All-new Kia cee’d Design Story

Kia’s all new cee’d premiered at the Geneva Motor Show this past March and quickly captured the attention of automobile enthusiasts worldwide with its enhanced design. The cee’d is a contender the world’s most fiercely crowded and competitive European C-segment (mid-size car) market, so creating an appealing design was vital. Today on Buzz, we’re going to unfold the first part of the cee’d’s design story from the outside-in, and breakdown its sportiness and unique design elements.

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.

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Kia to launch 51 new or updated models by the end of 2016

Kia aims to sustain its growth surge by launching 51 new or updated models before the end of 2016. So far, it has been so successful that in 2012, Kia is set to achieve its fourth straight record year of production, sales and profits. Under this plan, Kia will enter new niches. Kia has a new hot hatchback based on the new Procee’d making it arrival next summer. In 2014, Kia will produce an electric version of the next Soul and this would also be when a rear-wheel-drive sports car will be presented. Kia would also be making more derivatives of current or updated cars. For the European market, Kia will start by introducing the next Procee’d and an all-new seven-seat Carens in the first half of 2013. Before the end of 2012, Kia will reveal the second-generation Soul. It’s likely to arrive in the UK by 2014 at the earliest. Kia will also update and enhance three of its existing models. For non-European markets, Kia has recently unveiled a facelifted version of the K7/Cadenza executive saloon and a new K3/Cerato, which is a compact four-door car that has plenty of the same parts and systems as the European Cee’d. The flagship K9 saloon, which started sellingin South Korea earlier in 2012, will start exports as the Quoris. Kia took fewer than two years before it could replace nearly all of its European range so it will be 2015-2016 before huge changes are made to the newest models. After the Soul is replaced, it will be the Venga’s turn next.

Courtesy of 4wheelsnews

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2013 Kia Soul is an Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the year

The 2013 Kia Soul has quickly become one of the most popular cars in the automakers lineup, thanks in large part to it cool aesthetic and hip appeal.

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

SEMA Kia/DC Entertainment Justice League Custom Vehicle Unveiling

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.

$1000 Cash Back on all 2013 Forte Koupe Trims

Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock from 11/1/2012 to 12/3/2012. Please see dealer for more information.

2013 Kia Optima Blake Time Travels - 1995 Free Throws

Four More Justice League Members Join Kia’s Superhero Lineup

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 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 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 Problem: When wet, ash forms an alkali that can ruin your car’s finish.
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 gasoline
The 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 scratch
The 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

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.

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

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