Kia Motors America unveils its latest vehicle to roll out at the West Point, Georgia facility with the 2011 Kia Sorrento CUV. The new 2011 Kia Sorrento CUV carries a modern CUV design fit for the common motorists of today. The vehicle can accommodate up to 7 passengers and is longer than previous Kia Sorrento models. It is available in 2 engine options, a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder and a 3.5 liter V6 engines, both complimented by a six-speed automatic transmission. Other features include AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service.

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Tags: automatic transmission, cd mp3, complimentary service, engine options, KIA, kia motors america, kia sorrento, liter, models, motorists, radio capabilities, satellite radio, service source, three months, v6 engines, west point georgia

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Thanks to its bold styling and remarkable technology features, the 2010 Kia Forte Koup has been adjudged the “Best of the 2009 Orange County Show” by NADAGuides.com, being only one of five cars to be honored at the said show. The first-ever two-door coupe is the latest addition to the Kia Motors lineup which follows the footsteps of slightly larger four-door sedans released by Kia Motors America. The Kia Forte Koup is available in EX and SX models and comes powered by a 2.0 (EX) or 2.4 (SX) liter inline four cylinder engine, 156 horsepower and a multi-port electronic fuel injection. Other highlights include Bluetooth connectivity, AM/FM MP3 audio systems and SIRIUS Satellite Radio service.

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Tags: bluetooth connectivity, Cars, cylinder engine, electronic fuel injection, footsteps, horsepower, inline four, KIA, kia motors america, latest addition, liter, models, orange county, remarkable technology, satellite radio service, sedans, service source, sx

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Kia Motors America embraces the Facebook marketing pitch with the launch of the “Go Hamster Go” Facebook app that makes use of face-recognition technology as well to through the use of webcams for people who have one.

The highlight of the game is the 2010 Kia Soul urban passenger vehicle. The player controls the competition with his or her face using a virtual magnet that “connects” to his or her forehead. The object of the game is to grab a hamster with the magnet as it comes off of a conveyer belt and place it into a Soul as an onscreen clock ticks down.

Each hamster wears a colored t-shirt mirroring a Soul paint color (Java, Alien Green, Molten, etc.), and when the player successfully drops a hamster into a Soul, the car turns into that color and drives away, while the next empty Soul arrives. The exit window lists the final score as well as the many exciting personalization options the user managed to add to the Soul.

This new marketing strategy and ad campaign promises to be something that should build on the 2010 Kia Soul vehicle. With Facebook making strides and posing as a new form of promotional campaign, expect the Soul to benefit a lot from this new game like most products marketed via this popular social networking site.

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Tags: ad campaign, clock ticks, conveyer belt, exit window, face recognition technology, facebook, final score, forehead, hamster, KIA, kia motors america, launch, making strides, marketing strategy, new game, new marketing, paint color, personalization options, social networking site

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Kia Motors America formally launches the all-new 2010 Kia Forte Koup 2-door coupe this summer. This latest releases continues to bring the innovative style and features of the Kia brand, available in two trim levels, the EX and SX.

Among the highlights of the all new 2-door Kia Forte Koup include:

• 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine
• Four transmission options
• Supportive sport seats outfitted with more aggressive bolsters on the seat cushion and seat back for optimal comfort
• Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls that enable voice-activated hands-free operation for compatible cell phones
• Six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio

Additional standard equipment on all Koup models includes air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, driver’s seat height adjuster, adjustable rear seat headrests, tilt steering column, rear defroster, center console with dual cup holders and storage area, dual map lamps with ceiling-mounted, drop-down sunglasses holder and variable intermittent windshield wipers.

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Tags: cruise control, cylinder engine, headrests, kia motors america, power door locks, remote keyless entry, seat cushion, sport seats, steering column, steering wheel, storage area, windows power, windshield wipers

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Score one for the less heralded SUV of Kia Motors of America, the Kia Sportage as it bagged the AutoPacific Inc.’s 2009 Ideal Vehicle Award. These awards are handed out depending on how a vehicle matches the car owner’s expectations and apparent the Kia Sportage was able to achieve such a feat.

“We take great pride in knowing our owners are satisfied with their vehicles and Sportage’s recognition as an ideal vehicle is a tremendous compliment,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, Kia Motors America (KMA). “This second AutoPacific award directly reflects the satisfaction of smart, discerning Sportage owners, and this type of consumer feedback validates Kia’s commitment to providing high levels of quality, style, safety and practicality in all of our vehicles.”

Among the features that feted the Kia Sportage this award included the following:

• Passenger and Cargo Space
• Off-Road Capabilities
• Fuel Economy
• Six Airbags with full-length side curtain airbags
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio with three months complimentary service and USB and auxiliary input jacks
• 2.0-liter engine delivers impressive fuel economy at 20 mpg (city) and 25 mpg (highway)

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Tags: autopacific, auxiliary input, cargo space, complimentary service, consumer feedback, curtain airbags, fuel economy, input jacks, KIA, kia motors america, kia sportage, liter engine, michael sprague, mpg city, practicality, quality style, road capabilities, satellite radio, score one

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Kia Motors America unveiled new pictures of the special edition 2010 Denim Kia Soul. From afar it looks like the same Kia Soul which initially came out but go a bit closer and you may notice the changes for this popular urban passenger vehicle.

Among the highlights of the 2010 Denim Kia Soul Special Edition:

• Unique denim exterior color
• White side-view mirrors
• White 18-inch alloy wheels
• Front fender turn signal indicator lights
• Wing-type rear spoiler
• White racing stripes completing the rally-inspired look.
• Audio Upgrade Package (center speaker, subwoofer, external amplifier and speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music)
• An iPod connection cable for full functionality via the radio head unit and steering wheel controls
• Carpeted floor mats
• Moonroof
• Fog lights

The special edition Denim Soul is priced at $17,300 for a five-speed manual transmission and $18,250 for the automatic version.

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Tags: center speaker, connection cable, denim, external amplifier, fender, floor mats, fog lights, functionality, inch alloy wheels, indicator lights, KIA, kia motors america, manual transmission, racing stripes, radio head, Rally, rear spoiler, steering wheel, turn signal

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It may be small but it is the concept that counts. As far as the Kia Soul’ster is concerned, the brainchild of Kia Motors America has been lauded and has received the 2009 Concept Truck of the Year award. The Kia Soul’ster debuted at the 2009 North America International Auto Show. With the new concept vehicle, Kia presents a creative concept vehicle that is sure to be a great add for transportation needs which are quite relevant today.

“The Soul production vehicle has provided our design team with a tremendous platform for expression, and with the Soul’ster we sought to highlight a different side of the Soul and take it to another level,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer, Kia Design Center America. “It is an honor for the Soul’ster to be named Concept Truck of the Year, and further proof that Kia’s global commitment to design is dramatically altering the brand’s image and consumer opinion of our company and our vehicles.”

Indeed, Kia Motors has been on the aggressive route towards improving its vehicle quality and niche. And as far as a new concept vehicle, or truck in this case, the Soul’ster carries an appealing design that is sure to be admired and a hit in the car market soon.

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Tags: brainchild, car market, chief designer, consumer opinion, creative concept, expression, global commitment, kearns, KIA, kia motors america, niche, north america international auto show, proof, vehicle quality

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If you are thinking of what car offers the best value, look no further. If the choice to the Texas Writers Association is reliable enough for you, then you are best off with the 2010 Kia Soul. Kia Motors America, Inc. today announced the 2010 Kia Soul urban passenger vehicle has been named “Best Value” in the Writer’s Choice Awards for the 2009 Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Spring Challenge. One of only seven vehicles honored in this year’s list, Soul was ultimately chosen for its smart combination of attractive pricing, long list of accessories and standard safety features.

Also a recipient of the “Grooviest Interior” award from Ward’s AutoWorld, Soul is available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport. Pricing for the versatile five door begins at $13,300(1) for the base trim, while Soul+ starts at $14,950 and tops out at $17,100 when all options are included. Moving up to the Soul! offers a price beginning at $16,950 and peaks at $17,900 with all available options included and the Soul sport, designed for those with active lifestyles, starts at $16,950 and tops out at $18,600 with all available options included.

Soul stands out from the crowd with modern, unique styling aimed toward the young and young-at-heart and offers a unique combination of style, value and personalization options. An available Audio Upgrade Package includes speaker lights that can pulse to the beat of the music or add mood lighting to the interior cabin, enhancing the overall personal lounge feeling. The Soul+ offers funky black cloth seats with “glowing” Soul logo inserts while the Soul! trim comes with a distinctive sand-black interior with houndstooth-patterned inserts, and the Soul sport presents a bold red-black interior trim with red-trimmed cloth seats and metal-finish interior accents.

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Tags: auto writers, autoworld, interior accents, interior award, interior cabin, kia motors america, kia motors america inc, mood lighting, smart combination, spring challenge, tawa spring, texas auto, texas writers, trims, value car, writers association

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Kia Motors America has partnered with Microsoft to give gaming enthusiasts something to cheer about. Well, who wouldn’t especially if you can get a chance to win an all new Kia Soul and a VIP trip to see the best of E3.

Kia Motors America today announced a comprehensive video game marketing program with Microsoft Corp.’s interactive entertainment platform, Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE. Beginning April 18, KMA will launch a national sweepstakes that spans across Xbox.com, Xbox LIVE and several popular Xbox 360 titles offering gamers the chance to drive away in an all-new Kia Soul and receive a VIP, all-expenses paid trip to Los Angeles to attend the best of the 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), June 2-4, 2009, the world’s premier trade show for computer and video games and related products.

Through the end of April 2009, gamers can enter for a chance to win the grand prize through Xbox.com/Kia or select “Kia Download & Win Gamer Picture” on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. For the first-time, gamers also can enter to win by texting “75920″ on their mobile phone to their Gamertag. Additional prizes include a fully-loaded home entertainment system with a 47″ HDTV, Xbox 360 Elite console, a one year subscription of Xbox LIVE Gold, 120GB Zune and a one year Zune Pass.

The all-new 2010 Soul stands out from the crowd with modern, unique styling aimed toward the young and young-at-heart. Designed by Kia Motors’ Southern California-based design team, Soul offers a unique combination of style, value and personalization options, including an available Audio Upgrade Package that includes speaker lights that can pulse to the beat of the music or add mood lighting to the interior cabin. Available in four distinctive trim levels, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport, Soul pricing begins at less than $14,000 and is on sale at Kia retailers nationwide.

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Tags: electronic entertainment expo, entertainment platform, game marketing, gaming enthusiasts, hdtv xbox, home entertainment system, interior cabin, kia motors america, kma, marketing program, microsoft corp, microsoft partner, mood lighting, personalization options, time gamers, vip trip, xbox 360, xbox live, young at heart

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To perhaps help in their daily operations during the crisis, good tidings have come Kia Motors’ way with the successful securing of a $305 million revolving credit line with a group of leading U.S.-based financial institutions. Of the funding group, Wells Fargo Foothill, part of Wells Fargo & Company, is the leading lender, with Banc of America Securities LLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as co-lead arrangers for KMA and Bank of America, N.A., as syndication agent.

“With credit being extremely tight these days, we are especially pleased these institutions recognize KMA’s stronghold in the U.S. automotive market,” said Byeong Wook (David) Kim, CFO, KMA. “KMA is growing and continuing to gain market share and this is further recognition of the strength of our business commitment.”

Kia Motors America offers a dynamic and diverse product line of 12 vehicles to meet the needs of all lifestyles. The vehicle line features the functional Rondo CUV and award-winning Sedona minivan along with a wide variety of popular passenger cars, including the refined Amanti full-size sedan, purposeful Optima midsize sedan, versatile and compact Spectra and Spectra5, and sporty yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts.

The vehicle line also features the affordably luxurious Borrego, rugged Sorento and value-packed Sportage SUVs. The 2010 Soul further complements the lineup as it arrives in dealerships, as will the 2010 Forte sedan.

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Tags: america securities llc, arrangers, automotive market, banc of america, banc of america securities, banc of america securities llc, bank of america, CUV, david kim, jpmorgan chase bank, kia motors america, passenger cars, spectra5, subcompacts, wells fargo company

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Kia is a conservative player in the auto industry and apparently three of their models have made the grade and joined MSN Autos Editors’ Top Pick List. The Kia Spectra (LX) and Rio5 were named to the “Top 10 Cars for Less Than $15,000″ list while the Rondo was the top pick for “Best Family Cars for Downsizing.” The three vehicles were lauded for offering attractive pricing on top of an impressive combination of quality, space, comfort, value and warranty.

Spectra, noted for its front and back passenger space, audio system and comprehensive warranty, meets the needs of consumers looking for the total package at a significant value. While Rio5 is the “hip younger sibling” to the Kia Spectra, according to MSN Autos, it is recognized for SIRIUS Satellite Radio, standard CD/MP3 capabilities, air conditioning and 60/40 split-folding rear seats that give way to its large hatch area. Both vehicles also achieve impressive gas mileage, Spectra with a mpg of 23/30 M/T and 24/32 A/T (city/highway), while Rio5 offers a frugal fuel economy of 27/32 M/T and 25/35 A/T.

Recognized in the “Best Family Cars for Downsizing” category that identifies those vehicles with a starting price lower than $25,000 and offers the best mix of cargo capacity, safety, reliability, features and value, Rondo is noted for its seven-passenger seating capacity along with top safety features, solid reliability, interior space and “impressive fit and finish.” Fuel economy for the 2.4-liter engine is 20/27 A/T (city/highway), while the 2.7-liter V6 is 18/26 A/T.

MSN Autos developed the Editors’ Pick lists by collecting feedback from industry analysts and conducting test drives. It is the largest global network of online automotive sites, providing consumers with comprehensive research, buying and ownership services.

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Tags: cargo capacity, cd mp3, comprehensive research, family cars, fuel economy, gas mileage, hatch area, impressive combination, interior space, kia motors america, kia spectra, kia spectra lx, liter engine, liter v6, msn autos, passenger space, quality space, reliability features, sirius satellite radio, space comfort

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For motorists who want the best car deals in the market, your best bet is to check out Kelley’s Blue Book. And if you happen to see a couple of Kia vehicles included in the 5 Great Deals list, don’t be surprised.

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the all-new 2010 Soul passenger vehicle and 2009 Borrego LX recently have been included in Kelley Blue Book’s weekly “5 Great Deals” list on kbb.com. The two newest vehicles to join Kia Motors’ ever-expanding lineup were lauded for offering attractive pricing on top of an impressive combination of capabilities and value.

Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, a leading automotive information company, issues a new “5 Great Deals” list each week to make new car buyers aware of packages and offers that dealers in their area are offering. New cars with low financing, cash back and low-payment leases often make the list. Kbb.com featured the 2010 Kia Soul as one of its “5 Great Deals” for the week of March 9, and the 2009 Kia Borrego LX for the week of March 16.

Available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport, pricing for the all-new versatile five door begins at $13,300(1) for the base trim, while Soul+ starts at $14,950 and tops out at $17,100 when all options are included. Moving up to the Soul!, pricing begins at $16,950 and peaks at $17,900 with all available options included; and the Soul sport, designed for those with active lifestyles, starts at $16,950 and tops out at $18,600 with all available options included.

With a starting price under $27,000, the 2009 Borrego, recently given a “Best Bet” distinction by The Car Book 2009, offers consumers a midsize SUV that combines practicality and luxury. With Borrego’s impressive class-leading towing capacity of 7,500 pounds when paired with the V8 engine and best-in-class fuel economy of 15/22 city/highway when the V8 2WD engine is under the hood, the 2009 Borrego, also available with a V6 option, gives consumers a reliable SUV perfect for long weekends or camping trips while keeping passengers comfortable in a nicely appointed interior.

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Tags: automotive information, car buyers, car deals, kbb, kelley blue book, kia motors america, kia vehicles, midsize suv

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No one ever paid attention to the Kia Borrego and apparently with this new citation, car onlookers will finally take notice. Kia Motors America today announced the 2009 Kia Borrego has been given the “Best-in-Class Sport Utility Vehicle $25,000-$35,000″ award as part of the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) 2009 Winter Vehicle Awards competition.

“Having Borrego recognized by NEMPA as a top winter vehicle is a testament to the vehicle’s true capabilities,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. “Characteristics including ample passenger and cargo space, towing capacity and impressive fuel economy make it a viable option for those who live in a cold-weather region without having to sacrifice price or comfort.”

Borrego is offered with a DOHC, all-aluminum 3.8-liter V6 as well as Kia’s first-ever DOHC 4.6-liter V8 engine, also all-aluminum; both engines are more powerful than any in Kia’s line to date. While the V6 produces a competitive 276 horsepower at 6,000 rpm with 267 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm, the V8 generates a class-leading(1) 337 horsepower at 6,000 rpm with 323 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm – more powerful than the Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and GMC Acadia.

Borrego runs on regular unleaded fuel compared to some other competitors that require premium unleaded, and achieves best-in-class(2) fuel economy of 15/22 city/highway for its V8 with two-wheel drive, and a respectable 15/20 city/highway for its V8 with four-wheel drive.

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Tags: Borrego, chevrolet trailblazer, cold weather, gmc acadia, honda pilot, jeep grand cherokee, kia motors america, new england motor press, nissan pathfinder, pound feet, sport utility vehicle, toyota 4runner

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The 2010 Kia Forte has finally arrived in America. Following its predecessor, the Kia Soul, Kia Motors America (KMA) today introduced the all-new 2010 Kia Forte compact sedan at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.

Forte blends Kia’s exciting new design direction under the tutelage of Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors’ chief design officer, with a multitude of standard features. The 2010 Kia Forte will go on sale in North America in late spring or early summer of 2009.

This new offering by Kia offers a stylish, class-leading(1) 96.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, while driver and passengers have an impressive 40.0 inches of headroom and 43.3 inches of legroom in the front seats and 37.8 inches of headroom and 35.0 inches of legroom in the rear seats.

Sporting stylish and aggressive design cues, the new Forte firmly establishes itself as a strong contender in its segment. Available in three trim levels (LX, EX and SX), Forte offers a sleek, sophisticated design. The sportier SX trim offers a more athletic profile with 17-inch alloy wheels paired with P215/45R17-sized premium tires and a rear spoiler.

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Tags: chicago auto show, KIA, kia motors america, passenger volume, rear spoiler

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