Come in and check out the Optima Hybrid

We have a great selection of Kia Optimas including the Hybrid model. Click HERE to visit to check them out!

Kia Mini-Minivan Spotted Testing in Michigan; Return of the Rondo?

 

Are mini-minivans on their way back in the U.S.? If the Kia prototype shown above is any indication, the answer is yes.

Spotted testing near Ann Arbor, Michigan, our sister publication found this tall-roof, seven-passenger van believed to be the next generation of the Kia Carens, known to you and me in the U.S. as the Kia Rondo. Or, if you heard the incessant radio commercials in the Greater Pittsburgh area in 2010, you know it as the “rockin’ Rondo.”

Last sold in the U.S. as a 2010 model, the Rondo was here for four model years before being discontinued amid slowing sales and a drive for a refocused brand image. Kia continued selling the Carens overseas, and now the time has come to give it a clean-sheet redesign.

Likely built off the same chassis as the European-market Kia Cee’d, which itself is based on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback, the future mini-minivan will likely carry the same formula as the current one—compact dimensions and seven-passenger seating. It will slot below the larger, next-generation Kia Sedona minivan, which is anticipated to debut for the 2014 model year.

Seeing the Kia Rondo replacement in the U.S. is no guarantee that it’ll be sold in the U.S. when it reaches production, as many foreign automakers test cars away from the markets where they will be sold. But seeing as the lineup of mini-minivans and small wagons is filling out here, with the Mazda5 and Toyota Prius v on sale already and the Ford C-Max coming for the 2013 model year, we wouldn’t bet against Kia re-entering our market with its redesigned small people hauler.

KIA MOTORS' RANGE-TOPPING OPTIMA SX LIMITED ARRIVES IN DEALERSHIPS

 

Fastest-Growing Automotive Brand in the U.S.1 Moves Upscale by Adding Premium Features and Materials to Critically Acclaimed Midsize Sedan

2013 Optima Limited builds on the foundation of Kia's award-winning, turbocharged Optima SX with enhanced appearance, technology, convenience and performance features

The top-tier Limited strengthens Optima's value proposition as the full Optima line provides exceptional residual values

IRVINE, Calif., July 2, 2012 - The 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited (SXL), which is the new top-tier trim level of the ultra-popular midsize Optima sedan line, is now arriving in dealerships with an MSRP under $35,000. First introduced at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, the upscale Optima Limited went into production at Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia* in early-June and builds on the Optima SX's existing foundation of class-leading horsepower and fuel efficiency while adding a number of exclusive design and feature upgrades, including: 18-inch chrome wheels, red brake calipers, LED lighting and exterior brightwork. Within, the SXL boasts high-grade Nappa leather seating trim, rich wood grain accents and an electronic parking brake, which is exclusive to this trim level.

Top-of the-line Kia Optima SX Limited is now available with a host of premium features and materials

"With the arrival of the Optima SXL, the Kia brand propels itself into a more premium class, which is something consumers have told us they want to see when they walk into our showrooms," said Tom Loveless, executive vice president of sales, KMA. "This Optima shows buyers that value and upscale character need not be mutually exclusive. For this reason, the SXL stands apart from traditional competitors in the midsize segment."

The SXL trim arrives on the heels of the Optima's record-breaking sales success and exceptional residual value from Automotive Leasing Guide (ALG), the industry benchmark for residual values and a leading provider of data and consulting services to the automotive industry. Contrary to conventional industry residual value trends, the Optima's residual values improved for MY12 and again for MY13 following its launch as a 2011 model. Specifically, the Optima SX trim's notable rating of 57-percent of original manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for 24 months of ownership is a full 10 points higher than the previous year.

The Optima SXL is based on the fully loaded turbocharged Optima SX, which Edmunds' Inside Line hailed as an "Editors' Most Wanted℠" mid-sized sedan. Including destination and handling, the manufacturer's suggested retail price for the Optima SXL is $35,275. Offered exclusively in Ebony Black, Snow White Pearl and Titanium Metallic exterior colors, the Optima SXL features many luxury details, including LED daytime running lights, chrome-accented rear spoiler and lower door sills, and wood interior trim. Standout red brake calipers can be seen through the Optima SXL's uniquely designed chrome 18-inch wheels while the 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine delivers class-leading 274 horsepower5 and achieves 22/34 mpg (city/hwy).

Inside the cabin, high-grade black or white Nappa leather adorns the seats, door panels, center console armrest and center fascia trim for a premium feel. Wood accents can be found on the steering wheel, interior door trim and shift knob, and a black tricot fabric lends a premium feel to the headliner, sun visor, and A, B and C pillars. The Optima SXL also boasts an electronic parking brake, which is offered exclusively on this uplevel trim. A first-aid kit and cloth door weather strip round out the SXL package.

Top-of the-line Kia Optima SX Limited is now available with a host of premium features and materials

Like every Optima, the SXL projects a refined, performance-oriented aesthetic with a sleek silhouette, aggressive stance and sculpted elements that embodies the styling language chief design officer Peter Schreyer has created for the brand. Every 2013 Optima comes well equipped with a generous roster of standard features, and the Optima SXL builds on the technology, performance and convenience features found on the Optima SX, including: unique front and rear lower bumper design, sport-tuned suspension, HID headlamps, Supervision™ meter cluster with LCD display, steering wheel paddle shifters, metal pedals, illuminated door scuff plates, panoramic sunroof, eight-way power adjustable driver's seat with memory, four-way power front passenger's seat, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, navigation system with back-up camera and SiriusXM Traffic™ and Infinity® audio system and speakers.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality9 and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking10. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan. Kia's value and technology-laden lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

Houston woman warns motorists of speed trap with sign, gets thrown in jail

 

This story is irritating on so many levels. It involves a dreaded police speed trap, a good samaritan warning motorists of the potential fine and a 12-hour stint in a Texas jail cell.

Houston-area resident Natalie Plummer, who was riding her bike on the way home from the grocery store, noticed that cops were pulling over speeders with what looked like a speed trap, so she decided to turn her bag into a make-shift warning sign. That sort of action seems to be covered by the Constitution, but Plummer was still arrested for allegedly standing in the street when there was a sidewalk present. For the record, Plummer tells KRTK that she never left the sidewalk, and she claims that the arresting offer threatened her with an arrest for obstructing justice, which is a felony offense.

KIA Motors Corporation : KIA NAMED BEST CAR MANUFACTURER BY WHICH?

 

KIA NAMED BEST CAR MANUFACTURER BY WHICH?

• Kia wins the title at its first attempt
• Which? Praise superb cars, value and market-leading seven year warranty
• Which? members rate Kia for satisfaction and reliability

Which? has named Kia as its Best car Manufacturer for 2012 in its annual awards, praising the company's "superb new range of cars" as well as the brand's excellent value for money and "industry-leading" seven year warranty.

Presenting the award, Which? Chief Executive, Peter Vicary-Smith said: "This is the first time Kia has made the short-list and to walk off with the title is a significant achievement."

He went on to praise Kia for being one of the top ranked brands in the 2012 Which? Car survey for both customer satisfaction and reliability. Kia beat off competition from BMW, Hyundai, Skoda and Toyota to take the prize.

Which? said in its commendation: "Kia's new Rio, Sorento and Picanto have all impressed in our Test Lab, while the new cee'd and Optima get the thumbs-up from our initial road tests. Compared to where it was just five years ago, we feel that Kia is the most improved car brand around."

Kia Motors (UK) Limited Managing Director Michael Cole said: "We are absolutely delighted to win this award - especially at the first attempt. It marks the culmination of several years of hard work by our designers, engineers and by our dealers who are as committed as we are to give our customers an outstanding buying and ownership experience. We see this as a great honour as Which? has a long history of championing the consumer and being remarkably thorough in its testing process."

Which? is the UK's biggest not-for-profit consumer organisation, now more than 50 years old, and has a strong record in recommending only thoroughly tested products to its more than one million subscriber base. It seeks to advise its subscribers and campaigns top improve safety and fairness.

2012 Kia Soul Ranked Highest in Initial Quality Study by J.D. Power and Associates

 

--Wildly Popular Urban Passenger Vehicle Earns Highest Honor in Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle Segment - Soul captures segment award in annual study of vehicle owners after receiving significant enhancements for the 2012 model year - Quality gains by the fastest-growing car company in the U.S.[1] outpace the industry

 

 

 

IRVINE, Calif., June 20, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- From breakthrough advertising to runaway sales success, the Kia Soul has made quite a splash since entering the marketplace in 2009, and today the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Initial Quality Study (IQS) ranked the popular urban passenger vehicle highest in initial quality in the compact multi-purpose vehicle segment. The study captures feedback from owners after 90 days of purchase in two distinct categories: quality of design and quality of production. Refreshed for the 2012 model year, the Kia Soul was fine-tuned with a significant number of technological, powertrain and style enhancements, and consumers have responded with sales up more than 22 percent through the first five months of the year.

"Kia Motors is dedicated to building world-class, high quality vehicles, and the Soul's recognition in the automotive industry's authoritative study on quality is the latest example of Kia's maturity and momentum in the U.S. market," said B.M. Ahn, group president and CEO, Kia Motors America (KMA) and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). "The Soul signaled the beginning of Kia's design-led transformation when it launched in 2009, and it continues to be one of our most popular vehicles, attracting new consumers to the Kia brand with its eye-catching design and outstanding record of quality, dependability and reliability and playing a vital role in Kia becoming the fastest-growing automotive brand in the U.S."

In the study, the Kia Soul was honored as the highest-ranking model in the compact multi-purpose vehicle segment, while the Kia brand made significant advancements with gains that outpaced the industry average. The annual report includes 233 vehicle models and measures attributes across eight categories, including the driving experience, engine and transmission, and a broad range of quality problem symptoms reported by vehicle owners.

About the 2012 SoulRefreshed for the 2012 model year, the Kia Soul has been fine-tuned with a significant number of technological, powertrain and style enhancements. The 2012 Soul delivers class-leading horsepower[2] and significantly improved fuel efficiency of up to 35 miles per gallon (mpg)[3] on the highway. Kia Motors' hatchback remains a class-leading value[4] with the lowest starting price of its competitive set at $13,900 MSRP[5].

Kia's Unprecedented GrowthKia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality[6] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[7]. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia - KMMG - is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. - the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan*. Kia's value and technology-laden lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors AmericaKia 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. 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 .

* Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

[1] Based on 5-year cumulative growth between 12-month retail sales for periods ending February 2007 and February 2012 of all U.S. automotive brands.

* Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

[2] Class-leading 164 horsepower claim for available 2.0L MPI engine based on comparison of 2012 (and available 2013 compact wagons) as of May 2012.

[3] 2012 EPA fuel economy estimates are 27 mpg/city and 35 mpg/hwy with standard 1.6L GDI engine. Actual mileage will vary.

[4] Based on comparisons to 2012 competitors as May 2012.

[5] Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRP excludes $750 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

[6] Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study.

[7] Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis.

SOURCE Kia Motors America

Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

People getting paid not to speed?

 

Parents know that sometimes the chance for reward is a more powerful child obedience method than the threat of penalty. "Clean your room or your grounded" can be less effective than, "Clean your room and we'll go get ice cream."

A recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study shows that when the stick is combined with the carrot, drivers behave much better. The study placed GPS trackers to measure speed in eight cars loaned to 50 different drivers for a week each. The drivers were told that, at the end of their week, if they kept their speed within the posted limits, they would be paid $25 each. Every time a driver went over the speed limit by five to eight mph, he would lose three cents. If the driver's speed exceeded nine or more ticks above the posted limit, he lost six cents.

If the drivers were caught speeding by the cops they got speeding tickets as usual.

Each time the car's ignition was switched off, drivers got a report showing how much their lead feet had reduced their rewards.

The results were promising, with one driver saying he had made a game out of trying to keep his $25. NHTSA officials involved in the study say insurance companies might be very interested in implementing the program for their customers.

"We found that the incentive system was incredibly effective in getting drivers to reduce their speeding," Ian Reagan, a traffic safety researcher at NHTSA tells NPR. "Egregious speed limit violations were almost eliminated – that's driving nine or more [miles per hour] over the speed limit."