Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
The Kia Rio then and Now – A Design Evolution
Sit down, buckle up and let’s take a trip down memory lane to explore a magical makeover story that would make Oprah Winfrey cry (well maybe not Oprah). Today on Kia Buzz, we’re going to outline the design evolution of the Kia Rio and how it went from an ordinary subcompact to a top selling vehicle that has won multiple prestigious design awards.
1987 (Pride)
The Rio’s origin dates back to an earlier model which was known as the Kia Pride in 1987. This mini hatchback was sold in Korea from 1987-1997 and was a joint project between Kia, Ford and Mazda. It was sold in the US as the Ford Festiva.
1994 (Avella)
The Pride became the Kia Avella in domestic Korea and was sold as the Ford Aspire in the US. All Avellas came standard with 13 inch wheels, a four-speaker stereo, heated rear glass, anti-lock brakes (ABS), driver’s side airbag, and door impact beams. It was also the first South Korean car in its class to offer dual airbags and ABS-brakes.
1999 (Rio)
The Avella was discontinued in 1999 and both it and the Pride (first generation Ford Festiva) were transformed to the Kia Rio (except it still goes by Pride in Korea). The Rio was now available in both hatchback and 4-door sedan body styles and featured a 96 horsepower, 1.5-litre DOHC 14 gasoline engine from 2001-2002.
Yes, these name changes might be confusing, but simply think of it as the classic tomato saying, “You say ‘tomayto,’ I say ‘tomahto.’Sometimes a car model goes by different names in various markets and regions.
2002
A few years later, the Rio received a slight redesign with new exterior and interior styling along with engine, suspension and brake upgrades.
2006
A fairy godmother transformed Cinderella’s pumpkin into a stunning horse carriage, and in a similar fashion, bringing Peter Schreyer on board as Kia’s Chief Designer Officer was indeed magical. He dramatically introduced new design improvements and our engineers were inspired to match looks with performance with a 110 horsepower 1.6-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine.
In 2010 the Rio embraced Kia’s distinctive tiger nose grille and added some modern and high-tech features such as Bluetooth hands-free phone operation and a new gauge cluster.
2011 – Present
And after 25 years of enhanced design, performance, safety, features and fuel efficiency – we arrive at the present day All-New Rio. It has both style and performance with a choices of 1.2 and 1.4 GDI engines, multiple trims, colors and options to meet the needs of drivers from all walks of life. Talk about the power to surprise!
Courtesy of Kia Buzz
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Kia Leads Environment Friendly Program!
EcoDynamics is a new sub-brand that Kia Motors created to distinguish its models that have low fuel consumption and emissions. The Forte LPi - a natural gas vehicle - was the first car to get this badge in 2009 and the company continues to add to the roster of EcoDynamics cars. Around the world these include the Rio, Picanto, Venga and cee’d, as well as hybrid models of the Forte and K5 (Optima) sold in some markets. Environmental blog Inhabitat praised the Optima Hybrid as “an unexpected option for green drivers,” saying:
Our runs in the Optima Hybrid averaged nearly 40 miles per gallon--hardly what you would get from the mild hybrid we were expecting--and a friend even commented that the style had hints of Aston Martin. That's pretty high praise, but come along with us for a little ride to find out why the Kia Optima Hybrid surpassed nearly all our expectations and makes our list of decent options for green drivers.
Electric Vehicle (EV)
With the POP concept vehicle Kia is showing how serious serious it is about brining a fully electric car to the market. The company has been exporling electric vehicles and developing the necessary batter technology for two decades.
Courtesy of Advanced Technology Korea
Friday, March 23, 2012
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.
Courtesy of Kia Motors America
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Kia Looking into Sporty Rio Turbo
While at the Geneva Motor Show, Australian publication CarAdvice spoke to Kia’s European head of powertrain development, Joachim Hahn, who talked about the need for a hot Rio. “Yes we should look at turbo engines in Rio. We already produce turbocharged engines and what we will bring out in Kia within the next 12 months is a European turbocharged GDi engine,” Hahn says. But Kia needs to build the sporty pro_cee’d hatch/coupe first. This is rumored to get the same 1.6-liter T-GDi engine as the Veloster Turbo, though guessing outputs is impossible at the moment. The aforementioned car has famously been detuned for the European market to just over 180 hp, and if they go any lower than this, the Rio won’t have any sportiness left to take on the VW Polo GTI. The current engine range for the all-new fourth-generation Rio includes the 1.1-liter three-cylinder turbodiesel with stop-start, as well as 1.25-liter and 1.4-liter petrol units.
Courtesy of Autoevoltuion
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
2012 Kia Soul Clay Pigeons Video
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.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Watch the First Pilot Episode of Kia TV
We’ve launched the first episode of Kia TV, an online video magazine covering the latest Kia news such as launch events, brand news, social responsibility efforts, sponsorships and more.
Our first pilot episode features the “First Unveiling of All-new cee’d” at our media lounge event held at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. It gives you a nice glimpse of the event and highlights some interviews with our product managers and lead designer – Check it out!
Courtesy of Kia Buzz
Monday, March 19, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
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..
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.
SOURCE Kia Motors America
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Here's A Tip To Extend the Life of Your Car
Park in the shade
Of course, a garage is always the ideal place to park your car. But if one isn’t available, minimize interior damage from UV sunlight and heat by always trying to park your car in the shade. If no shade is available or if you find parking under a tree results in bird droppings, use a car shade to minimize the sun’s impact. As a bonus, you’ll have a cooler car to step into on hot sunny days. Car shades come in two basic types: those that you unfold and place on the front windshield and rear window, or pleated types that attach to the windshield posts (with adhesive), window frames (with Velcro), or the windows themselves (with suction cups).
Kia Rio and Picanto Win Red Dot Design Awards
Kia's design team led by former Audi designer Peter Schreyer continue to strive, as two of their latest models win top awards in the 2012 red dot design competition. The cars in question are the latest incarnations of the Picanto and Rio, both small city hatchbacks available in the European market. Kia has come a long way in design in recent years.
These awards bring Kia’s total red dot wards to six, with the Soul winning in 2009, Venga in 2010, and both Sportage and Optima claiming top spots in 2011. Optima was also named ‘best of the best’ in 2011 for its groundbreaking design. And you have to take into account that American models, such as the Koup have never been included in the competition, otherwise it could have been seven awards for Kia.
For those of you who don’t know, red dot award is held by Design Centre of North Rhine-Westphalia since 1955 and is one of the most coveted design contests in the world. Kia’s A-segment Picanto and B-segment Rio were both winners in red dot’s ‘Product Design’ category, competing against 4,500 products entered by 1,800 manufacturers from 58 countries.
“We are very proud of the red dot awards for the Picanto and the Rio,” comments Kia’s Chief Officer Peter Schreyer. “They are a great tribute to our entire global design team, because all three Kia design centres were involved in the development of both vehicles. I am particularly happy about this thoroughly creative and successful collaboration between our teams in Korea, Europe and America.”
Courtesy of Motarward
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Kia Optima Dunks Over Blake Griffin
An expert dunkologist tests the theory that if Blake Griffin can dunk over a Kia, a Kia can dunk over Blake Griffin.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Kia Motors' "Kia Rio Windows Down" Playlist on Spotify Gains Momentum as Facebook Users Submit Their Favorite Songs
In an automotive first, Kia Motors America (KMA) and music-loving Facebook users are creating a one-of-a-kind online playlist, titled "Kia Rio Windows Down," through Spotify, the award-winning digital music service that embraces sharing music and hearing tracks instantly by hitting play on any music post or posting tracks on Facebook and Twitter. Since the submission period began on the Kia Rio Facebook page in February, more than 1,100 songs have been submitted for inclusion on the playlist on Spotify, with song selections totaling 15 hours of music and an average of 24 minutes of time spent per user listening to the playlist, which provides an environment for users to listen, discover, and share the unique playlist with their friends. To create the perfect playlist for a joyride in the all-new Kia Rio subcompact, songs from Spotify's library of more than 15 million tracks can be submitted for the playlist until April 15, and will remain on the Spotify platform indefinitely.
"From our 'Share Some Soul' ad featuring LMFAO's 'Party Rock Anthem' to Motley Crue belting out 'Kickstart My Heart' in last month's Super Bowl commercial, music plays an important role in Kia's marketing efforts and being the first in the auto industry to partner with Spotify continues that trend," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "Spotify is an innovative music service, and aligning with a new platform that embraces the sharing of music was a natural fit for Kia to extend our Rio launch. Being the first to create a car-centric playlist on Spotify in the U.S. increases Kia's interaction with our target audiences that are passionate about music and social media."
About the Kia Rio 5-Door and Rio Sedan
Available in a sedan or hatchback configuration, the eco-friendly Rio and Rio 5-door offer three trims – LX, EX and SX – and are equipped with a 1.6-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) four-cylinder with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission (LX only) or efficient six-speed automatic. One of only two vehicles in the segment to offer a GDI engine, the 2012 Rio provides an inviting combination of power and fuel efficiency, achieving standard class-leading 138 horsepower[1] while maintaining a standard class-leading fuel economy rating of 30/40 mpg (city/highway)[2].
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[3] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[4]. 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[5]. 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.
Source: Kia Motors America
Monday, March 12, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
Check out the new 2012 Kia Rio at Van Griffith Kia!
Have you checked out the new 2012 Kia Rio? Take a look at this gas saver by clicking here http://bit.ly/xD9Zgo or come in to see first hand everything that this vehicle has to offer!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
KIA Partners With Trees for Cities
At Kia Motors we don’t just see our corporate responsibility as being global in scale but also local. Starting with Walking Bus in 2000 and with Red Nose Day since 2009, Kia’s commitment to corporate responsibility has been expanded to include a new environmental partner – Trees for Cities.
Set up in 1993 Trees for Cities is an environmental and social charity that works with communities to plant trees in cities and areas that need it most; delivering community focused tree planting projects in deprived urban areas.
By partnering with Trees for Cities, Kia can make a significant difference to local areas across the UK and involve staff and dealerships with projects in their areas.
Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motors UK Ltd., ‘We are pleased to be supporting Trees for Cities and being able to make such an important impact on local communities within the UK, making urban spaces a green and more pleasant area for their residents. We look forward to expanding our support with Trees for Cities so that more areas in the UK can benefit from greener spaces’
Kia has already contributed to various projects across the UK mainly focused around Trees for Streets – a section of Trees for Cities – that focuses on changing the attitude to streets from being a thoroughfare to becoming a vital community space which engages the local community whilst also providing a positive impact on the local environment.
A recent project in London – in conjunction with the Mayor of London’s street trees initiative – saw 100 trees being planted in the ward of Coldharbour – covering Clapham and the surrounding areas. Trees for Cities consulted heavily with local residents and community groups to ensure the right trees were planted in the right place. For example, Voltaire Road in Clapham was chosen after a resident was so passionate about trees being planted on her street that she spoke with other residents and got signatures in support of tree planting and sent it through to Trees for Cities.
Commenting on the partnership Sharon Johnson, Chief Executive from Trees for Cities said: “Thanks to Kia’s ongoing support, Trees for Cities has planted more than 285 street trees in urban areas that need them most. Rather than simply planting trees, Trees for Cities work with the local community to engage local residents and businesses, create social cohesion and make our busy urban areas better places to live for many years to come. As well as having a positive impact on the local environment, street trees have a narrowing effect, slowing cars and making streets safer.”
Plans for 2012 and beyond are already in process with plans to expand support into areas such as Trees for Food, Play and Learning as well as edible playgrounds – helping to reintroduce trees grown for their fruits and nuts into more urban areas as well as teaching children about their natural environment.
Courtesy of 3-D Car Shows
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Special Offers At Van Griffith Kia
Be sure to take advantage of our special offers going on this month! Get $10 off Tire Rotation and Oil Change, Get $500 off repairs over $400 or you can get a free engine cooling system check! Just click here for the coupons http://on.fb.me/zSLieq 
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
We can help you beat those rising gas prices!
Prices at the pump just keep going up so let us help you! We have a wide selection of great high-mileage vehicles to beat those rising prices. Stop by or click here to view our inventory http://bit.ly/Ad3pKV 
Kia Motors America Announces Kia Classic Winner To Receive New Rang-Topping Optima Limited
All-New Kia Performance Awards to Honor Outstanding Achievements of Ladies of Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Players
| 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:
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 Limited Kia's Unprecedented Growth  Courtesy of Kia Media
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Monday, March 5, 2012
Friday, March 2, 2012
Military Specialty Incentive Program
Special offers for active members of the United States Armed Forces, reserves, and the immediate family of participant (spouse or child). Click here to see offers and details http://bit.ly/uVQc2S
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Six Spring Cleaning Tips for your Car Interior
Springtime is here and you know what that means. It’s time to throw out those filthy fast food cups, wipe down that dusty dashboard and let in some fresh air to dispel that smell that’s been bothering you for the last 3 months. Yes, it’s time for some spring cleaning and we want to share six simple tips using common household items to properly clean your car interior without a fuss. Let’s start with the ceiling.
1. Ceiling: If the ceiling of your vehicle is made out of fabric material, wiping it too hard with a wet cloth may cause some fuzz. You want to make sure you use a slightly damp washcloth made out of superfine fibers and you can add a bit of neutral detergent as needed.
2. Dashboard: You can wipe the dashboard down with a washcloth and use a car brush or toothbrush to dust any hard to reach spaces.
3. Handles & Steering Wheel: Many cars have leather handles, so you may be tempted to use household leather care products, but it’s not advised. These can make your steering wheel slippery and hinder you from having a good grip. We recommend keeping a dry cloth in your glove compartment to wipe it down every now and then.
4. Heater: Use a dry cloth and cotton swabs to easily access those narrow vent spaces. It’s good to clean these areas to help prevent any allergies and respiratory ailments caused from too much dust.
If you smell something foul when turning on your heater – It could be fungus or a special surprise from a skunk. Mix some mustard powder in warm water and spray it into your vents. Afterwards, run your heater on the strongest mode for 4-5 minutes. This is a very effective way to eliminate odor.
5. Car Seats: Car seats are often the culprit of unpleasant stenches (Think about all the spills, pets and people that have been in your car). You can certainly use various products to clean your seats, but as the saying goes, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ so try to wipe down seats often. Leather seats are easier to clean with a damp cloth and a bit of neutral detergent. For fabric seats, spray water mixed with a neutral detergent and wipe down the seats with a damp cloth, followed with a dry cloth. Make sure to keep the windows down to allow the upholstery to dry completely.
6. Car Floor Mats: For rubber, simply spray it down with soapy water and wipe, and for fabrics, you can always use your household vacuum.
Hopefully we’ve shared some tips you can put to good use and make your car squeaky clean and ready for spring.
Courtesy of Kia Buzz