroughly. Once the fires are out, get your car professionally washed, and put on a new coat of wax.
The Source: Tree sap
The Problem: Ancient peoples used tree sap as glue for a good reason.
The Solution: Bug and tar remover, mineral spirits, clay bar treatment
Just wiping sap off when it’s still gooey only smears it around a larger area. Instead, get a bottle of bug and tar remover from your local car parts store, and use it as directed. If the sap dries, mineral spirits can dissolve it, and remaining residue will come off with a clay bar treatment. Just be sure to wax the car after you’re done.
The Source: The gas pump
The Problem: Spilled gasolineThe Solution: Don’t top off, and clean up accidental drips
Times are tough, but “topping off” your gas tank and accidentally letting it overflow is a surefire way to damage your car’s paint. If left alone, gasoline will leave a stain on your car’s finish that’s nearly impossible to get off. If you do happen to spill gas by accident, the best solution is to grab a bottle of instant detailer and a good, clean microfiber cloth and clean up the gasoline before it does any harm.
The Source: Fingertips and mischief
The Problem: Writing or rubbing on dirty paint causes permanent marks.The Solution: Keep your car clean.
We’ve all seen “wash me” written on a car’s finish, but the well-intentioned tagger actually just made things worse. Dirt acts like sandpaper when it’s dragged across paint, and it can make the marks last long after the dirt is gone.
Get yourself a long-handled duster and wipe down your car every day to prevent accidental sanding. If it’s too late, most small scratches come out with a polish or scratch remover. Just always be sure to clean the car well before waxing or polishing.
The Source: Your morning coffee
The Problem: Coffee and sodas contain acids that can etch your clearcoat.The Solution: Wash it off immediately
Driving off with your coffee cup or soda bottle on your roof isn’t just a day-ruiner, it can ruin your paint. Many beverages are acidic, and since any acid can hurt your car’s finish, you’ll want to get it washed off as soon as you can. Letting it sit will only give it more time to do damage, and letting it dry will only make it harder to get off later. If it’s a soda, or if you take a lot of sugar in your coffee, then you’re going to be dealing with a sticky residue in addition to corrosive chemicals. If you can’t hit a car wash, then break out your bottle of quick detailer and your microfiber cloth and wipe it up.
The Source: Dirt on your car-wash tools
The Problem: Unseen dirt can scratchThe Solution: Keep an extra mitt handy.
Washing your own car can be fun, but a common mistake can cause more damage than you think: dropping your sponge. Even the finest, most expensive microfiber wash mitt on the market can be ruined if it touches the ground. The bits of grit and sand it inevitably picks up can’t be entirely washed off, and you’ll have swirl marks and other scratches before you know it. The solution is to never drop anything. But if you’re like us, it’d be best to keep a spare washing mitt or two on hand to avoid the resulting expenses from car detailing or repainting.
The Source: Automatic sprinklers
The Problem: Water leaves hard-to-remove spots on your paint.The Solution: Stay away from sprinklers whenever possible
That primo parking spot right next to the planter may look good, but if it has automatic sprinklers, you could be in for trouble. You wouldn’t think that plain water would be such a problem, but the minerals left behind bond to your car’s paint, making them very difficult to remove. Your best bet is to avoid parking where sprinklers can do their damage, but that’s not always possible. If you do get water spots, it’s best to take it to a professional detailer.
The Source: Avian digestion
The Problem: Bird poop is acidic
The Solution: Wash it off immediately
The Solution: Wash it off immediately
Bird poop isn’t just unsightly. It’s also acidic. Just look at the number of ruined marble statues in pigeon-infested cities and you’ll see what we mean. Not only that, but birds eat seeds and bits of gravel that can scratch your paint.
The solution is to wash bird droppings off as soon as you see them. Use a bottle of quick detail and a soft microfiber cloth to wipe it up. Be sure to use a lifting action, since you don’t want to grind any grit onto your paint.
The Source: Bugs
The Problem: Bug guts are acidic.
The Solution: Get to the car wash
You’re heading home from a road trip when suddenly the eighth plague of Egypt strikes, with thousands of bugs splattering your windshield. But just cleaning the windshield isn’t enough. Bugs are surprisingly acidic, and if you do hit a swarm, don’t let the bugs get the last laugh as their remains slowly etch your paint. Wash your car as soon as you can with a good car wash solution, and for the more stubborn guts, use a bug and tar remover.
Friday, November 2, 2012
The Details of KIA Fuel Economy
Kia Motors America has announced corrections to the fuel economy ratings for approximately 300,000 vehicles. We deeply regret these errors and sincerely apologize to our valued customers. Kia is offering a reimbursement program to affected owners to ensure fair and efficient compensation for any additional fuel costs associated with the MPG rating changes. For more information, please visit: www.KiaMPGinfo.com
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Kia.com Mobile Site captures “Triple Crown” of Mobile Industry Awards
IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 31, 2012 - Kia Motors America's (KMA) mobile site ranked highest in J.D. Power and Associates' 2012 Automotive Mobile Site Study in a tie - the third major accolade this year for Kia.com's mobile site. In addition to ranking highest in the J.D. Power and Associates study, Kia.com's mobile site was recently named "Best Mobile Website" by Digiday's Mobi Awards and "Top Mobile Website in North America" by the Mobile Marketing Association. The three accolades are considered to be the "triple crown" in the automotive mobile marketing industry.
The Kia.com mobile site was created in 2011 by Ansible Mobile, Kia's mobile marketing agency, to meet the needs of an ever-growing population of online Kia shoppers who use smartphones in their vehicle-shopping process. The J.D. Power and Associates study, which examines the features and content of automotive manufacturer mobile websites and their usefulness in engaging shoppers, cited Kia's mobile site with performing particularly well in speed and appearance. The 2012 Automotive Mobile Site Study included 9,131 evaluations of automotive mobile websites from vehicle shoppers who intend to purchase or lease a vehicle within the next two years.
"Over the past several years mobile devices have become an integral tool for car shoppers, and we recognized the need for consumers to be able to access the Kia.com site while at the dealership or just before or after a vehicle test-drive," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "In conjunction with Ansible Mobile, Kia developed a site that has proven to be a vital resource for our consumers and yet another component of our brand's transformation into a recognized industry leader."
Prior to this most recent J.D. Power accolade, Kia's mobile site was named "Top Mobile Website in North America" at the Smarties Gala organized by the Mobile Marketing Association and won a silver medal in the Global Website Category. The Digiday Mobi Awards, which honor overall excellence and breakthrough achievement in mobile media, marketing and advertising also recognized Kia's mobile platform by naming it "Best Mobile Website".
"Recognition from actual consumers is by far the greatest acknowledgement we can receive on the quality of the Kia mobile site," said JiYoung Kim, SVP of Creative Solutions, Ansible. "The entire Ansible team feels incredibly privileged to work for a brand that believes mobile can and should do more for today's mobile users, and we look forward to helping Kia expand their mobile leadership in the future."
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S.1 Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.
Courtesy of media.kia.com
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Concept: Green Lantern Kia Soul
Kias SEMA show stand will be full of superheroes this year. After showing off a teaser of The Flash-themed Forte, and unleashing the Batman Optima on New York, Kia is now teasing a Green Lantern-themed Soul thatll make its public debut at the SEMA show next week.
Although Kia is mum on details on the Green Lantern-themed Soul, the front-quarter panel teaser gives us a glimpse of the Soul wearing the Green Lanterns signature shades of black and green. The custom Soul will also get a custom front bumper with a carbon fiber diffuser. The Green Lantern Soul also gets blacked-out headlights with green projector bulbs, and deep dish wheels sporting the Green Lanterns logo.
The Green Lantern Kia Soul is the latest collaboration between DC Entertainment and the Korean automaker. In addition to the Green Lantern Soul, The Flash Forte, and the Batman Optima, Kia will also be showing off Aquaman- and Cyborg-themed concepts at next weeks SEMA show.
The Green Lantern Kia Soul is shown in the gallery below along with the Flash Forte teaser, Batman Optima images, and stock 2013 Kia Souls.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Kia Grabs Brass Ring At Madison Square Garden
Kia Motors America is extending and expanding its deal with Madison Square Garden, wherein Kia becomes a signature partner and official vehicle of the venue. The new partnership should give Kia some of what it has needed for years: awareness, affinity and positive brand perception.
The deal gives Kia a big placement at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, tie-ins with the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers and the New York Liberty, and presence around college basketball and tennis, as well as the Concert Series at The Garden. The partnership also includes an expanded presence for Kia on MSG regional sports networks, MSG and MSG+, and integration on the Garden, Knicks, Rangers and Liberty websites. Also, Kia vehicles will be on show year-round with a custom-built display space in the lobby entrance to the Arena.
Kia's Official Vehicle designation will include branding at the Arena for all associated sports events and the Concert Series. Kia gets digital and static signage throughout the Arena; features on GardenVision, the center-hung scoreboard; and on-court and on-ice branding and promotional contests. Kia will be there for the Concert Series that includes Madonna, Justin Bieber, One Direction, The Who and Neil Young and Crazy Horse. Kia will have a presence at all Friday night Knicks and Rangers games as the presenting partner.
Tim Chaney, executive director of marketing communications at Kia, points out that the automaker is not new to the Garden as it has had a seven-year relationship with the Knicks plus sponsorship of the the Rangers NHL team, activated with the New York Kia dealer group. "But this is the whole building all year long for multiple years." Beyond this, Kia is official vehicle of the NBA, and also has separate, individual sponsorship deals with 14 NBA teams. "But this really is the first of this scale for us; being a signature partner gives us exclusivity to select categories," says. He tells Marketing Daily that New York, media central, is the place to have this kind of deal. "And if you are going to have a presence in New York, this is the property to do. He adds that the Garden's multi-year, billion-dollar investment in facility renovation also works as a complement to Kia's own packed vehicle-launch schedule. "We looked at it simply: transformed Kia at the transformed Garden."
There's also a CRM element with Kia customers getting access and experiences with MSG's sports brands and events. The automaker says it will collaborate with the Knicks and Rangers on a number of promotions and events also for Kia customers. Some of the offers include tickets and special experiences at games. As the official vehicle of the Concert Series at The Garden, Kia will also work with MSG on promotions for select concerts.
Dave Kissel, president and CEO of Chicago-based sports-event media network InStadium, says the virtue of a major sponsorship deal like Kia's is that, among other things, it locks out the competition against an audience a marketer determines to be spot-on for its brand. "But even for the most well-funded brands you can't lock up every thing. So even the big guys have to be careful about how and where and when they spend money on sponsorships. But, clearly, sponsorship does work as part of the overall media mix. It's a $23 billion market; clearly, it works."
Indeed, Kia is not the lone auto brand with category-exclusivity in the Big Apple: across the East River, Honda in August became the 10th brand to hitch its star to the new Barclay's Center as a top-tier sponsor, becoming official vehicle of both the Brooklyn Nets and the arena itself. Among other things, Honda will sponsor the Brooklyn Hoops Winter Festival in December.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Kia Motors Enters the Ranks of the 'Top 100 Best Global Brands'
(SEOUL) October 2, 2012 - Kia Motors Corporation enters the exclusive list of the 'Top 100 Best Global Brands,' according to the 2012 study released today by Interbrand, the world's largest brand consultancy agency.
Kia's remarkable increase in brand value is now estimated at $4.1 billion USD, which firmly sets the automaker at 87th place on the 'Top 100 Best Global Brands' list. This is a 50% increase from last year's estimated brand value and far exceeds the average automotive brand value growth rate of 11%. The 2012 edition of Interbrand's annual 'Best Global Brands' study was executed through a comprehensive brand performance analysis using best practice research methodology by expert analysts. The study measures a corporation's financial performance in terms of the raw financial return to investors; role that a brand plays in the actual purchase decision; and brand strength, which is the ability of a brand to secure the delivery of expected future earnings.
The strong increase in Kia's brand value closely mirrors the company's recent surge in global sales, which have posted three consecutive double-digit year-or-year gains to cement Kia's position as the world's fastest growing major automotive brand. Over this three year period (2008-2011), Kia's annual global sales have grown by 81% to nearly 2.5 million units.
Claire Chai, Vice President of Kia Motors Corp. Marketing Division, said, "Entering the 'Top 100 Best Global Brands' validates Kia's commitment to continuously provide exciting and inspiring brand experiences. And it's amazing to see what we can accomplish by staying true to who we are – a young and dynamic challenger that goes beyond expectations.
In addition to the major advances Kia has made on the product front, the company has also been executing numerous large-scale marketing initiatives that have helped raise awareness of the brand, including its sponsorship agreements with the world's premier sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, Australian Open and National Basketball Association. Kia has also made effective in-roads towards engaging its young-at-heart customers through a strong presence on social media channels and innovative advertising campaigns such as the eccentric music-loving hamsters TV commercials seen in the USA for Kia's iconic Soul urban crossover vehicle.
Courtesy of kiamedia.com
Monday, October 15, 2012
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Kia launches the next generation Sorento
Kia Motors has unveiled an uplifted version of the Sorento barely three years after the vehicle went on sale and although the vehicle features almost same exterior features like the doors, roof line and front grille, Kia claims that the vehicle has more changes than meets the eye.
The basic steel monocoque platform on which the Sorento was designed has been completely remodeled and the vehicle features an all new front crash structure, under floor crash structure a complete sub frame and a renovated top structure that is designed to keep the driver and passengers safe.
Overall, the new Sorento is safer than its predecessor and the new power train is more refined and aggressive than before. The multi link suspension at the rear has been modified and this has increased the space at the rear end of the vehicle.
The ride height has been lowered by 10 mm and the electronic assistance on the steering makes handling the vehicle a breeze. The central insulation has received quite an upgrade and refining the vehicle was the primary concern of the engineers.
The second row of seats has an increased 30 mm leg room and an additional 9 mm has been increased for the seats on the third row. The Sorento features boot space of 660 liters ? with the third row of seats folded - and the British bound vehicle is the seven seated Sorento.
Kia is however offering a limited amount of drive train options and the Sorento will be available with a 2.2 liter turbo charged, four-cylindered engine producing 194 BHP. The engine is mated to a six speed torque converter automatic or manual transmission and the vehicle is quite energy efficient.
The Sorento weighs over 2150 kg and it provides a decent fuel economy of 49.9 mpg. The Sorento on offer in the UK will be offered with four wheel drive technology and the technology standard of the car is quite high.
Sat Nav, GPS, Bluetooth and WI-FI are some of the features implanted on the vehicle and the reverse sensors along with parking assistance are also of much value considering the size of the Sorento.
The Sorento features six advanced air bags for complete passenger and river safety and these air bags have been placed to minimize damage and provide maximum support to the people in case of an accident. Hill assist and active start are some of the other technically advanced features in the vehicle.
The interior of the vehicle is classy and is done up in leather finish along with a neat dash board that gives the vehicle a classy yet practical feel. The economic figures of the Sorento make it perfect for daily use and the vehicle is meant for cruising hence easy to drive.
The torque is channeled at the perfect time and the power to weight ratio allows the vehicle to handle well. The car has a top speed of 115 mph and accelerates to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds, quite fast considering its size.
Courtesy of auto-types.com
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
College Graduate Program - $750 discount incentive
We’re sure you worked hard in school, so Kia would like to thank all the new grads out there with a $750 Discount Incentive on all 2013 Rio trims! Hurry, this offer won’t last long! 
Thank you for your great review, Jean!
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE "Always polite and professional, never pushy. I enjoy doing business with this dealership." - Jean. 
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Kia Motors Teams Up with DC Comics to Fight Hunger in Africa
Kia is joining forces with DC Comics and their team of Justice League superheroes to help fight hunger in Africa. Eight Kia cars will be built to resemble a hero from the Justice League; Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash Gordon, Aquaman, and Cyborg. The cars will be built by several key players in the aftermarket customization industry; West Coast Customs, RIDES magazine, Import Tuner magazine and others. Car builds will be unveiled separately at shows all around the country; SEMA, New York Comicon,.. Etc.
Working with DC Comics each team will be overseen by legendary comic creator/artist Jim Lee. Each vehicle will also feature a customized piece of Lee's specially-designed artwork to be auctioned at the conclusion of the program with all net proceeds going to the "We Can Be Heroes" program.
Courtesy of Import Turner
Monday, October 8, 2012
DIY car maintenance moves for fall: Check and top off fluids
"Many electrical issues and ignition problems stem from loose or corroded battery connections," says Travers. "If you notice corrosion on the posts or cable connectors, use an appropriate brush ($4 per brush.) This is a very inexpensive, yet handy tool that you can get at any auto parts store. And clean both (posts) completely, and then reconnect everything snuggly and securely."
As part of regular car maintenance, and for safety, make sure all of the car's lights are working; it's important for you to see, as well as be seen, during autumn's longer and darker nights, adds Molla. "Replacement bulbs will typically cost a dollar or two, with the exception of headlight bulbs, of course. They're considerably more expensive, but you can replace them all quite easily on your own without tools and save yourself a hefty labor charge in the process."
Headlight bulbs range in price from $14 to $27 for a single bulb to $25 to $50 for a dual pack
Courtesy of Bankrate.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)