KIA RACING CHASES BACK-TO-BACK WINS AT BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK IN ROUND TWO OF THE CONTINENTAL TIRE SPORTS CAR CHALLENGE

Kia Racing and Kinetic Motorsports return to Barber Motorsports Park for round two of the 2012 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC) aiming for back-to-back wins at the beautiful, purpose-built road course carved into the hills outside Birmingham, Ala. Coming off a thrilling race and photo finish at Daytona in January, the team is optimistic about the Koups' chances to once again stand tall on the podium at Barber.

"We are really looking forward to going back to Barber where we had our first GRAND-AM win with Kia last year," said Jönsson. "Both Forte Koups should be very strong in Birmingham, and following the racing debut of the new Kia Optimas last weekend in St. Petersburg, which resulted in two top-ten finishes in our first World Challenge series event, the entire crew is energized to return to Barber and take the next step in defending our 2011 Team and Driver championships."

Something else to watch for this weekend: Andy Lally has a chance to make motorsports history at Barber by becoming the first driver with 100-career GRAND-AM podium finishes. Following his most recent CTSCC podium with Kia and his Rolex series victory in the 24 Hours of Daytona, Lally has climbed the podium 98 times in his decorated GRAND-AM road racing career. At Barber, Lally will again be doing double duty, co-driving the No. 10 Infinity Audio Kia Forte Koup with Jönsson and piloting a GT-class Porsche in the Rolex series.

Last year, joined by co-driver Michael Galati, Nic Jönsson and the No. 10 Forte Koup dominated the CTSCC round at Barber much to the delight of a large contingent of team members from Kia's nearby manufacturing plant – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). Jönsson and Lally visited KMMG on Tuesday, March 27 to talk about Kia's expanding motorsports program and sign autographs as the team made final preparations for Barber.

"Returning to Barber feels a lot like coming home for Kia Racing," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "With our U.S. assembly plant just down the road in West Point, Ga., our strong dealer body in the area and Kinetic's home base nearby, we are looking forward to seeing a lot of Kia Racing fans at the track and hoping to give them another great show by repeating last year's historic performance."

Round two of the CTSCC at Barber Motorsports Park starts Saturday, March 31 at 5 p.m. ET. Kia Racing fans can check out live race status updates, photos and videos at www.facebook.com/kiaracing. Televised coverage of the race begins at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 8 on SPEED.

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"This is our 6 th kia to buy over the years. We always have great service and help everytime we go in.Evrey person there is helpful and friendly."-pauliewog

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Kia Rio tops Consumer Reports ratings of subcompacts

Consumer Reports rates the Kia Rio the top subcompact sedan, ahead of the Hyundai Accent and Chevrolet Sonic, in its road tests released Thursday.

CR test drivers praised the redesigned Rio for its nimble handling, smooth transmission and relatively low level of noise for a subcompact. The magazine also cited the Hyundai Elantra for top MPG and the Chevrolet Sonic for comfortable ride and good handling, but ranked them just below the Rio. The full results appear in the May issue or, for subscribers, online at the Consumer Reports web site.

The overall tests showed how much subcompacts have improved recently as auto makers work to meet consumer demand and federal regulations for higher gas mileage. "Subcompact cars were once collectively known as penalty boxes for their noisiness, rudimentary interiors, uncomfortable rides and weak performance," notes David Champion, head of the CR auto test center. "But now improved redesigns, combined with an affordable price and impressive fuel economy, make a number of subcompacts good choices for people looking to stretch their budget."

The one redesign that failed to impress the test drivers was the 2012 Nissan Versa sedan. The Versa dropped from the top of the rankings last year to the bottom with the new model. Toyota Yaris also continued its perennially low score in these subcompact tests.

For Korean auto maker Kia, the strong Rio rating comes on top of recent sales success. Kia sales in February were up 37% over a year earlier following a 36% gain for all of 2011.

 

Source:CBSNews

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Kia Motors America and LPGA Star Michelle Wie Donate $50,000 to Camp Pendleton's Armed Services YMCA Operation Hero Program

On the eve of the third annual Kia Classic Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) golf tournament at La Costa Resort and Spa, Kia Motors America (KMA) and two-time LPGA winner Michelle Wie paired up today to donate $50,000 to Operation Hero, one of the keystone programs of the nearby Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA).  The funds, which are intended to help Operation Hero maintain staff and provide equipment and supplies to more than 375 kindergarten and elementary students at Camp Pendleton, commemorate Michelle Wie's graduation from Stanford University. Operation Hero provides free mentoring and tutoring to at-risk elementary-aged children of military families living at Camp Pendleton, which is home to more than 100,000 men and women of the armed forces and their families.

 

"As a Southern California-based company and one of the fastest growing auto brands in the U.S., Kia Motors is deeply committed to supporting the local communities in which we do business," said Tom Loveless, vice president, sales, KMA.  "Operation Hope delivers much needed services and assistance to the children of our military service men and women and it is our privilege to make a contribution in partnership with Michelle Wie and celebrate her college graduation in a special and meaningful way."

"Our after school program, Operation Hero, is our most critical program for the young military children attending the five elementary schools on Camp Pendleton," said George Brown, Executive Director, Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA.  "While reducing their stress levels, the program provides the children skills to be successful socially and academically at both home and school." 

The donation comes prior to Michelle Wie's participation in the third annual Kia Classic, from March 19-25 at La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif., in which a strong field of the LPGA players from around the world will compete for a $1.7 million purse with the winner taking home a first-place check for $255,000 and one of the first range-topping Optima Limited sedans[1] to roll off the production line at Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth

Kia Motors is the 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[2] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[3].  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 the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan[4].  Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year 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, all-new Rio and Rio5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA

The Armed Services YMCA at Camp Pendleton has served the military community since 1943 with programs and services enhancing their lives with a focus towards the junior enlisted ranks by reducing deployment stress, improving their quality of life, strengthening families, and making military life easier for over 58,000 active duty and family members each year.

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."  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.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/03/21/4356720/kia-motors-america-and-lpga-star.htm...

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"I had a 2007 Sedona that I had serviced at Kia of Puyallup ever since I bought it. The service department is wonderful. They treated me as a person and not a number. I just traded it in for a new Sorrento. The sales team, Zach and Tyler, were very helpful and although it took time, they found me the car I wanted, including the color. I do agree with Alex below that the last car wash was a big disappointment. Yes, car washes for life but this last one was not worth it. The car was dripping wet, not dried off and no vacuuming done whatsoever. I know it was a busy Monday but I feel they should have taken more time and pride in their work. As far as the sale of the car went, the loan officer was real nice and he did get us a good interest rate. What I am rather upset about is that my “request for credit” was sent out “freely” to many banks and credit unions without my knowledge or my signature. This hurt my credit score. The “denied credit” letters all said the same thing, “too many inquiries”. Over all, I would recommend buying a car here as my daughter and also a friend did. I have some new defects with this new car, which goes along with anything new. I hope I will not have any problem with Kia standing up to their reputation and repairing and fixing the problem. Thank you Kia for great teamwork!"-Sherri

"Bought my 2011 Sportage from Richard Purdy in January, 2011. He was a pleasure to do business with and even drove my new car to our house for me. It is now a little over a year later and I still love my Sportage. The gas mileage is great, the performace is all that I could ask for and it still looks as good as when it became ours. One very happy KIA owner here."-Tom S.

"We are a two Kia family and couldn't be happier. Clin our sales person is outstanding. Super friendly and the highest level of product knowledge. He is there after the sale too by greeting you when he sees you in the service department. The service department is clean and modern and the service departement people are top notch. I use the free car wash for life service often too."-Craig

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"I just purchased my second Kia Soul from Zach Pappuleas and am very pleased with it. He was instrumental in the purchase of my first Soul back in 2009 and found me exactly what I was looking for this time around as well. The service department has always treated me very well and taken excellent care of my car.'-David W.

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ichelle Wie returns in her Molten red Kia Soul for a little target practice.

Kia Motors Posts Largest Gains in Fuel Economy and CO2 Reduction Among All Automakers in the U.S. According to 2011 EPA Fuel Economy Trends Report

In its commitment to produce sustainable and fuel-efficient vehicles, Kia Motors America (KMA) has "had the biggest improvement in adjusted CO2 and fuel economy performance from MY 2009 to MY 2010" of any automaker, according to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) latest fuel economy trends report titled, "Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 Through 2011." Kia's fuel economy gain from 2009 to 2010 was 11.6 percent, while its reduction in CO2 emissions was 10.1 percent, beating all other major manufacturers by considerable margins based on the EPA's most recent data. In addition, the report shows Kia as tied for the highest Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) at 27.0 miles-per-gallon for MY 2010. Kia is ranked number two for MY 2010 CO2 values, ahead of traditional leaders such as Honda and Toyota.

"As an industry leader in fuel economy, Kia is committed to providing safe, high-quality vehicles that are socially relevant to consumers," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "Our goal is to stay ahead of the industry by applying innovative technologies such as direct-injection and turbocharged engines to advance our efforts and continue improving on the benchmarks Kia has set in the sustainability realm."

Kia Motors' EcoDynamics philosophy has created a global alternative fuel and powertrain research program to develop advanced fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies. In 2011, Kia introduced the brand's first-ever hybrid vehicle in the U.S., and the 2013 Rio and Rio 5-door will be the first vehicles in the subcompact segment to offer fuel-saving Idle Stop and Go technology.

The EPA report summarizes key trends in CO2 emissions and fuel economy for gasoline- and diesel-fueled personal vehicles sold in the United States, beginning MY 1975. Overall, the automotive industry's fleetwide average real world MY 2010 CO2 emissions and fuel economy have marked slight improvements over MY 2009 and the most favorable levels since this analysis began in 1975.

To review the EPA's full 2011 fuel economy trends report, please visit www.epa.gov/otaq/fetrends.htm .

Kia's Unprecedented Growth

Kia Motors is the 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[1] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[2]. 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 the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. - the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan[3]. Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year 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, all-new Rio and Rio5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

 

Thanks Deborah for writing to us! We appreciate it!

"We love the Puyallup Kia service department!  Every time we bring our Soul in, we are greeted and our car is promptly taken care of.  Their waiting room is awesome -- free coffee, tea and vending machines.  Comfortable chairs and a flat screen TV to pass the time.  Our car is finished within the anticipated wait time and we've been given updates while we wait.  Everyone is friendly and we couldn't be more pleased!"-Deborah S

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"Tammy was great! Very freindly and helpful. The gentleman who performed the service sat in the vehicle and explained everything I had a question about, even though some of my questions were about extremely trivial items. Thank you!"-PBest

Kia Motors America Announces Kia Classic Winner to Receive New Range-topping Optima Limited

The third annual Kia Classic, from March 19-25, is attracting a strong field of LPGA players who will compete for a $1.7 million purse with the winner taking home a first-place check for $255,000 and one of the first range-topping 2012 Optima Limited midsize sedans to roll off the production line at Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia.

"Kia is one of the fastest growing auto brands in the U.S., 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, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "We are pleased to offer an enhanced prize package for the winner of this year's Kia Classic. The Optima Limited is Kia's most refined and premium product offering to date, and we are excited to showcase the vehicle to golf fans at the Kia Classic and reward some of the tour's best players for their outstanding performances."

In addition to the Kia Classic winner, Kia will honor the outstanding achievements of LPGA players this season by presenting the winners of the Kia Performance Award with an Optima Limited. The awards, which will be presented at the CME Group Titleholders event in November, include:

Kia Power Drive - Awarded to the player with the longest average driving distance Kia Drive to the Top - Awarded to the player with the most Top 10 finishes Kia Most Compelling Performance - Recognizing a player with exceptional performances throughout the year; this award is chosen by fans through an online vote Kia Community Assist - Recognizing a player who makes exceptional contributions to charity organizations or community programs

Following strong event-attendance and TV-ratings growth in the tournament's second year, Kia signed on as the "Official Automaker of the LPGA." Kia also serves as the "Official Tournament Vehicle" of eight LPGA events.

New 2012 Optima LimitedProduced at Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia[1], the new 2012 Optima Limited is motivated by a 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine delivering a class-leading 274 horsepower[2] and achieving 22/34 mpg[3] (city/hwy). Offered exclusively in Ebony Black, Snow White Pearl and Titanium Metallic exterior colors, the Optima Limited is equipped with sporty red front brake calipers and uniquely designed 18-inch chrome wheels. Other premium-level features include LED daytime running lights, chrome-accented rear spoiler and lower door sills. Interior appointments and amenities include rich wood trim, high-grade Nappa leather seats, a panoramic sunroof and an Infinity®[4] audio system.

Kia's Unprecedented GrowthKia Motors is the 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[5] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[6]. 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 the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. - the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan[7]. Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year 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, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

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Is Kia's new Cee'd the look of next-gen Forte for U.S.?

Kia showed off at Geneva today the second generation of the only car in the world with an apostrophe in its name -- Kia's European, oddly named Cee'd compact. The Cee'd is Euro-only, but is sold in modified form in the U.S. and elsewhere as the Forte.

Unveiled were a five-door hatchback model and a wagon model, both of which will go on sale in Europe later this year.

 

Kia said full details will come later, but said the Cee'd will offer Kia's new Gamma 1.6-liter, 135-horsepower direct-injection four in Europe, as well as a 1.4-liter gas engine and two diesels.

The 1.6 will be mated to a new, Kia-developed dual clutch automatic designed for more mpg's. Kia claims a 4% fuel-efficiency gain across the engine lineup.

The new model is a little longer and lower and swoopier than its predecessor, and Kia says it will have an upgraded interior and electronics.

 

Source: USAToday

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Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia Produces 500,000th Vehicle

This morning, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) celebrated production of the 500,000th vehicle at the West Point, Ga. automobile manufacturing facility.

KMMG began mass production of the Kia Sorento CUV on Nov. 16, 2009, a vehicle that quickly became the brand's best-selling product in the U.S. Then, on Sept. 2, 2011, KMMG began production of the Kia Optima mid-size sedan, a vehicle that led the brand's U.S. sales in December 2011 and January.

Since opening, KMMG has added two additional shifts of production with more than 3,000 team members hired by the plant to date. In 2011, KMMG completed a $100 million expansion that pushed the plant's total capacity to 360,000 units per year.

"Building 500,000 vehicles in just over two years is quite a milestone for our first U.S. manufacturing plant to accomplish," said Byung Mo Ahn, Group President and CEO for Kia Motors America and KMMG. "The commitment from each one of our team members is a big reason we've been able to achieve 17 consecutive months of record sales. Their dedication to building world class, high quality vehicles is apparent in each vehicle we produce."

Vehicle number 500,000 was a snow white pearl Optima SX and will now be allocated to one of KMA's more than 755 dealerships nationwide.

About Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia
Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) is the first manufacturing site in North America for Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, Korea. KMMG is located on 2,200 acres in West Point, Georgia, and began mass production on Nov. 16, 2009. KMMG is home to the 2012 Sorento CUV and the 2012 Optima mid-size sedan, two of the brand's top selling models in 2011. Beginning in 2012, the plant has the ability to build 360,000 vehicles annually from U.S. and globally-sourced parts.