Kia to add stores, weighs luxury model for U.S.

Kia Motors America plans to add about a half-dozen stores this year and likely will add more later to keep pace with its U.S. growth, the brand's top sales executive told dealers last week.

The Korean automaker also is taking a hard look at bringing its flagship K9 sedan to the U.S. market to bolster the brand's lineup on the premium end, said Tom Loveless, Kia's vice president of sales, speaking at the American International Automobile Dealers Association meeting here.

"The K9 is certainly a possibility," Loveless said. "It's probably not going to happen in the next 12 months. But it's something we're looking long and hard at."

As Kia seeks to increase its U.S. business, the brand will have to expand into new segments, he said, and the K9 could help fill a gap in the marketplace for premium cars priced in the $40,000 to $50,000 range.

"If you look at the graph of all the cars that are bought in the United States, it kind of drops off like a cliff when you get past $40,000," Loveless said. "And from $50,000 and beyond there is a bubble again, which is the traditional luxury brands."

Kia has no major launches planned this year, but its U.S. sales were up 22 percent through April to 185,610 vehicles. In 2011, Kia sold 485,492 vehicles, a 36 percent increase over 2010.

Loveless said Kia expects May to be another record-breaking sales month -- its 21st consecutive one. But planning for such growth has been a challenge, he added.

The company is building vehicles at capacity, Loveless said, and it is still struggling to keep them in stock. To add volume, Kia invested $100 million last year to expand capacity at its West Point, Ga., plant to 360,000 units a year, up from 300,000. Earlier this year, Kia pledged to get its dealers 100,000 more vehicles this year.

When asked whether Kia's dealers are profitable, Loveless responded with a definite yes. But the brand also needs more stores, he added.

The brand has about 760 dealerships now, but if U.S. industry sales continue to climb, Loveless said "we're probably a dealer network of about 800."

Even with Kia vehicles in short supply, the brand plans to add about a half-dozen stores this year across the country. Loveless declined to say where exactly but said there are markets such as the Los Angeles area that could use more stores.

He said: "There are some strategic markets where it makes sense."

Courtesy of Auto News

Lighten up your key chain

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Does your car key share a chain with a dozen or more other keys? That’s a pretty heavy load hanging off the car key when it’s in the ignition.The weight, combined with bouncing while you drive, can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition and eventually lead to ignition switch failure.To add years of service to your ignition switch, purchase a lightweight key chain that allows you to separate your ignition key from the others. Drive with only the ignition key in your ignition. If your ignition key “sticks” when you try to turn on the car, it’s a warning that your ignition switch is about to fail. Replace it before you get stranded.

2012 Kia Performance Zone NBA Nation

They may be half the size of Blake Griffin, but they are 100% excited to take their picture with him. Check out the Kia Performance Zone NBA Nation presented by Sprint this weekend May 26-27 at the San Francisco Carnaval.

Thank you for writing us this great review on Yelp, Mark!

"I had to get my sister a new car and was not having much luck. I went to Kia of Canton and found the car I wanted at the price I wanted. Thanks Bruce"  -Mark

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Kia Rio Zip and Dash to LA with Christina Milian

Watch two teams compete to meet Christina Milian in a geocache challenge across Los Angeles in the 2012 Kia Rio 5-Door! The Bluetooth system and USB input jack help them to discover clues and unlock codes to find their way from The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round, Amoeba Records, Rodeo Drive, Pink's Hot Dogs, and to the final destination - The Roosevelt Hotel!

The importance of wheel size to CO2 emissions

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Next Kia Sorento caught on the 'Ring

Last year, the Kia Sorento took the honor of being the best-selling vehicle in the Korean automaker's stable. That pace has slowed somewhat in 2012, as both the Soul and the Optima push past the CUV for sales dominance, but the company's engineers are already hard at work on the next Sorento facelift.

Our spy photographers spotted the heavily camouflaged version of the tweaked crossover prancing around the Nürburgring. This is the second time we've seen the machine out in open air. As you may recall, the Sorento was last spotted romping around in the snow along with a few friends, including an Audi Q5 and a Mercedes-Benz GLK.

With those kinds of benchmarks, there's a good possibility the next-generation Sorento will offer significant improvements in ride and interior refinement. Word has it the next revision will also bring along a fresh fascia, complete with LED headlights, as well as a freshened rear valance with LED treatments of its own.

 

Courtesy of Autoblog

Rio "On the Outside"

Hey fans! Introducing the all-new 2012 Kia Rio. Packed with so many features, every car should be so lucky. Be sure to stop in and check it out!

Ditch the junk in your trunk

Hey fans! Here's a useful auto tip to help you maximize how far you get on a tank of gas. Clean out your car. The more you haul, the more fuel you burn. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your mpg by up to 2%.

2012 Kia Rio 4dr Sdn Auto LX

Thinking about getting a new car this summer? Kia is one of the most trusted brands in the auto industry. This month, we have some great deals happening this month. One featured vehicle is the all new Kia Rio.

Kia partners with Wounded Warrior Project to give back to wounded Iraq veteran

Kia has partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project, a national organization that is dedicated to raising awareness for wounded service members. Kia provided a 2012 Kia Soul hatchback to United States Army Corporal Christopher Melendez, who was injured while serving in Iraq.

How do you shoot your clay pigeons?

Michelle Wie returns in her Molten red Kia Soul for a little target practice. Watch her pick clay targets out of the sky using a golf club and golf ball, as well-to-do hunters and their dogs look on in amazement.

Don't touch the glass when changing headlight bulbs

Most headlight bulbs now are filled with halogen and have special coatings on the outside of the glass. If you pick the bulb up by the glass with your fingers, you will leave trace amounts of oil and grease on the glass. When the bulb is used, that area of the glass will get hotter than the rest and it will eventually cause the bulb to crack. When changing headlight bulbs, only hold the metal bulb holder at the base, or make sure you're wearing rubber surgical / mechanic's gloves (clean ones) if you're touching the glass.

Courtesy of Car Bibles

Kia Places More Vehicles on NADAguides' "Most Versatile 2012 New Cars Under $20K" List Than Any Other Automaker

On the heels of achieving 20 consecutive months of year-over-year sales growth, Kia Motors America (KMA) has been recognized by NADAguides, a leading provider of vehicle pricing and information, by having three of its vehicles - Rio 5-Door SX, Forte SX and Soul + -- named to the publication's "Most Versatile 2012 New Cars Under $20K" list. Kia placed more vehicles than any other automaker on the top ten list, which is intended for new car shoppers in the market to find fuel-efficient vehicles that are feature-rich and highly-versatile for the needs of everyday driving while also being budget-friendly.

"Having three of our vehicles named to NADAguides' 'Most Versatile 2012 New Cars Under $20K' list validates how far our brand has come in terms of quality, packaging and features development in such a short period of time," said Orth Hedrick, director of product planning, KMA. "With the presence and eye-catching style of Rio, Forte and Soul, Kia's complete vehicle line is comprised of a wide breadth of capable offerings at very affordable price points."

The NADAguides' vehicle selections were based upon specific versatility criteria important to automotive consumers including cargo space, passenger capacity (specifically third row seating), legroom and all-wheel drive capabilities. Also factored into consideration were each vehicle's standard and optional equipment, creature comforts and unique amenities. In handing out the honors, NADAguides' analysts called the Kia Rio 5-door a value-packed subcompact with class-leading horsepower[2] and described the Kia Forte as having a robust powertrain, excellent fuel economy and a long list of standard convenience features. The award-winning Kia Soul was lauded for its unique styling and technology enhancements, among other characteristics.

"Rising energy prices and economic concerns have instilled a greater sense of frugality in today's car shopper," asserted Troy Snyder, director of product development at NADAguides. "However, young professionals, families and empty nesters alike still need transportation that will support a wide variety of lifestyle activities and something beyond just going from point A to B in the most inexpensive manner possible. What has been compiled by NADAguides is our recommendation for those budget-minded car shoppers that want a little of everything from features and fuel efficiency to versatility and value."

 

Courtesy of Google News

Buy vs Lease?

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2013 Kia Sorento "Love Story"