Kia Master Technicians Vie For Skill National Cup Title

Kia University, the training arm of Kia Motors America (KMA), hosted the biennial Kia Skill National Cup competition at the company's headquarters in Irvine, Calif., to determine the top master-level technicians from each of the company's four regions (eastern, southern, central and western). The winning technicians on the national level will represent their respective dealerships and the U.S. at the Kia Skill World Cup, June 11-15 at the Chonan Technical Service Training Center in Seoul, South Korea. Kia's Skill Cup competitions encourage technicians to hone their technical skills to keep pace with the company's engineering advancements while promoting customer-care excellence and professional conduct.

"High-quality customer service begins with highly trained, professional technicians committed to diagnosing the root cause of any issues and making the necessary repairs on the first visit," said John Crowe, vice president, service and aftersale operations, KMA. "Skill Cup competitors represent the best Kia technicians from across the country and around the globe, and they set the standard by which all Kia technicians are measured."

To qualify for the competition, technicians are given a 50-question online test, which requires comprehensive knowledge of Kia's powertrain designs, electrical systems and onboard vehicle management software. Only the top four test-takers in each of the four regions are selected to participate in the National Skill Cup challenge, a hands-on contest, in which technicians are judged on their ability to accurately execute Kia's five-step diagnostic process and successfully repair vehicles within specified time limits. While focusing on several diagnostic areas, participants most notably demonstrated their troubleshooting skills with Kia's latest drivetrain technologies, including that of the popular Optima Hybrid. In addition, finalists were judged on customer service criteria such as professionalism, safety and clean-up.

Of the 16 national finalists, only four will travel to Korea to compete for the honor of Kia's top technician in the Kia Skill World Cup. They are Jason Powell, Fox Kia; Michael Schwartz, Kia of Lynchburg; Ken Winders, Gene Messer Kia; and Christopher Cooley, Salazar Kia. See below for the full results of the 2012 Kia Skill National Cup.

Central Region

1st Jason Powell, Fox Kia, Grand Rapids, Mich.

2nd Max Umbs, Dick Brantmeier Kia, Sheboygan, Wis.

3rd Tim Clark, Jeff Belzer's Kia, Lakeville, Minn.

4th William Barcklay, Montrose Kia, Sheffield, Ohio

Eastern Region

1st Michael Schwartz, Kia of Lynchburg, Lynchburg, Va.

2nd Robert Worman Jr., Lehighton Kia, Lehighton, Pa.

3rd Blair Vile, Steven Kia, Harrisonburg, Va.

4th Thomas Cinque, Auto World Kia, East Meadow, N.Y.

Southern Region

1st Ken Winders, Gene Messer Kia, Lubbock, Texas

2nd Eddie Miller, Grindstaff Kia of Johnson City, Johnson City, Tenn.

3rd Dean Dewitt, Bob Dance Kia, Merritt Island, Fla.

4th Tommy Latulipe, Rusty Wallace Kia of Knoxville, Knoxville, Tenn.

Western Region

1st Christopher Cooley, Salazar Kia, Avondale, Ariz.

2nd James Baker, Christopher Kia, Salt Lake, Salt Lake City

3rd Thomas Cruz, The Kia Depot, Santa Ana, Calif.

4th Robert Laursen, Larry H. Miller Kia Lakewood, Lakewood, Colo.

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[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 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.

Check out this great 2012 Kia Sportage we have available!

Kia Souls Dressed with Iconic Designer’s Signature Fashion Patterns

Kia is sponsoring a fashion exhibition taking place in Seoul, Korea this weekend titled “La Vie En Rose,” a French expression that literally translates to “life in pink,” but symbolically means “the good life” when everything is perfect. The exhibition pays tribute to Korea’s very first female fashion designer Nora Noh, who held her first fashion show in 1956. The retrospective event aims to honor Nora’s career milestones that helped her become one of Korea’s most iconic designers.

Nora Noh

Photo Credit: Park Ji Hyuk via Elle Magazine

 

As a part of the exhibition, several Kia Soul ‘Art Cars’ will be decorated with Nora Noh’s signature motifs, patterns and designs. Check out some of these artsy and stylish Souls below:

Pretty nice huh? We wish La Vie En Rose much success!

Auto Execs See Hyundai, Kia, VW and Audi As U.S. Winners

Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen and Audi have had hot hands lately in terms of strong vehicle introductions, rising brand strength, and market-share conquests in the United States. And in the view of executives at automakers and top-tier suppliers in the U.S. market, those four brands — and two companies — have the best chance of adding to their share gains in the next five years of any marques in the industry.

In fact, the consensus of the 200 executives interviewed recently by Booz & Co., the consulting firm, wasn't even close: 78 percent of them figured Hyundai and Kia, which are owned by the same Korean chaebol, was most likely to pick up share, and 72 percent of them tabbed VW and Audi, owned by Volkswagen AG.

The two companies were far ahead of all other automakers in the poll. Ford, with 38 percent; BMW/Mini, 31 percent; Toyota/Lexus and Chrysler/Dodge/Fiat, 28 percent, were the next finishers.

"Both [companies] are rising from relatively small positions, so the responses didn't really surprise us; the only way they could really go is up," Scott Corwin, New York-based partner for Booz, told brandchannel. "Whereas you saw after the tsunami, the Japanese manufacturers were in a spot where they had to defend their positions."

Booz's survey captured a "snapshot in time," Corwin allowed, rather than a sober-minded analysis of future prospects of brands. In that sense, it likely strongly reflected executives' opinions based on the recent past of auto brands more than a hard reflection on future prospects.

That's why heady hopes for the four leading brands weren't much of a surprise; each has gobbled up share lately from other brands, especially the vulnerable Japanese — but, lately, Ford and GM as well.

One poor showing especially surprised Corwin, however: Nissan's. It finished second-to-last in execs' prognostications about share growth, with only 13 percent believing that Nissan is likely to acquire U.S. share in the next five years.

"They've done an unbelievable job of refreshing their product portfolio," Corwin said.

Booz's survey — which also included executives' responses to a range of other questions — didn't ask last year about market share. But with a string of new-product introductions this year beginning with the new Altima, recently touted at the New York International Auto Show, Nissan is likely to show up much better in next year's snapshot.

Kia Rio, 2012: Sleek, improved mpg, efficient sedan/hatchback

The 2011 Kia Rio looked plain, but was fairly lively, economical and backed with a long warranty. You either bought it — or maybe a used car.

The redone 2012 model has slicker, European-inspired styling, more power, a better automatic transmission and improved fuel economy — besides keeping Kia’s 10-year/100,00-mile powertrain warranty.

The front-wheel-drive Rio comes in base LX, mid-range EX and top-line SX trim. It’s sold as a sedan or hatchback. List prices range from $13,400 to $17.700, excluding a $750 destination charge.

Standard for the LX are air conditioning, AM/FM stereo, CD Player, satellite radio, adjustable steering wheel with audio controls and large power mirrors.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard in the LX sedan and hatchback, but you can get both versions with a new six-speed automatic for $14,500 (sedan) or $14,700 (hatchback).

The EX adds the automatic transmission as standard, besides power windows and door locks with keyless entry.

The sporty SX has cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, leather-wrapped wheel, lower-profile tires on larger (17-inch) wheels, suspension enhancements, a back-up camera and power mirrors with turn signal indicators.

Rio safety items include lots of air bags and all-disc brakes.

The 2011 Rio had 110 horsepower and a dated four-speed automatic transmission. But all 2012 versions have a 138-horsepower direct-injection 1.6-liter four-cylinder with dual overhead camshafts and 16 valves.

The new Rio’s more modern six-speed automatic works efficiently and has an easily used manual-shift feature.

Estimated fuel economy for this new Kia is impressive: 30 miles per gallon in the city, 40 mpg on highways.

The engine is noisy when revved high for the best acceleration, but quickly propels the car from 65-75 mph on highways. Merging into fast freeway traffic is no problem. Cruising is effortless, with little wind or road noise.

The steering is quick, with good road feel, and the Rio has agile handling. (The SX is the best handler partly because it has thicker anti-sway bars.) The ride is compliant, and the brake pedal has a soft feel, but a progressive action.

Traction control, electronic stability control and a vehicle stability management system also helped keep my test Rio on course.

There is a variety of option packages. My test car had the $2,200 Premium package. It  contains such popular features as a power tilt/slide sunroof, navigation system, push-button start, leather seat trim and heated front seats. 

I tested the $17,500 SX sedan, which costs $17,700 in hatchback form. It has a large trunk for a subcompact car, and rear seatbacks flip forward and sit flat for more cargo room. However, the pass-through opening between the trunk and backseat area is only moderately large.

The trunk opening is wide, but rather high for the quickest loading. Curiously, the trunk lid has no interior grip to help close it without getting hands dirty on outside sheet metal.

The Rio has large door handles, inside and out, and wide door openings to allow easy entry and exit. Front seats offer good lateral support, and there’s decent room in back for two 6-footers.

The interior is quiet, but has a lot of average-looking plastic. The backlit gauges can be quickly read, even in bright sunlight. Climate controls are large. Although, smaller, radio controls are easy to use, and all controls are within convenient reach. Front cupholders are nicely placed, but the small-but-deep center console bin is set far back.

Front doors have pockets and rear ones have beverage holders. The glovebox is unusually large.

The outside hood release is easy to find and use, without groping for it and bruising fingers, and the padded hood is held up with a short rod.

The Kia Rio fits nicely in the growing entry level small-car market, which has become increasingly competitive.

Pros: Sexier styling. Quick. Fuel-thrifty. Roomy. Sure handling. Compliant ride. Two body styles.

Cons: Lots of interior plastic. Rather high truck sill. Limited manual transmission availability.

Bottom line: The Rio offers a six-speed automatic transmission, which is unusual for the subcompact class besides advanced features such as direct fuel injection.

Total Car Score Names 2012 Kia Forte To "Top Cars For College Grads" List

Total Car Score (www.totalcarscore.com), one of the most comprehensive automotive ranking and comparison websites, has named the 2012 Forte sedan and hatchback to its "Top Cars for College Grads" list.  This roster of over-achieving compact cars was released on the cusp of graduation season, as new college grads – along with their parents – look to purchase vehicles that are reliable and cost-conscious, while also considering factors including safety, fuel-efficiency, comfort and performance.  Beyond praise for its styling, spaciousness, technology and interior materials, the 2012 Forte was found to be the most affordable vehicle among the cars selected.

"Forte's achievement of being named to Total Car Score's 'Top Cars for College Grads' list is validation that its low cost and abundance of smart, youthful characteristics make it a natural fit for young adults who are about to enter the professional world," said Orth Hedrick, director of product planning, Kia Motors America.  "Furthermore, as the automotive marketplace becomes increasingly competitive with higher-quality cars, the Kia Forte is poised to succeed as one of the most well-built, well-equipped cars in its class."

The Wallup in Puyallup is this weekend!

Come check out a HUGE selection of cars this weekend at the fairgrounds! You'll find great deals on a number of cars. All eleven of the dealers bring 1,500 new and used vehicles of every sort and

every price range to the Blue Lot of the Puyallup Fairgrounds in May and August.

You'll find row after row of great vehicles to pick from, and low prices and great savings for you!