The weekend is finally here...time to get your smile on! #TGIF

VIDEO: 2014 Kia Sorento

VIDEO: With an optional third row seat and lots of great features, the redesigned #Kia #Sorento is a great SUV for the road ahead, especially for National Camping Week! 

Follow the link for a complete listing of our Sorento inventory: http://bit.ly/1cs2hY6

Sound familiar? Let us know if you can relate to this!

KELLEY BLUE BOOK’S KBB.COM NAMES 2013 KIA SOUL TO LIST OF COOLEST NEW CARS UNDER $18,000

Kia Motors America’s (KMA) top-selling urban passenger vehicle, the 2013 Soul, was named to Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com list of the 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000. Chosen by the site’s editors, the 2013 Soul was celebrated for its fun and bold design, high-tech offerings and roominess.

“The Soul, which paved the way for Kia’s design led transformation with its fun and funky personality, quickly established a reputation as the spunkiest car in the Kia lineup, and now KBB has recognized it as one of the coolest vehicles on the market,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “Kia has always strived to provide customers with value, style and substance, and the Soul fulfills that promise with an extensive roster of standard features and unique design that has become iconic.”

The Soul placed third on Kelley Blue Book’s annual list of the coolest cars. Editors at Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com looked for new cars that were fun to own and drive. The Soul’s one-of-a-kind look and feel stood out amongst its competition.

“Born in 2010 and significantly updated in 2012, the Kia Soul has managed to keep its cool the whole time,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. “Like a small cargo van with bold lines and high tech, the Soul’s impressive standard equipment list includes Bluetooth®1 phone connectivity, an auxiliary audio input and iPod®2 integration.”

For more information about KBB.com’s 2013 list of the 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000, please visit http://www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/10-coolest-cars-under-18000-2013/.

About the 2013 Soul

Refreshed for the 2013 model year, the Soul features technology and styling upgrades, bringing a new level of cool with enhanced power and efficiency. New for 2013 are power-folding side mirrors, darkened chrome around the signature grille, upgraded leather on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, standard Bluetooth® wireless technology with steering wheel-mounted controls, standard steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and cruise control. The Soul also offers Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology as part of the Eco Package, which senses when the vehicle is stopped and shuts off the engine to maximize efficiency and results in reduced engine load and less fuel consumption.

Kia’s Unprecedented Growth

Kia Motors America is one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales in each of the past four years, and in 2012 the company surpassed the 500,000 unit mark for the first time.  With a full line of fun-to-drive cars and CUVs, Kia is advancing value to new levels of sophistication by combining European-influenced styling – under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer – with cutting-edge technologies, premium amenities, affordable pricing and the lowest cost of ownership in the industry.  Kia recently joined the exclusive ranks of Interbrand’s “Top 100 Best Global Brands,” and is poised to continue its momentum with seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles scheduled to arrive in showrooms in 2013.  Over the past decade Kia Motors has invested more than $1.4 billion in the U.S., including the company’s first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – which is responsible for the creation of more than 11,000 plant and supplier jobs.  The success of the U.S.-built* Optima and Sorento in two of the industry’s largest segments has fueled Kia’s rapid growth and is complemented by Kia’s comprehensive lineup which includes the Cadenza flagship sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima Hybrid, the Forte sedan, 5-door and Koup compacts, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the Sedona minivan.

Courtesy of Kia Media

Tweet us @VanGriffithKia!

Do you Tweet? Make sure to Follow us @VanGriffithKia to stay up-to-date with our latest specials and more! http://bit.ly/1768ZVH

First Day of Summer!

Today marks the first day of #summer! Who will be cruising around with the windows down? #summersolstice

VIDEO: Kia at the 2013 Vans Warped Tour - Opening Day in the Kia Soul Lounge

#Kia is on tour for the sixth consecutive year as the #OfficialVehicle of the 2013 #VansWarpedTour. Follow along all summer long as their video blogger Tiffany Mink takes you behind the scenes.

Wallpaper Wednesday: 2013 Kia GT

For another edition of #WallpaperWednesday, COMMENT if you plan on switching out your desktop for this #KIA beauty!

Kia Back To Rock At Vans

Kia has a couple of cars it's pitching to younger people. What better place to do that than at the multi-stage Roman circus-style summer music happenings that have in recent years become the "s@#t", as it were. There are a bunch of these now, and you know what they are, even if you happen to be an aged Boomer, and call them "Bonarooma," "Coach Luggage,” or "JollyLollypaloozajalopy". 

Automakers with a vehicle they want to sell to young people are at a lot of them. One is Kia, which has been at the Moving Vans Tour -- I mean the Vans Warped Tour -- for a sixth year, including this one, as "Official Vehicle."

At the tour, which hits 39 U.S. cities, the brand gets both main stages (Kia Soul Stage and Kia Forte Stage), has its Soul Lounge on site, and its own show theme, "Rock and Roll. Punk and Soul." People can escape the mosh pit if they have a Kia VIP pass to a branded riser above the crowd.

In addition to having a DJ, and fun stuff at its "lounge," it will have its own acoustic music. For the first time, there's a photography element, "Share their Soul," where people who shoot photos get them posted on Kia's Instagram site.  

"Every year that we have done this we have evolved our social elements to keep up with technology," says Kathryn Cima, manager of events and promotions at Kia Motors America. She tells Marketing Daily that the Instagram component is paired with Facebook and Twitter elements. "It's much more evolved, and there's a much higher level of digital engagement." 

She says that, as was the case last year, Kia has the two vehicles posing near the stages. "They are woven into the experience; we don't shove a message down their throats. And  [with experiences and music events at its lounge], "we have almost become a destination."

Courtesy of Media Post

Maintenance Monday: 6-Month Car Care Tips

VIDEO: The Kia Forte Techathlete Games

WATCH the VIDEO below and learn about the The Kia Forte Techathlete Games: a tongue-in-cheek test of tech talent where players compete in a series of games to prove that they're worthy of the futuristic Forte.

Wallpaper Wednesday: 2013 Kia Provo

In honor of Wallpaper Wednesday, we wanted to share a picture of the 2013 Kia Provo concept car that is literally worth a 1,000 words...and is worthy of your new desktop wallpaper! 

2013 Kia Optima And Sportage Earn AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

Two of Kia Motors America's (KMA) most popular models were recently named to AutoPacific's annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA).  The 2013 Optima sedan was named most satisfying Mid-Size Car and the sporty 2013 Sportage was heralded as the most satisfying Compact Crossover SUV by the trusted automotive marketing and product-consulting firm.  The 17^th annual survey based the results on responses from more than 52,000 new-vehicle owners.

"There is no doubt that competition is stronger than ever and winning the AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards is further proof that Kia is offering a strong product lineup for today's car buyers," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA.  "The Optima's combination of stunning design and tremendous value continue to resonate with customers while the Sportage continues to set the bar very high for the compact crossover segment in terms of packaging, performance and style."

AutoPacific's VSA identify the most satisfying vehicles for sale in the U.S. market and assist new-car buyers in making informed vehicle purchase decisions.  The survey measures owner satisfaction with 51 separate attributes ranging from interior comfort and convenience to fuel economy and performance.  "Vehicles that score highest in the Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are delivering value and satisfaction across a wide range of attributes," noted president of AutoPacific, George Peterson. With 294 models and 33 brands from which to choose a new vehicle, AutoPacific's VSA helps buyers sort through the increasingly complicated selection of products on the market.  "The VSA clearly shows buyers which vehicles are at the top of the class they are considering," continued Peterson.

2013 Kia Optima

Every 2013 Optima, available in LX, EX, SX and the Limited trim, comes well equipped with a generous roster of standard features, with the LX trim offering dual exhaust with chrome tips, solar glass, exterior mirror turn-signal indicators, front fog lights, exterior heated mirrors, chrome accented exterior door handles and 16-inch alloy wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tires and a six-speed automatic transmission. The volume-leading EX trim offers larger 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 215/55R17 tires. Moving to the SX trim, consumers will find stylish 18-inch polished alloy wheels with 225/45R18 tires, unique front and rear lower bumpers and side sills, a rear lip spoiler, aero wiper blades and HID headlights with auto leveling. Elevating to the top-of-the-line Limited trim brings Optima to another level of sporty refinement, adding unique and luxurious 18-inch chrome wheels, daytime running lights, red brake calipers, chrome accented side sills, chromed side mirrors and rear spoiler.  Pricing for the 2013 Optima begins at $21,350[2], excluding destination charges of $800.

2013 Kia Sportage

Starting with the base trim, Sportage offers numerous standard exterior features, including 16-inch alloy wheels matched with 215/70R16 low-rolling-resistance silica tires, body-color door handles, body-color and electronically adjustable side mirrors and a six-speed manual transmission. Moving to the LX adds standard 17-inch alloy wheels, LED turn signals on the outside mirrors, keyless entry with folding key, six-speed electronically controlled Sportmatic^™ automatic transmission, solar glass, privacy glass, and LED accent lighting along the headlamps for a sportier, more upscale appearance.  The popularly-equipped EX trim offers stylish 18-inch alloy wheels mated with 235/55R18 tires, high-performance dampers, LED daytime running lights, roof rails, a rear spoiler, fog lamps and chrome body trim and door handles. The top-of-the-line Sportage SX adds a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI engine producing 260-horsepower, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust, sculpted side sill moldings and unique SX grille.  The starting price of the 2013 Sportage is $19,000[3] excluding destination charges of $850.  

Kia:  One of the World's Fastest Moving Global Automotive Brands Kia Motors America is one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales in each of the past four years, and in 2012 the company surpassed the 500,000 unit mark for the first time.  With a full line of fun-to-drive cars and CUVs, Kia is advancing value to new levels of sophistication by combining European-influenced styling – under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer – with cutting-edge technologies, premium amenities, affordable pricing and the lowest cost of ownership in the industry.  Kia recently joined the exclusive ranks of Interbrand's "Top 100 Best Global Brands," and is poised to continue its momentum with seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles scheduled to arrive in showrooms in 2013.  Over the past decade Kia Motors has invested more than $1.4 billion in the U.S., including the company's first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – which is responsible for the creation of more than 11,000 plant and supplier jobs.  The success of the U.S.-built* Optima and Sorento in two of the industry's largest segments has fueled Kia's rapid growth and is complemented by Kia's comprehensive lineup which includes the Cadenza flagship sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima Hybrid, the Forte sedan, 5-door and Koup compacts, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the Sedona minivan.

Courtesy of Herald Online

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/2013/06/10/4933755/2013-kia-optima-and-sportage-earn.html#storylink=cpy

We got new windows here at VGKIA...come by and check them out!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY...

Did you know on this day in 1933, the first drive-in movie theater opened? 

Tell us with a COMMENT if you've ever had a drive-in experience in your KIA!

Happy Wednesday!

Here's hoping this put a smile on your face for making it through Hump Day! :)

VIDEO: Kia Cadenza "Impossible to Ignore"

The all-new 2014 Kia Cadenza is back and more sophisticated than ever. WATCHwhat happens when this woman drives through the streets of New York and returns to her high school reunion. 

Let's just say that, like the Kia Cadenza, she's impossible to ignore.