Happy Halloween from Van Griffith KIA!

2013 Kia Optima Blake Time Travels - 1997 Football (Video)

Watch Blake Griffin travel back in time using the Kia Optima to teach himself valuable life lessons.

Special offers at Van Griffith Kia

Happy Monday! Be sure to stop by and see us this month to take advantage of our special offers. You can get 10% off any repair over $200 or $50.00 off a timing belt replacement! Hurry, these specials end on 10/31.

Click here to get your coupon.

2013 Kia Soul Claims 2012 Active Lifestyle Award

With more than 90,000 sales through the first nine months of 2012—up 18.7 percent over the same period last year—it’s obvious that the 2013 Kia Soul is attracting more than just hamster fans. The latest evidence for the Soul’s broad-based appeal? A team of some 70 hardcore athletes just helped pick the ninth annual Active Lifestyle vehicle awards, and they named the 2013 Kia Soul the winner in the Urban vehicle category.

The unique recognition program is billed as “the only car-of-the-year program in the United States which combines the input of automotive journalists with elite and area athletes to determine which cars and trucks best meet the needs of buyers with active lifestyles.”

The 2013 Kia Soul helps city-dwellers stay active by combining urban-friendly exterior dimensions with a highly versatile interior that can be stuffed with up to 53.4 cubic feet of gear; to put that into context, cargo capacity in the similarly sized Ford Fiesta maxes out at 26 cubic feet. Soul owners aren’t sacrificing when it comes to passenger volume, either: The capacious Kia offers 102.3 cubic feet worth, while the Fiesta only provides 85.1.

The Soul also can get plenty active itself, thanks to two peppy powerplant choices. The standard powertrain mates a 1.6-liter I4 engine to a six-speed manual transmission, allowing drivers to enjoy an impressive-for-its-segment 138 hp and 123 lb.-ft. of torque. And note, that’s in addition to its impressive-for-any-segment fuel-economy marks of 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway. Plus, customers also can upgrade to a 2.0-liter I4 that makes 164 hp and 148 lb.-ft. of twist, yet still garners EPA grades of 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway—with either a six-speed automatic or the DIY transmission.

Priced from a mere $14,400, the 2013 Kia Soul is on sale now.

Courtesy of Autobytel

 

Get a years supply of Coca-Cola!

Don't forget that with every purchase of a new KIA, you will get a years supply of Coca-Cola! If you are undecided and want to test drive a new KIA or if you get an oil change you will get a 12 pack of Coke. We look forward to seeing you!

Kia Grabs Brass Ring At Madison Square Garden

Kia Motors America is extending and expanding its deal with Madison Square Garden, wherein Kia becomes a signature partner and official vehicle of the venue. The new partnership should give Kia some of what it has needed for years: awareness, affinity and positive brand perception.

The deal gives Kia a big placement at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, tie-ins with the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers and the New York Liberty, and presence around college basketball and tennis, as well as the Concert Series at The Garden. The partnership also includes an expanded presence for Kia on MSG regional sports networks, MSG and MSG+, and integration on the Garden, Knicks, Rangers and Liberty websites. Also, Kia vehicles will be on show year-round with a custom-built display space in the lobby entrance to the Arena.

Kia's Official Vehicle designation will include branding at the Arena for all associated sports events and the Concert Series. Kia gets digital and static signage throughout the Arena; features on GardenVision, the center-hung scoreboard; and on-court and on-ice branding and promotional contests. Kia will be there for the Concert Series that includes Madonna, Justin Bieber, One Direction, The Who and Neil Young and Crazy Horse. Kia will have a presence at all Friday night Knicks and Rangers games as the presenting partner.

Tim Chaney, executive director of marketing communications at Kia, points out that the automaker is not new to the Garden as it has had a seven-year relationship with the Knicks plus sponsorship of the the Rangers NHL team, activated with the New York Kia dealer group. "But this is the whole building all year long for multiple years." Beyond this, Kia is official vehicle of the NBA, and also has separate, individual sponsorship deals with 14 NBA teams. "But this really is the first of this scale for us; being a signature partner gives us exclusivity to select categories," says. He tells Marketing Daily that New York, media central, is the place to have this kind of deal. "And if you are going to have a presence in New York, this is the property to do. He adds that the Garden's multi-year, billion-dollar investment in facility renovation also works as a complement to Kia's own packed vehicle-launch schedule. "We looked at it simply: transformed Kia at the transformed Garden."

There's also a CRM element with Kia customers getting access and experiences with MSG's sports brands and events. The automaker says it will collaborate with the Knicks and Rangers on a number of promotions and events also for Kia customers. Some of the offers include tickets and special experiences at games. As the official vehicle of the Concert Series at The Garden, Kia will also work with MSG on promotions for select concerts.

Dave Kissel, president and CEO of Chicago-based sports-event media network InStadium, says the virtue of a major sponsorship deal like Kia's is that, among other things, it locks out the competition against an audience a marketer determines to be spot-on for its brand. "But even for the most well-funded brands you can't lock up every thing. So even the big guys have to be careful about how and where and when they spend money on sponsorships. But, clearly, sponsorship does work as part of the overall media mix. It's a $23 billion market; clearly, it works."

Indeed, Kia is not the lone auto brand with category-exclusivity in the Big Apple: across the East River, Honda in August became the 10th brand to hitch its star to the new Barclay's Center as a top-tier sponsor, becoming official vehicle of both the Brooklyn Nets and the arena itself. Among other things, Honda will sponsor the Brooklyn Hoops Winter Festival in December.

 

Courtesy of Marketing Daily

Care and Maintenance Tips Keep Your Car Running in Top-Notch Condition

Clean the inside, too

Vacuum and sponge your interior every time you wash your car. Dirt particles are abrasive, and spilled liquids, such as soda, can be corrosive.Vacuum your interior thoroughly with a powerful vacuum (small cordless models are generally too weak). Use the appropriate wand heads when vacuuming. The bare metal wand can mar and scratch surfaces. Sponge vinyl surfaces clean with a solution of mild detergent and water.

The Ride (Video)

Check out the Grand Prize Winner from the Kia Motors "In My Mind" music video challenge.

2013 Kia Sorento "Call It" Commercial

With its beautiful, jaw-dropping design and long list of available features, the 2013 Kia Sorento is anything but expected. Follow the Sorento, and all its beauty, as it navigates an urban jungle at night, to the tune of some equally stunning music.

 

Here's A Tip To Extend the Life of Your Car

Go easy when you’re stuck.

When stuck in mud or snow, don’t make the problem worse by damaging an expensive component. Gently rocking in an attempt to free the car is fine. But if it looks as though you’re really stuck, don’t keep at it. Throwing your car from forward to reverse repeatedly, as well as spinning tires at high speeds, can generate lots of heat and spell trouble for transmissions, clutches, and differentials. It may be cheaper in the long run to call the tow truck rather than risk big repair bills down the road. It’s a good idea to carry a traction aid in the trunk, such as sand, gravel, or cat litter.

Batman Comic Books Inspire Tricked Out Kia Optima, Making World Debut at NY Time Warner Center

Kia Motors America (KMA) has teamed up with DC Entertainment and RIDES magazine to create a brooding, Batman-inspired Optima that goes on display this week at the Time Warner Center and signals the beginning of a 10-month partnership based on the iconic characters that make up the Justice League. Influenced by the artistry of comic book icon, Jim Lee, the Kia super hero vehicles will become a force for good in the world by raising awareness of DC Entertainment's "We Can Be Heroes" giving campaign, a relief effort to fight hunger in the Horn of Africa (www.WeCanBeHeroes.org). Fitting for the caped crusader's dark and mysterious personality, Kia's range-topping Optima SX Limited wraps cutting-edge technology and premium amenities in a sleek, aggressive design customized with several unique Batman elements.

"Batman is one of the most popular Super Heroes of all-time, and showcasing in a fun and creative way Kia's top-of-the-line Optima SX Limited as a Batman-themed custom ride underscores this car's potent combination of premium features and turbocharged performance," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing and communications, KMA. "The Optima is our best-selling vehicle and has played a significant role in Kia becoming one of the fastest-growing automotive brands in the U.S. over the last five years[1], and it is the perfect platform to introduce our partnership with DC Entertainment and the Justice League to benefit the 'We Can Be Heroes' campaign."

Working together, Kia, DC Entertainment and RIDES magazine designed and built the Batman-themed Optima, transforming the exterior with a matte- and piano-black paint scheme, a dramatically lowered coilover suspension and muscular ground effects kit, huge Ksport performance brakes for extreme stopping power, custom-designed 20-inch black wheels and a performance exhaust system. Other exterior modifications include a custom front grille shaped like a batwing that took over 40 hours to create, yellow LED lighting accents throughout the vehicle and the iconic bat signal etched into the HID headlights.

Moving beneath the cape, the Optima's seating surfaces are costumed in custom black leather and suede with bold yellow accent stitching. Gotham City's streets are full of villains and the Batman-themed Optima is ready for action at a moment's notice with a Bat suit and cowl mounted in the trunk and utility throwing stars installed in the center console.

As Kia's sales have grown, so has the company's role as a responsible corporate citizen, and the Batman-themed Optima furthers those efforts with two video screens in the front-seat headrests that will raise awareness about the worst hunger crisis in 60 years by featuring a custom "We Can Be Heroes" video that demonstrates how one small act can make anyone a hero.

Starting at just $35,275[2], the Optima Limited, which is built at Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, is based on the fully loaded turbocharged Optima SX and is offered in Ebony Black, Snow White Pearl and Titanium Metallic exterior colors. The Optima Limited features many details that are mainly found on luxury vehicles, including LED daytime running lights and chrome-accented rear spoiler, lower door sills, wood interior trim and electronic parking brake. Standout red brake calipers can be seen through the Optima Limited's uniquely designed chrome 18-inch wheels while the 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injected engine delivers 274 horsepower and achieves up to 22/34 mpg[3] (city/hwy).

DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes —a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

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 and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies[1] 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 Broadway World

2014 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle Confirmed -- Model Line-up Expansion Continues As Automaker Enjoys Increasing Sales

Kia has announced that its next-generation Soul will offer the company's first all-electric powertrain.

Slated for 2014 launch, details on Kia's new EV are limited but disguised Soul development prototypes have already been spotted performing shakedown tests near Kia's technical HQ located in Russelsheim, Germany, as well as on the roads of UK. Sources believe the electric Soul will make its public debut either at the Chicago or New York international auto shows.

Beyond the Soul EV, Kia has pushed for fuel efficiency technology in other vehicles in its line-up as well. Two years ago, Kia first introduced its Optima hybrid vehicle, which features a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine mated with an electric motor producing 40-hp with a unique lithium-polymer battery.

What's more, Kia has also developed an all-new range of diesel powerplants designed to meet Europe's new Euro 6 pollution regulations. According to Kia engineer, the diesel engines will prove expensive to manufacture but still cost significantly less than its hybrid offerings, which is hindered by complex and expensive electrical components. Despite the challenges of creating a price-competitive hybrid, Kia has enjoyed climbing hybrid sales in Europe, rising nearly 80 percent from only 72,000 sold in 2008 to 129,000 units in 2012.

While the European auto market continues to struggle due to economic volatility and steeper austerity measures, Korean automaker Hyundai-Kia believes the company can stand to make serious global sales gains for 2012. Kia has gained an additional 23 percent of the European market in the first 7 months of 2012 despite the Euro market having fallen by 7.1 percent. All in all, according to Hyundai-Kia's figures, the company expects global sales exceeding 7 million for 2012, nearly 1 million more than the 6.1 million sold for 2011.

As Hyundai-Kia's sales performance continues to climb, expect the company to unveil more and more attractive and competitive vehicles to their model range in the months ahead. Look for more information on the latest Kia Soul EV as we draw closer to the 2013 New York Auto Show.

Courtesy of i Motor Times

Come Test Drive A Kia And Get A 12-Pack Of Coca Cola!

Hey fans! Stop by Van Griffith Kia to participate in our new Coca Cola promotion! If you test drive a new KIA or get an oil changed you will get a 12 pack of Coke. Or if you buy a new KIA you get a years supply of coke. We look forward to seeing you!

Kia Motors and DC Entertainment Band Together to Create a Fleet of Justice League-Inspired Vehicles for Hunger-Relief Effort

Kia Motors America (KMA), one of the fastest-growing car companies in the U.S.[1] over the last five years, has joined forces with renowned comic book publisher DC Entertainment, to bring the World's Greatest Superheroes to life by combining automotive styling with comic book art.  The partnership, which will yield eight individually customized vehicles, harnesses the talents of legendary comic book artist and DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee, who has collaborated on the design of each car with his vision for each iconic member of DC Comics' Justice League.

Each core member of the Justice League line-up – Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg – has been matched to a Kia vehicle based on key attributes and character traits to create custom, one-of-a-kind rides to be unveiled over the next ten months at major auto shows and comic-cons across the U.S.

The Kia-DC Entertainment partnership will yield a total of eight vehicles timed to be unveiled around five major events around the U.S., including New York Comic-Con, SEMA Show in Las Vegas, North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Wonder-Con and San Diego Comic-Con.  Many of Kia's most recognizable and decorated models –  the Optima, Soul, Sorento, Sportage, Rio and Forte will wear the iconic colors and marks of the legendary Justice League Super Heroes and be built by West Coast Customs, RIDES magazine, Import Tuner magazine and others.

"Kia and DC Entertainment are both global brands sharing a youthful and creative mindset, and both serve to inspire and exhilarate their respective fan bases," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA.  "This partnership will allow us to band these two great brands together in an effort to make the world a better place through the 'We Can Be Heroes' campaign.  And with Jim Lee's vision combined with the efforts of some of the best customizing shops in the business, it's going to be a lot of fun unveiling these cars around the country."

The partnership between KMA and DC Entertainment was conceived to benefit "We Can Be Heroes" (www.WeCanBeHeroes.org), a giving campaign, dedicated to helping fight hunger in the Horn of Africa and inspired by the heroism of the iconic Justice League characters.  "We Can Be Heroes" encourages everyday people to join the fight by getting involved and donating to bring help and hope to the people most affected by the hunger crisis.  Each vehicle will feature a customized piece of Lee's specially-designed artwork to be auctioned at the conclusion of the program with all net proceeds going to the "We Can Be Heroes" program.  In addition to the seven vehicles inspired by the individual superhero characters, the Kia-DC Entertainment partnership will culminate with a fully-drivable custom car that encompasses each member of the Justice League that will be auctioned off to raise money for the cause. Kia will help to raise awareness for the "We Can Be Heroes" campaign throughout the partnership through customized "We Can Be Heroes" license plates, signage, collateral materials and in-vehicle video displays.

"DC Entertainment is pleased to be partnering with Kia on this program to help raise awareness and funds for the devastating hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa," said Amit Desai, SVP of franchise management, DC Entertainment.  "Each of the iconic members of the Justice League is a superhero in his or her own right, but when they band together as the Justice League, they become an unstoppable force for good and right.  The Justice League reminds us that when we combine our efforts with others, we can create a world of change.  And that we can do all that and more with style and panache.  The Justice League characters look amazing on some of Kia's best-looking and technologically-advanced vehicles."

SOURCE Kia Motors America

Van Griffith Kia - Coupons

Hey fans! Be sure to stop by and see us this month to take advantage of our special offers. You can get  10% off any repair over $200 or $50.00 off a timing belt replacement! We look forward to seeing you.

2013 Kia Optima SX Limited "Appealing" Commercial (Video)

Introducing the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited with 18" chrome wheels, LED lighting, Nappa leather-trimmed seats, an electronic parking brake and sport-tuned suspension.

Care and Maintenance Tips Keep Your Car Running in Top-Notch Condition

Maintain your car’s battery.

Maybe the manufacturer says your battery is maintenancefree, but don’t you believe it! Check your battery regularly to extend its life and avoid the hassle of being stranded with a dead battery.

    Begin with the simple: keeping your battery clean. A dirty case can actually cause current to drain. Wipe with a damp rag. Use a mild detergent if necessary.
    Next, clean the battery posts or terminals. Loosen and remove the negative cable (black or minus sign) first, then the red positive cable. Use a brass wire battery brush dipped in a paste made from a few tablespoons of baking soda and a little water.
    Inspect the battery case for damage, such as cracks or bulges — signs that a battery needs to be replaced.
    Reinstall the cables, positive first, and coat the terminals and clamps with a thin coating of grease to prevent new corrosion.