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Video: Kia shows third-quarter commercial for Sunday's Big Game
Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Kia

Kia Big Game commercial - Click above to watch the video after the jump

We're not exactly sure when Super Bowl commercials became as big a story as the game itself, but we can't help but like a little entertainment during the breaks. Other than an advertisement for the aging Dodge Charger, the domestic automakers are staying out of the big game, but Kia had a good 2009 and the Korean automaker wants to get in on the Big Game action with one of its new products for 2010.

Kia picked up a pricey one minute spot during the third quarter of this year's title-deciding game, and it features life-sized toys living the high life in a brand new Sorento. The animated quintet hits the snow, does some water skiing and then goes all Hangover-style in Sin City before reality sets in and mom gets behind the wheel.

Hit the jump to watch the commercial for yourself. The cutsie character routine may be getting a bit tired, but Kia pulls off an entertaining commercial with kickin' tunes, a robot doing the robot and a six-foot tall teddy bear in a hot tub with a total hottie. And plenty more.

[Source: Kia]
Continue reading Video: Kia shows third-quarter commercial for Sunday's Big Game
Video: Kia shows third-quarter commercial for Sunday's Big Game originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Kia Ray shows a bit more skin ahead of Chicago Auto Show
Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Hybrid, Kia, Electric

Kia Ray Concept teasers - Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia has been teasing us over the last few weeks with the Ray concept car bound for next week's Chicago Auto Show, and today the Korean automaker has lifted up the skirt just a few more inches to show off what appears to be the concept's front fascia and headlights.

So, what do we know so far about the Kia Ray? Pretty much nothing other than the fact that it will be a plug-in hybrid of sorts, and that it looks pretty small. There may or may not be solar cells on the roof - naming it the Ray may have something to do with the sun, right? - and it may use the underpinnings from parent company Hyundai's Blue-Will concept.

So, now that we've gone over what we don't know, take a gander at the two teaser images that Kia's provided so far and try your best to wait patiently for the rest of the goods next week.

Gallery: Kia Ray PHEV concept

[Source: Kia]
Kia Ray shows a bit more skin ahead of Chicago Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Geneva Preview: 2011 Kia Sportage gets stylish new duds
Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Kia

2011 Kia Sportage - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Kia introduced the original Sportage in North America in the early 1990s, the best thing it had going for it was a low-ball price. There was nothing particularly compelling about the way it looked or drove, though it was at least passable on both counts. When the Geneva Motor Show opens up next month, the third-generation Sportage will finally bring the compact crossover to the head of the class in appearance.

Looking like a 5/8-scale version of the recently introduced Sorento, the new Sportage incorporates the Peter Schreyer-penned Kia design language in an an aggressive looking package that should stand out among the Escapes, Rav4s and CR-Vs of the world. The new model is longer, lower and wider, but Kia hasn't released any other details yet.

We expect that the Sportage will have the same 2.4-liter inline-four found in the new Hyundai Tucson when it arrives Stateside this fall, although other markets will get a range of gas and diesel power options from which to choose. Full press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Sportage

[Source: Kia]
Continue reading Geneva Preview: 2011 Kia Sportage gets stylish new duds
Geneva Preview: 2011 Kia Sportage gets stylish new duds originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Kia Ray plug-in hybrid concept teased ahead of Chicago show
Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Kia, Electric

Kia Ray plug-in hybrid concept - Click above to enlarge

Kia is hoping to steal the spotlight at what may be another relatively quiet auto show in Chicago next month with a new plug-in hybrid concept dubbed the Ray. The teaser image sent out by Kia last night shows off what looks like a four-door sedan, possibly with a solar photovoltaic roof to aid in charging the battery or cooling the interior.

The concept was created at the Kia Design Center America and is the first from the Korean brand based on this powertrain architecture. We'd guess the powertrain is similar to the Hyundai Blue-Will concept that was shown at the Detroit Auto Show last week. That car is based on the same configuration that will go into a production hybrid Sonata later this year, but with a bigger motor and battery that is claimed to give a 40-mile electric driving range.

[Source: Kia]
Kia Ray plug-in hybrid concept teased ahead of Chicago show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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European Registry pulls wraps off 2011 Kia Sportage?
Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Crossover, Kia

2011 Kia Sportage renderings - Click above for high-res image gallery

The European Registry must be a bigger thorn in the side of automakers than the likes of Brenda Priddy and her minions. After all, the new-vehicle images the Registry keeps in its database are devoid of camouflage, and the latest to show its face (and rear, and roof, and flanks) appears to be the 2011 Kia Sportage.

Based on these images, the new Sportage looks to be a big step up from the friendly but aged current model. Underneath slick new sheetmetal that's in keeping with Kia's current family design themes, the Sportage will likely share much with the just-unveiled Hyundai Tucson. No word yet on when we'll see the trucklet's official unveiling, but given that Kia's usually good for a significant reveal at the New York Auto Show, we'll wager that at the very least, we'll see the Sportage's North American debut in the Javits Center in late March/early April. Stay tuned.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Sportage - European Registry Images

[Source: European Registry via Autoblog Spanish]
European Registry pulls wraps off 2011 Kia Sportage? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Detroit 2010: Kia channels its inner tattoo artist with limited-edition Shadow Dragon Soul
Filed under: Aftermarket, Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Crossover, Hatchback, Kia, Design/Style

2010 Kia Shadow Dragon Soul - Click above for high-res image gallery

Is the third time really the charm? We'll leave that up to you as Kia has unveiled its third special edition Soul at the Detroit Auto Show, this time featuring automotive tattoos. The 2010 Kia Shadow Dragon Soul is available now and follows in the footsteps of the Denim and Ignition specials. As the name implies, the Shadow Dragon is done up in a special black color scheme, and it also features a Soul-first leather-trimmed interior and crowd-sourced black dragon graphics (the Korean automaker trolled the Kia forums to determine what type of ink the Soul should wear).

Besides the matte-on-gloss black graphics, the Shadow Dragon sports blacked-out 18-inch wheels like the ones on the Ignition, glossy accents in the front and rear bumpers, and a unique rear wing. Like the other two Soul specials, the Shadow Dragon starts out as a Soul+ model, so it's stuffed to the gills with options. It includes the Audio Upgrade Package with its center speaker, subwoofer, external amp and those trick speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music. There's also an iPod connector, carpeted floor mats, moonroof, foglights and fender vents with encapsulated side markers.

On top of that, the Shadow Dragon Soul adds keyless entry, limo tint on the cargo area windows, body-color door handles and power mirrors. That's in addition to the steering wheel-mounted cruise control, Bluetooth, dual power ports, separate tweeters and usual array of cubbies and lights to make living inside the Dragon a little more hospitable. All of that for just $18,195 with a manual transmission. That strikes us as a modest price but also makes it the most expensive special Soul so far, some $695 dearer than the Ignition. Check out the press release after the jump for even more details.

Gallery: 2010 Kia Shadow Dragon Soul

[Source: Kia Motors]
Continue reading Detroit 2010: Kia channels its inner tattoo artist with limited-edition Shadow Dragon Soul
Detroit 2010: Kia channels its inner tattoo artist with limited-edition Shadow Dragon Soul originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Report: Asian automakers closing in on 50% share of U.S. auto sales
Filed under: Car Buying, Japan, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, South Korea

While it may come as no surprise that Asian car companies are constantly gaining market share in the U.S. market, the actual numbers are quite amazing. Ten years ago, companies like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and the rest accounted for a little more than one-quarter of total light-vehicle sales in the States. By 2005, that figure stood at 36.6 percent. By 2007? 41.9 percent. In 2009, Asian automakers sold a full 47.9 percent of the cars and light trucks we Americans bought.

These numbers come from the latest report by Ward's Auto. Perhaps predictably, that same dispatch tells us that American automakers were hurt the most by those Asian gains. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler were once part of an American auto industry that accounted for nearly 70 percent of sales in 1999. The Detroit Three had just a 44.8 percent market share a decade later. The European automakers have also gained a bit in the U.S. over the past decade. Still, they only account for 7.3 percent of the market right now.

If the Japanese and Korean manufacturers post gains for 2010 that are similar to the 2009 increases, they will pass the 50 percent mark for the first time in history. Individually, companies like Toyota have fared the best, nearly doubling their slice of the American pie, going from 8.7 to 17 percent since 1999. While Ford shared the biggest gain last year compared to 2008, they were also one of the decade's biggest losers, dropping 8.3 percent. Maybe last year's gain is a sign of recovery for the domestic automakers, but the troubles at GM and Chrysler don't bode well for the group. Check out the full breakdown by clicking the Ward's source link below.

[Source: Ward's Automotive]
Report: Asian automakers closing in on 50% share of U.S. auto sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Hyundai-Kia stamps out own steel plant... celebrates with awesomely bad video?
Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Videos, Hyundai, Kia, South Korea

Hyundai Steel - Click above to view video after the jump

Most of the big automaker players have gotten out of the steel-making business, but according to Automotive News, the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group is just getting into it. More to the point, Hyundai and Kia have bought into a $5 billion steel mill operated by sister chaebol company Hyundai Steel. The mill's aim is to "boost synergy effects among affiliates by creating a circular production and recycling link between steel manufacturing, steel processing and car making."

With an in-house operation, the two companies can be more assured of getting the quality and quantity of high-tensile steel that they need to build their cars at more stable prices. Hyundai's stake in the plant is 12.6 percent, Kia's is 21.4 percent, and between them, they'll use 50 different types of steel from among the 225 types manufactured at the environmentally friendly plant. The other steels will reportedly be used for ships and electronics.

The first blast furnace was lit last week and will be able to provide four million tons of steel annually. The second furnace is expected to be finished early next year, and will provide the same amount again. Even so, Hyundai said it will need steel from other sources.

Remember when the word "Hyundai" meant "Excel," and not "juggernaut?" While you ponder that thought, be sure to click on the jump to watch an amazing so-bad-it's-good promotional video from the folks at Hyundai Steel.

[Sources: Automotive News - sub req'd; Hyundai Steel]
Continue reading Hyundai-Kia stamps out own steel plant... celebrates with awesomely bad video?
Hyundai-Kia stamps out own steel plant... celebrates with awesomely bad video? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Video: We take Kia and Microsoft's Uvo for a test drive at CES
Filed under: CES, Technology, Kia

Kia's UVO system hands-on - Click above to watch video after the jump

Tucked in between Google's hot new smartphone and a variety of other computer peripheral equipment at this year's CES show is a crossover. Not the jacked-up, tricked-out, neon-dragging customized type that we typically see around the Consumer Electronics Show, but a bone-stock, 2011 Kia Sorento. Well, stock except for one option: UVO.

We recently got a chance to try out the newly-announced system in the plastic, and while impressive in its own right, just hours after sitting down with Ford to check out the latest Sync and MyFord Touch, it's somewhat less than stunning. But, ignoring that for now, Kia's offering looks good and still ahead of the rest of the curve. It's functionally comparable to early Sync, enabling easy access to media on 1GB of internal storage, on a USB-connected drive or even on a CD. You can rip from CD straight to internal memory or to a thumb drive, an interesting feature we're not sure is particularly useful. The touchscreen display is a nice improvement over Ford's two-line Sync readout, but remember that if you get this system, you'll have to opt out of in-dash GPS. Good thing you splurged and got that Droid, right? Check out some screens in the gallery below, and there's a quick video demo after the break.

Gallery: Kia and Microsoft's UVO
Continue reading Video: We take Kia and Microsoft's Uvo for a test drive at CES
Video: We take Kia and Microsoft's Uvo for a test drive at CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Arrrrrgh! Ship carrying Hyundai and Kia cars attacked by Somali pirates?
Filed under: Etc., Hyundai, Kia

It was bad enough when Somali pirates decided to hijack an American ship, but now they've gone too far. The scallywags have now gone after a boatload of cars - Hyundais and Kias to be specific. On New Year's Day, a group of Somali pirates hijacked the Asian Glory, which was bound for Saudi Arabia with 2,388 Kia and Hyundai vehicles aboard.

While Hyundai and Kia have asked for the prompt and safe return of the crew, the cars, apparently, are of little concern. It's not that the Korean companies don't care about their product, it's that they aren't their responsibility anymore. It seems that once a cargo ship leaves port, the cars are the responsibility of the distributor. The vehicles have already been paid for and they are insured, so the only loss is to the insurance companies.

By the way, be careful when Googling "Asian Glory." Let's just say it was an eye opener.

[Source: Bloomberg News]
Arrrrrgh! Ship carrying Hyundai and Kia cars attacked by Somali pirates? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Kia UVO details released, like SYNC circa 2008
Filed under: CES, Technology, Kia

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas kicks off this week and the first major announcement from the automotive world comes from Kia in the form of its UVO (short for "your voice") infotainment system.

Co-developed by Microsoft and based on the Windows Embedded Auto software, UVO is similar to Ford's beloved SYNC system, offering users the ability to rip music from CDs and integrate an MP3 player, with a heavy focus on voice commands. Utilizing Microsoft's next generation voice technology, two distinct profiles are stored in the system allowing users to access different elements of the UVO system through voice commands or through the 4.3-inch color touch screen. A back-up camera is also included in the setup, however, it appears that UVO won't be available without the screen, unlike Ford's system.

Although pricing has yet to be announced, UVO is set to launch on the 2011 Kia Sorento this summer and is expected to filter throughout Kia's line-up over the coming year. Make the jump for the official release.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Kia Sorento
Continue reading Kia UVO details released, like SYNC circa 2008
Kia UVO details released, like SYNC circa 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Kia and Microsoft set to debut UVO at CES, leave us wondering for now
Filed under: CES, Technology, Kia

When you think Microsoft car technology you think SYNC, right? Perfectly natural, since it's the only place Redmond's bits and bytes have made much of an impact on the automotive scene. But SYNC is just Ford's flavor of Microsoft's Windows Embedded Technologies -- naturally with plenty of customizations and functionality on top. It's not an exclusive partnership and we've known for some time now that Hyundai and Kia were next in line to get some love from Washington. Kia's time has come, with the company set to launch UVO at CES next week. The only question now is: What exactly is it?

We spoke with representatives from Microsoft and Kia on Wednesday, where they unveiled the UVO name, explained as being short for "your voice." Because of that we expect there will be a strong focus on speech recognition in this system, but beyond that it's anyone's guess what the latest automotive infotainment system will be packing -- those same representatives were tight-lipped about the details. Naturally we expect it'll be generally similar to Ford's SYNC, but Kia is a very different sort of company than the one Henry built, so surely a much fresher look and feel is in store at the very least.

Ford recently announced that it would be letting outside developers augment SYNC's functionality, and after the amazing success of Apple's App Store it'd be a shame if Kia didn't support the booming app market from the start (just think of all the telemetry systems a developer could build with access to vehicle sensor data and a three-axis accelerometer). All will be unveiled at next week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where Ford will be similarly showing off its latest SYNC revisions. Which infotainment system will reign supreme? We can't wait to find out.

[Source: Kia, Microsoft]
Kia and Microsoft set to debut UVO at CES, leave us wondering for now originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Report: No 2010 Kia Borrego, model's future uncertain
Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Kia

2009 Kia Borrego - Click above for high-res image gallery

There really isn't anything wrong with the Kia Borrego. When compared directly to its intended competition, the big, boxy, body-on-frame SUV is both attractive and fully class competitive, as we learned the first time we got any significant time in its driver seat. That said, there's no doubt that the Borrego's model launch was an object lesson in horrible timing.

The Borrego was Introduced in late 2008 as a 2009 model, right when the financial meltdown was starting to make some waves and the previous summer's record-high fuel prices were still emblazoned in our collective memory banks. This being the case, it's no surprise to learn from The Car Connection that Kia moved fewer than half (at 9,510 through November) of its hoped-for Borrego sales in 2009.

That said, we still didn't expect the Korean automaker to drop the Borrego entirely for the 2010 model year, which is exactly what's being reported by the boys over at The Car Connection. Apparently, no decision has yet been made as to whether the Borrego will make a return appearance after 2010 or if the square-jawed SUV will be a one-and-done proposition.

Either way, for the keen bargain hunter, there's a boatload of cash on the hood of the 2009 model year. Kia is presently offering $3,000 in cash back on all trim levels, plus the availability of numerous other incentives. The rundown: $1,500 for trading in a competitor's vehicle (everything from the Buick Enclave to the Pontiac Aztek and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited qualifies); $1,500 for owner loyalty, $400 for recent college grads, $500 for military service, and $300 for Great Dane rescue shelter workers. We made that last one up.

Gallery: 2009 Kia Borrego First Drive

[Sources: The Car Connection; Kia]
Report: No 2010 Kia Borrego, model's future uncertain originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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VIDEO: Kia Ignition Soul brings out the tire-shredder in everyone
Filed under: Budget, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Kia

Kia Ignition Soul donuts commercial -- Click above to watch video

The Kia Ignition Soul is out to reset every perception of what a Korean car can be and who it can be for. That's why you get commercials like this one, for Jeff Wyler Kia in Ohio. We won't spoil the surprise, but having spent a few years around Eastgate, Ohio (shoutout to Williamsburg!) we can say that if the Ignition Soul gets Jeff Wyler to make commercials like this, then it is indeed a car to change the game - and no, there isn't a hamster behind the wheel.

Follow the jump for the vid, which has more than a little bit in common with R Kelly's Ignition Remix: "It's the remix to ignition, hot and fresh out the kitchen, mama rollin' that body..." Hat tip to Mike!

Gallery: 2010 Kia Ignition Soul

[Source: Jeff Wyler Kia via Kia World]
Continue reading VIDEO: Kia Ignition Soul brings out the tire-shredder in everyone
VIDEO: Kia Ignition Soul brings out the tire-shredder in everyone originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Kia Soul gets fired up with limited-edition Ignition
Filed under: Hatchback, Kia

Special edition 2010 Kia Ignition Soul -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia wants you to consider its 2010 Soul a template ripe for customization, and if you can't think of funky things to do with it, Kia will be glad to help you. This is the Kia Ignition Soul - the second special edition after the 1,200 Denim Souls released earlier this year - in "scorching" Ignition Orange, with offset black striping and blacked-out 18-inch rims, an alloy gas cap, and a rear spoiler.

It starts at $17,500 for the manual, making it $200 more than the Denim. But you won't complain about equipment: upgraded stereo, moon roof, keyless remote entry, tinted windows, cruise control, Bluetooth, and then some. Kia hasn't indicated yet if the Ignition Soul will be limited in number like the Denim was. You can get all the details in the press release after the jump, and check out all that orangeness in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Kia Ignition Soul

[Source: Kia]
Continue reading Kia Soul gets fired up with limited-edition Ignition
Kia Soul gets fired up with limited-edition Ignition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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2011 Kia Sorento pricing pops up, starts under $20k*
Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Kia

Pricing for the 2011 Kia Sorento has popped up unannounced on the automaker's consumer website, and as it turns out, you can drive a base model off the lot with money to spare for a Subway footlong - minus taxes and all that. At $19,995 for the starter model (*plus $795 in destination charges), you'll get a five-seat unibody crossover with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a manual transmission standard. That engine puts out 175 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque and is also standard fitment for the uplevel LX and EX models, but the latter two get automatic transmissions.

The top tier model is the EX V6, with a 3.5-liter V6 proffering 276 hp and 248 ft-lb. All of the variants except the base also come in either front-drive or all-wheel drive variants, and there is also a seven-seat version. By the time you get to the grips-at-all-fours EX V6, you're looking at $28,895.

The Sorento is meant to "significantly increase [Kia's] share of the utility vehicle market," and with pricing like that, a good ride and healthy tech specs, it's got a good shot.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Kia Sorento

Gallery photos by Jeremy Korzeniewski/ Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Kia]
2011 Kia Sorento pricing pops up, starts under $20k* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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REPORT: Kia Forte Koup may get brand's first-ever turbo
Filed under: Coupe, Kia, Rumormill

2010 Kia Forte Koup - Click above for high-res image gallery

As General Motors' Saturn brand ushers its owners toward orphan-make status, at least one company is swooping in to pick at the bones of its carcass. Kia has been doing well lately, unlike nearly everyone else, its sales actually grew this year. The brand has been adding dealers by picking up ex-Saturn stores and looks to continue building market share in the East, as well as in selected large cities on the West Coast. Kia's VP of sales, Tom Loveless tells Automotive News there has been no concerted plan to go after Saturn dealers, they just happen to be in the markets Kia wants to expand into, and that some ex-Hummer and Chrysler dealers have joined, as well.

More interesting than tales of dealer signage changes is what may be coming product-wise. The Soul and Forte have been getting attention, and more new stuff is on the way as the 2011 Sorento drops in January. The Optima and Sportage both get the re-do treatment for 2011, and a hybrid lands in 2012. To counter the geek-chic of battery power, word is the sharp-looking Forte Koup might get an iron lung hung off its engine, making it the brand's first turbocharged car. Loveless seems open to the idea, calling it "a natural extension, if it makes financial sense." Word.

Gallery: Kia Forte Koup

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
REPORT: Kia Forte Koup may get brand's first-ever turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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REPORT: Kia considering production Kee to compete with Toyobaru coupe
Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Performance, Kia

Kia Kee Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

In an interview with the blokes from Autocar, Kia head designer Peter Schreyer had plenty of interesting things to say about the possibility of a new rear-wheel drive sportscar from the Korean automaker based on the KEE concept from the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.

If it ever sees the light of day, Schreyer sees the coupe as a possible competitor for the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the upcoming inexpensive sportscar from Toyota and Subaru. Not to mention a possible Nissan 240SX revival. Just don't expect to see such a machine any time soon:

Assuming Kia's European fortunes continue to improve at the rate they are now, we could be ready in, say, five years for a car like Kee... [I]t would be important for the Kee to be rear-wheel drive. And there is, of course, already a rear-driven platform within the Hyundai-Kia group that we could look to use, if our timing was good... Personally, I have to say that I'm very excited by the idea, and very enthusiastic to make it happen.

So, not only may the Genesis platform be expanded to include a top-level Kia sedan, it may spawn a small sporty machine as well. According to Schreyer, the production Kee wouldn't need a ton of power; rather Kia would focus on making the car "compact, affordable and fun." Sounds good to us - really, can we ever have too much of those three adjectives in the automotive world?

Gallery: Kia Kee Coupe Concept

[Source: Autocar]
REPORT: Kia considering production Kee to compete with Toyobaru coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Kia K9 super sedan sneak peeked in Seoul
Filed under: Sedan, Kia, Design/Style, Luxury, South Korea

When the Volkswagen Phaeton launched here in the States, nobody liked it. Well, that's not true. Every journalist we know who drove the mighty VW went on and on about how it's probably actually the greatest car in the world (especially all decked out with a W12 engine) and how the HVAC system is a full generation ahead of the competition (you can't beat in-car radiators!) and how the seats so awesomely massaged their fat butts. That said, it was still a terrible car in terms of branding, marketing, etc. And now we have no Phaeton.

Then came the Hyundai Genesis. The big sedan version with the Tau (whatever that means) 4.6-liter V8. "Hmmm," our motor-mouthed brethren chimed. "Hyundai might just be on to something here." Lots of good ink got spilled in the Genesis's general direction and the Mercedes-Benz lookalike Korean luxury car got picked as the 2009 North American Car of the Year. It even appears to be selling. How things change.

Well guess what? Kia wants in. AboutCAR caught a glimpse of the proposed Kia K9 at a design conference in Seoul. Standing next to the proposed super sedan is Peter Schreyer, best known for designing the original Audi TT, he is now Kia's chief of design. Should the K9 show up, expect it to arrive in the U.S. with a Genesis-sourced chassis and a big fat V8. Other parts of the world will get other engines. Will it work? As Hyundai America CEO and President John Krafcik told us at the LA Auto Show when he was asked which he liked better, the new Sonata or Tucson, "I just really love my Genesis." And there you have it.

[Source: Aboutcar.co.kr]
Kia K9 super sedan sneak peeked in Seoul originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Kia designers reportedly still want Soul'ster built - is there a market for it?
Filed under: Convertible, Budget, Truck, Kia

2009 Kia Soul'ster concept - click above for high-res gallery

Will they build it or won't they? That's the question we've all been asking since Kia showed off its funky Soul'ster concept earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show. We've been hearing rumblings that there's a solid push from inside the Korean automaker's own ranks to put the little trucklet into production, and it appears that's still the case.

Speaking to our friends at PickupTrucks.com at the LA Auto Show, Tom Kearns, Kia North America's Chief Designer, said, "Kia's internal design community is firmly behind building the Soul'ster. We'd like to see it happen. There's no official decision to build it but it's still possible."

The base Kia Soul starts at $13,995, and though we have no idea what Kia might charge the Soul'ster if it were to make it to U.S. dealerships, the open-bed unibody would likely have its own little niche to itself as it figures to be significantly smaller and cheaper than vehicles like the Honda Ridgeline. Would it sell? Let us know what you think in 'Comments.'

Gallery: Kia Soul'ster Concept

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]
Kia designers reportedly still want Soul'ster built - is there a market for it? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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