Soul touted for being well-suited for an active lifestyle and overall functionality
IRVINE, Calif., November 16, 2009 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the 2010 Kia Soul urban passenger vehicle has been named a 2010 Active Lifestyle Vehicle (ALV) award winner in the “Super Value Award” category by The Active Network, Inc. Already a recipient of multiple awards and recognitions, including being named to the “Most Exciting Cars of 2010” list by TIME.com, given a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and named to AutoWeek magazine’s “10 Great and Safe Rides for Teens” list, The Active Network, Inc. spotlighted Soul for its versatility, ability to meet the needs of an active lifestyle and overall value.

“In addition to offering an impressive package of style, safety features and value, Soul also offers those with a more active lifestyle high functionality without sacrificing excitement,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of KMA. “Soul’s abundance of space, small footprint and long list of convenience features make it a viable option for the driver on-the-go.”

The 2010 ALV Awards featured 30 vehicles across seven automotive categories, including Super Value, Best Value On-Road, Best Value Off-Road, Luxury On-Road, Luxury Off-Road, Green and Minivan. A panel of athletes and automotive journalists tested and scored the finalist vehicles on performance, functionality, value and overall enjoyment.

Available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport, the five-door hatchback offers an attractive starting price below $14,0001 in addition to an attractive and utilitarian style. Designed with the young and young-at-heart in mind, Soul presents an immense amount of style, value and function with a relatively small footprint and surprisingly spacious interior. Passengers will find comfort in the roomy cabin that offers 40.2/39.6 inches of headroom (front/rear), shoulder room of 55.2/55.1 inches, 42.1/39.0 inches of legroom and a passenger volume of 102.3 cubic feet, more spacious than the Scion xB, and usefulness from Soul’s efficient cargo carrier with 14 storage zones. Furthering the experience, passengers also will benefit from numerous standard convenience features, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities (including a three month complimentary subscription)2 , and USB and auxiliary input jacks in the center console with full iPod®3 and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit and steering wheel controls (achieved with an optional Kia accessory cable).

In addition to the number of technology and convenience features found on Soul, the five-door hatchback also surrounds its occupants with abundant safety features, including front seat active headrests, dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted and full-length side curtain airbags, an Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, an impact-absorbing steering column and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system also come standard.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) 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 650 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline “The Power to Surprise.”

Kia Motors America is the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.” Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

Desert Kia Value Saves You More!!

September Sales Up Year to Date

IRVINE, Calif., October 1, 2009 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced its best quarter of sales ever with a September monthly total of 21,623 units sold, a 24.4-percent increase from September 2008. Year to date sales totaled 238,570, a 4.6-percent increase over the same period last year. September sales were led by the Kia Optima midsize sedan and all-new Forte compact sedan, selling 5,986 and 4,449 units respectively. The all-new Soul urban passenger vehicle and Rio subcompact also sold well, with 2,459 and 2,811 units.

“Consumer confidence in the Kia brand is on the rise, and on the heels of an all-time record sales month in August we continue our momentum by achieving the best sales quarter in company history,” said Alex Fedorak, director of public relations, KMA. “New designs, like the highly styled and personalized Soul, Forte compact sedan and Forte Koup, are appealing to a larger consumer audience while staying true to our brand’s core pillars of value, safety and fuel efficiency.”

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time contributing to the brand’s continued gains in U.S. market share. The upcoming launch of the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, the first vehicle to be built at the company’s first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, will further enhance the lineup.

Inventory is arriving weekly at Desert Kia.  New Kia models with Kia rebates and selected, like new and low mileage, Kia Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, with the complimentary same Kia warranty protection as new, are both an excellent value.  You also can save more through the Desert Kia Internet/Fleet Center.  You will recieve no nonsense answers to your questons, rock bottom pricing and the very best financing advantage anywhere….by email or right over the phone…BEFORE to stop in for a visit. You will be assisted dirctly by management in a no hassle, pressure free environment and capture an excellent value for either the new or pre-owned vehicle that is just right for you.

Furthermore, there is no city sales tax at Desert Kia.  The tax rate is only 6.1% and this will save you additional hundrds of dollars on top of all your internet considerations.  There is even a deferred payment program you can use at no at dditional interest expense to you.

Stop in soon or call the Desert Kia Internet/Fleet Center @ 888-621-6803 for more information on how you can save more and actually enjoy your auto buying experience!   

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) 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 650 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline “The Power to Surprise.”

Kia Motors America is the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.” Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

Kia recognized for offering vehicles with standard technology that helps consumers stay connected

User-friendly features including Bluetooth® and USB and auxiliary input jacks puts brand at the top of the pack
IRVINE, Calif., September 1 2009 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced it was named to the “Five Most Connected Auto Brands” list by Consumer Guide Automotive (www.consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/five-best-connected-brands.htm). The automotive resource site compiled a list of automotive manufacturers at the forefront of vehicle technology, recognizing Kia Motors for being ahead of the curve by offering standard audio and mobile phone interface features on new vehicles.

“In today’s high-tech world, mobile phones and portable music devices are quickly becoming the norm,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of Kia Motors America (KMA). “We recognize the value of incorporating features such as Bluetooth and USB and auxiliary input jacks as standard equipment in our vehicles, thereby giving our drivers the freedom to stay connected safely and easily while on the road.”

Brands included on the list were recognized for offering advanced yet user-friendly connectivity technology that enables today’s consumer to easily connect with multiple devices while in their vehicle, including computers, mobile phones and MP3 players.

“Kia deserves this recognition for bringing MP3, digital music player and cell phone connectivity to the masses,” said Ed Piotrowski of Consumer Guide Automotive. “Products such as the Forte and Soul demonstrate easy-to-use MP3 and cell phone integration that Kia has made available on nearly every iteration of these affordable cars.”

Kia vehicles, including the Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan and Forte Koup two-door, offer an impressive array of standard technology features for tech-savvy drivers and passengers. With a standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service1 , standard USB and auxiliary input jacks in the center console with full iPod®2 and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit and steering wheel controls (achieved with an optional accessory iPod cable), and standard Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls enabling hands-free operation for all compatible cell phones, both drivers and passengers are sure to stay well-connected and suitably entertained.

Desert Kia has the full Kia model line up of fuel efficient, safe, technically advanced vehicles.  You will receive fast friendly service in all departments.  Conveniently located at the Tucson Auto Mall, at 775 W. Wetmore, Desert Kia has one added value for all cstomers….no city sales tax.  That’s right!!  The tax rate at Desert Kia is just 6.1%, which will save you money in the parts department, service department and will save you hundreds when you buy your new vehicle.  Stop in today and enjoy the Desert Kia value!!

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) 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 630 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline “The Power to Surprise.”

Kia Motors America is the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.” Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

1 Customers must renew SIRIUS subscription after trial period if they wish to retain service. SIRIUS three-month complimentary subscription not available in Canada, AK, or HI. For full terms and conditions, visit sirius.com. SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries.
2 Accessory cable required for iPod® mobile digital device. Cable and iPod sold separately. iPod is a registered trademark of Apple

Forte recognized for offering sophisticated styling, value and numerous class-leading features

All-new compact sedan tops segment by offering consumers the entire package
IRVINE, Calif., August 18, 2009 – The most recent addition to the Kia Motors America (KMA) ever-expanding line-up, the recently launched all-new 2010 Forte compact sedan has been named “Car of the Month” for August by NADAguides.com. Acclaimed for attractive styling, value and an extensive list of class-leading features, Forte is the latest installment to be launched under the brand’s design-led transformation.

“Forte boasts a number of very appealing qualities, including comfort, dynamic styling, fuel economy and overall great value for the compact segment” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of Kia Motors America (KMA). “We are pleased to be able to offer consumers the complete new car package at a low price point with the confidence of a 10/100 warranty.”

The NADAguides.com “Car of the Month” program aims to provide consumers with useful commentary, information and reviews on available cars, trucks and SUVs, and features vehicles that offer impressive fuel economy, safety features and amenities.

“With a stylish and comfortable cabin, excellent fuel economy, great safety features and a ‘Best in Class’ engine, the Kia Forte is everything you need in a car,” said a spokesperson for NADAguides.com. “Add in the low price point and a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and the Forte provides an exceptional value.”

Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, pricing for the all-new Forte compact sedan starts at $13,695¹ for the LX trim, while the Forte EX begins at $15,795. Moving up to the SX trim, pricing begins at $17,195. In addition to competitive pricing, Forte comes well-stocked with a long list of standard amenities, starting with a standard four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service². Also standard on all models is an auxiliary audio input jack and USB port for connecting personal MP3 players³ as well as Bluetooth®4 connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls, which enables hands-free operation for all compatible cell phones.

Along with appealing standard convenience elements, Forte showcases numerous class-leading features, including class-leading passenger volume of 96.8 cubic feet, class-leading horsepower of 156 with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a class-leading combination of standard safety features with active front headrests, advanced two-stage airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), brake assist (BAS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC), a traction control system (TCS) and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Desert Kia of Tucson is ready to assist you with the best value Fleet/Internet pricing in Arizona. You can work directly with the department managers who will professionally answer your questions in a specific and courteous manner…including your discount value sell prices … up front directly by phone or email.  Call anytime…..Tom Reesing or Ralph Ramsey have over 40 years of auto sales experience.   Please call today @ 800-621-6803.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) 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 630 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline “The Power to Surprise.”

Kia Motors America is the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.” Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

1 Starting MSRPs exclude freight ($695), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.
2 Customers must obtain SIRIUS subscription after trial period if they wish to retain service. SIRIUS three-month complimentary service not available in Canada, AK or HI. For full terms and conditions please visit SIRIUS.com. SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries.
3 Accessory cable required for MP3 device. Cable and MP3 device sold separately.
4 A Bluetooth-enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth wireless technology. The Bluetooth wordmark and logos are registered trademarks of Bluetooth Sig, Inc.

“Our relative market share increase tied to the vehicles included in the C.A.R.S. program is among the top three brands in the industry,” said Tom Loveless, vice president of sales, KMA.

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time. The all-new 2010 Forte and Forte Koup, which replaced the Spectra, Kia’s best-selling model, further reinforces the design revolution brought on by the all-new, award-winning 2010 Soul urban passenger vehicle. The Soul began changing consumer perception of Kia as soon as it arrived in showrooms this spring, from a brand known for delivering safe and fuel efficient vehicles at a tremendous value to one now combining those attributes with modern technologies and eye-catching design. These new vehicles have attracted discerning and smart shoppers to Kia showrooms and have contributed to the brand’s continued upward momentum as the brand continues to gain market share in the U.S. The upcoming launch of the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, the first vehicle to be built at the company’s first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, will further enhance the lineup.

“The C.A.R.S. program attracted new customers to Kia; those that didn’t necessarily want or need a new car, but were enticed by C.A.R.S. to buy a car that would last,” said Loveless. “These buyers, often with better credit, are a solid sign of a significant positive change in brand perception and a tribute to the entire Kia vehicle line.”

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) 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 630 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline “The Power to Surprise.”

Kia Motors America is the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.” Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

We have a great selection of Forte sedans onsite to check out and take for complementary test drives.  

Refreshments will be served and gift boxes will be handed out for the kiddies! 

Call us at 888–621-6803 for more information.

Eligible Kia models include:  2009 Borrego, 2009 Sedona, 2009 Sorento, 2009 Sportage, 2009 Optima, 2009 Rio, 2009 Rio5, 2009 Rondo, 2009 Spectra, 2010 Forte, and 2010 Soul.  Not allo Borrego, Rondo and Sorento engine/drivetrain combinations qualifty. 

Contact us for more details at 888-621-6803.

Click here to view more important details of this government program.

2010 Kia Forte SX sedan

Last week, a Kia Motors America representative stopped into Desert Kia of Tucson with an early production model of the all new 2010 Kia Forte.  All our dealership’s staff had a chance to inspect this new Forte (pronounced four-tay), and everyone came away very impressed with Kia’s newest sedan.  The Forte features the quality and features everyone has come to expect, plus some class-leading features:  Bluetooth hands free capability, Ipod USB / MP3 Input jacks, and much more! 

We anticipate seeing at least one each of the three trim levels (LX, EX, and SX) arrive at our dealership by the end of June!

CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2009 – On the heels of announcing the widely acclaimed, all-new Kia Soul, Kia Motors America (KMA) today introduced the all-new 2010 Kia Forte (pronounced for-tay) 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.

“Kia Motors’ product line is rapidly evolving and the Forte compact sedan is another head turner,” said B.M. Ahn, group president and CEO, KMA and KMMG. “The Forte is an aggressively stylish blend of comfort and practicality – and with a host of standard features it provides the great quality and value that consumers have come to expect from Kia vehicles.”

Style in Motion

2010 Kia Forte

Sporting stylish and aggressive design cues, the new Forte firmly establishes itself as a strong contender in its segment. With a bold look set apart by crisp lines, swept-back headlamps and a sleek profile, Forte exudes a confident stance that conveys motion both while cruising the highway and parked in the driveway. 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.

Smooth and Comfortable Ride

With a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, an overall length of 178.3 inches, an overall width of 69.9 inches and overall height of 57.5 inches, Forte offers one of the roomiest interiors in its class with seating for up to five passengers. The Kia-engineered body achieves high torsional stiffness giving Forte better handling, smoother ride quality and greater refinement than its competitors, with a specially tuned suspension adjusted perfectly for responsive handling on curvy roads. Additional refinements are fitted throughout Forte to help ensure a comfortable ride with good noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities.

Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, Forte utilizes an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar and a torsion beam rear suspension with struts and coil springs. This combination helps provide the optimal balance of handling and comfort. An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system adds the finishing touch for precise handling by providing the most advantageous amount of assist for varying road conditions. In keeping with the sporty essence of the SX model line, a sport-tuned suspension gives the chassis a firmer feel and responsiveness resulting in a sportier and more spirited ride. The SX model also features larger front brakes for improved stopping capabilities.

Attractive and Practical Interior

Forte boasts a class-leading¹ 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. Forte’s trunk also offers an impressive 14.7 cubic feet of cargo space, one of the largest in its class, perfect for luggage for weekend getaways.

Capitalizing on its spacious interior, Forte pampers its riders with a host of interior features, starting with comfortable, nicely appointed full cloth seats. A six-way adjustable driver’s seat, tilt steering column, rear defroster and dual 12-volt power outlets in the center console are driver- and passenger-conscious luxuries standard on every vehicle.

EX and SX models offer a number of additional standard luxurious touches such as: power windows and door locks; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; map lamps; steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; dual front and rear cup holders; and floor mats. Forte EX and SX models also include standard cruise control with an optional sunroof and leather-trimmed seats. Also standard on SX models is a telescoping steering column as well as sport cloth seats adorned with red stitching, further enhancing its energetic persona.

Peppy Performance

Forte LX and EX are powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque, that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which provide for greater performance and fuel economy. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower – more than the most powerful versions of the Toyota Corolla¹ or even the 2010 Mazda3.

Two transmission options are offered for the 2010 Forte: a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission (LX and EX models). The SX model features a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic®.

The optional Fuel Economy Package, available with the 2.0-liter powerplant, will include the five-speed automatic transmission, Motor Drive Power Steering and low-rolling resistance tires with aero enhancements. These improvements result in class-leading combined fuel economy of 36 mpg (highway).

Music that Moves

Forte comes with a standard four speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service². Standard on all models is an auxiliary audio input jack and USB port for connecting personal MP3 players. Standard Bluetooth® connectivity enables hands-free operation for compatible cell phones. For true audiophiles, the EX and SX packages also add a standard six speaker surround audio system and steering wheel controls.

Standard Kia Motors Safety

Forte offers a class-leading level of standard safety equipment, with features such as active front headrests, advanced two-stage airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control (TCS), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Industry-Leading Warranty

Like all Kia models, Forte is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

2009 Product Line

Kia Motors America offers a dynamic and diverse product line of 11 vehicles to meet the needs of all lifestyles. The 2009 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 will further complement the lineup when it arrives in dealerships this spring.