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Wagons West: Domestics picked up market share in California last year
Filed under: Car Buying, Ford, GM, Honda, Jeep, Kia, Toyota, Earnings/Financials 
Most days, California must seem like Kazakhstan for the Big Three. Domestic products aren't so popular out West, where Toyota and Honda have long stood atop the sales charts. But not in 2011.
According to a report in Automotive News, both General Motors and Ford managed to bump Honda from its silver medal position in 2011, though Toyota still holds a commanding market share lead. In a storyline we've heard before, the twin natural disasters in Asia curbed Japanese production, causing a 4.5 point loss of market share. Toyota's market share dropped from 22.8 to 19.2 percent, while GM and Ford tied at 12.6 percent - ahead of Honda at 12.1.
Booming sales in the Golden State helped the domestics to their 1.8 point gain. New vehicle registrations in California were up 9.9 percent, according to the report. The biggest sales gains last year were made by Kia and Jeep, which were up 53 and 49 percent, respectively.Wagons West: Domestics picked up market share in California last year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Kia debuts Adriana Lima-infused Super Bowl ad
Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Kia, Celebrities 
Kia has been spending big on Super Bowl advertising for a few years now, but its commercials have been hit or miss. Its ad for the big game in 2010 entitled "Joyride" was a hit for bringing toys from our childhood to life behind the wheel of a Sorento, but last year's "One Epic Ride" was a definite miss. Kia's ad for this year's Super Bowl, called "A Dream Car. For Real Life," will likely be a hit.
The premise is simple: A fairy who visits bedsides with magic dust that guarantees good dreams accidentally trips over a slipper and spills his whole bucket of sprinkles on an unsuspecting, demographically targeted and non-threateningly handsome 30-something man. The resulting indulgent dream stars Victoria's Secret model Adriana Lima, 80's hair band Mötley Crüe (looking a little worse for wear, we might add) and UFC fighter Chuck Liddell. There's also a school bus-sized sub sandwich being cut in half by lumberjacks and a roaring crowd of thousands of bikini-wearing beauties.
In the midst of all this REM-induced revelry is the Kia Optima, because what other car would your subconscious pick to impress Ms. Lima?
Kia has also published a five-hour-long video of Adriana Lima waving a checkered flag in slow motion on YouTube, because hey, if you've got her on set for the day, why not? Follow the jump to watch them both.Continue reading Kia debuts Adriana Lima-infused Super Bowl ad Kia debuts Adriana Lima-infused Super Bowl ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Kia renders Track'ster concept for Chicago
Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Budget, Wagon, Hatchback, Kia, Design/Style 
Things are shaping up nicely for next week's Chicago Auto Show, key among them this new Kia concept called Track'ster. Riffing on the Korean automaker's hit Soul compact, the Track'ster keeps much of the small car's boxy style, but turns the wick up considerably by scrubbing the rear doors, fitting a gaping front end, substituting massive showcar wheels and dramatically lowering the right height.
This isn't the first time Kia has toyed with the idea of a Soul spinoff - at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, it presented the Soul'ster, a rough-and-tumble concept vehicle with a small pickup bed. Thanks to a strong response from the public, the Soul'ster was understood to be under consideration for production, but its hopes reportedly fizzled due to the economic meltdown.
Despite being on the market since 2008, the Soul continues to pick up momentum in chunks. Thanks in part to a refresh for 2012 that addresses hopes for more powerful drivetrains, the Soul has emerged as one of Kia's best sellers - last month, it was only slightly outdistanced by the Optima midsize sedan, and it's outpacing Sorrento, which was Kia's best-seller last year.
Will Kia finally pull the trigger on a Soul variant? We should know more after the Track'ster makes the show circuit rounds.Kia renders Track'ster concept for Chicago originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Analysts: U.S. automakers will lose marketshare in 2012
Filed under: Car Buying, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota 
Domestic automakers have much to be happy about, with Chrysler, Ford and General Motors all gaining market share last year for the first time since 1988. Yet according to Bloomberg, 2012 won't be as good to Detroit. Total sales are projected to grow from 12.8 million vehicles last year to 13.6 million, according to the report, but increasing competition from Korea and a Japanese recovery from the natural disasters of 2011 mean those extra sales aren't likely headed to the Big Three.
The news agency spoke to five analysts, and predictions have the U.S. automakers losing 1.3 percentage points this year. The analysts estimate that GM will drop 0.6 of a percent, Ford will lose 0.5 percent, and Chrysler will be down 0.2 percent. Toyota is seen gaining 0.9 percent, with Honda grabbing an extra 0.5 percent, while Hyundai and Kia are only projected to see their combined market share improve by 0.01.
If all this comes true, GM would have the top market share in the U.S. at 19 percent, with Ford in second at 16.3 percent, followed by Toyota at 13.8 percent, Chrysler at 10.5 percent, and Honda at 9.5 percent.Analysts: U.S. automakers will lose marketshare in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Infographic: Which automakers gave the biggest discounts?
Filed under: Car Buying, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Mitsubishi 
Business was a-boomin' in the auto industry last year, and while a number of factors conspired to keep cars moving through dealerships, chief among them was discounts. How do we know that? This infographic contains part of the answer.
Compiled using data from car-shopping website CarWoo!, the infographic tells us which automakers gave the most discounts last year, where they were given, who got them, and more. Which automaker doled out the most discounts? Jeep, which CarWoo! says was selling its vehicles at a 17.7-percent discount in 2011. Which automaker also posted the largest percentage gain in sales last year? Jeep, whose sales jumped over 44 percent compared to 2010.
Mitsubishi and Kia, which posted the second and third largest percent increases in sales last year, also make CarWoo!'s list by having offered high discounts of 11.7 and 12.1 percent in 2011.
Big savings didn't always equal big sales, though. Infiniti, for instance, is on record offering discounts of 12.2 percent in 2011, but still saw its sales fall 4.8 percent.
Check out the rest of what CarWoo!'s infographic has to say about savings after the jump.Continue reading Infographic: Which automakers gave the biggest discounts? Infographic: Which automakers gave the biggest discounts? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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NADA: Dealers most happy with Hyundai, Subaru and Lexus
Filed under: Car Buying, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru  Car dealers have a strange and oftentimes contentious relationship with the carmakers. Stories of automakers shoveling unsaleable models down the pipeline with unreasonable expectations are legion in the car sales world. With the number of family-owned, single-brand dealerships dwindling, dealers often field competing franchises. The concept of loyalty is as quaint as a Lincoln Town Car. So it's worth noting the automotive brands that are actually liked by the guys selling them.
The National Automobile Dealers Association conducts its Dealer Attitude Survey twice each year, and results from the summer survey are in. Hyundai stayed on top for the third time in a row, followed by Subaru, Lexus, Kia, and Mercedes-Benz. The survey measures three factors: "franchise value, automaker policy decisions that affect the dealership and the automaker's field staff who visit dealerships."
Sixth place went to Toyota, while Volkswagen, Porsche, and Audi followed. Cadillac and Honda tied for tenth. NADA received responses from over 14,700 dealerships, representing almost 54 percent of all dealers nationwide.
Click past the jump to read the full press release.Continue reading NADA: Dealers most happy with Hyundai, Subaru and Lexus NADA: Dealers most happy with Hyundai, Subaru and Lexus originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Kia start/stop system delayed due to poor feedback from media
Filed under: Budget, Technology, Hatchback, Kia 
The come-hither 2012 Kia Rio has been bolting off dealer lots for obvious reasons that go beyond its $14,350 price. One of its noteworthy features for the U.S. market, especially for the segment, is stop/start, which Kia calls ISG for Idle, Stop & Go. Media feedback, however, has convinced Kia that ISG is not quite ready for prime time, so it's been sent back to the engineers for tweaks.
The same system is also available on the Kia Soul, and that hatchback will be going without for the moment, as well. Apparently, some reviewers found the system's engagement rough. Kia didn't give details about the move, either what might have caused the perceived roughness or what remedy it will use to fix it. If you're holding out for ISG on your Rio or Soul, which is available by checking the special Eco options package, a Kia executive said it will now be arriving in the second quarter.Kia start/stop system delayed due to poor feedback from media originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Kia recalls 145K Rondo, Optima models over airbag issues
Filed under: Minivan/Van, Sedan, Etc., Recalls, Safety, Kia 
Kia has announced that it is recalling 145,000 vehicles to address faulty airbags. A total of 95,569 Optima sedans built between 2006 and 2008 and 50,186 Rondo MPVs built between 2007 and 2008 are included in the recall.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the vehicles may have been built with a clock spring in the steering column that may fatigue and break over time. As a result, the vehicles may illuminate the airbag warning light on the dash and the airbag may not deploy in the event of an accident. The automaker says that while it has received some warranty claims for the problem, no crashes or injuries have been reported as a result of the default.
Kia plans to notify affected Optima and Rondo owners in March. Those vehicles that currently have their airbag lights illuminated will be fixed first. Click past the jump for the full recall notification.Continue reading Kia recalls 145K Rondo, Optima models over airbag issues Kia recalls 145K Rondo, Optima models over airbag issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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New Kia C'eed unveiled, will debut at Geneva Motor Show
Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Kia, UK 
The second generation of the Kia c'eed is a dramatic rework five years after the C-segment fighter was introduced. It is fronted by Kia's now-familiar design elements, attempting to go upmarket along its flanks with chrome trim around the windows and "styling typically found on a sporty coupé with the space and functionality of a five-door hatch."
We don't know what its innards look like, but Kia says it has a "driver oriented dashboard and refined interior, with a strong focus on quality of materials." Other reports suggest it will be offered with a choice of two gasoline and two diesel engines, which would be a reduction in choice from the five powerplants offered now. However, that same report says that one of the engines would be a turbocharged, 1.6-liter T-GDI making 250 horsepower, more than doubling the most powerful current option. On sale in Europe only, it will take on the Volkswagen Golf, Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Seat Leon.
It will be unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show in two months and go on sale in the UK in June. You'll find a press release that's rather light on details after the jump, and you can click on the image above to enlarge.Continue reading New Kia C'eed unveiled, will debut at Geneva Motor Show New Kia C'eed unveiled, will debut at Geneva Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Hands-on with Kia UVO2
Filed under: CES, Technology, Videos, Kia, Infotainment 
Kia is rolling out the second generation of its UVO infotainment system before we could really get to know the original, but UVO2 is packing all the advanced telematics and connectivity features of its competitors - or at least it will when it ships later this year.
We had a chance to sample the lower-spec version of UVO2 in an Optima Hybrid, and overall, it's an improvement over its predecessor both in terms of polish and features.
Included in UVO2 is automatic crash notification, road-side assistance, service reminders and tracking, along with geo-fencing, speed warnings and a curfew setting that lets you know when the kiddies stray too far, go too fast or stay out late.
Along with the normal raft of music and navigation features, there's a companion iPhone app that keeps track of maintenance and notifications. It also includes a vehicle finder that automatically logs the vehicle's last location and lets you find it using a nifty augmented reality feature. Get more details in the press blast and hands-on video after the jump.Continue reading Hands-on with Kia UVO2 Hands-on with Kia UVO2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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NHTSA closes probes into Honda Accord Hybrid, Kia Sorento
Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Honda, Kia 
The Detroit News reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has concluded its investigations into both the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Kia Sorento without ordering either automaker to issue a recall. NHTSA began looking into Accord Hybrid models after a fatal traffic accident was initially attributed to unintended acceleration. The agency found no evidence of a mechanical or safety issue in the vehicles.
NHTSA had also received 18 complaints of fuel spilling from the filler port on certain 2003-2004 Kia Sorento models. Kia found the vehicles' fuel evaporation system featured a canister filter that could become clogged over time. As a result, excess pressure could build up in the fuel tank, causing gasoline to regurgitate back out of the filler neck. The canister requires regular service, but isn't mentioned in the owner's manual. According to The Detroit News, Kia has agreed to conduct a service campaign involving around 86,000 2003-2004 Sorento models.NHTSA closes probes into Honda Accord Hybrid, Kia Sorento originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Gary Busey shills for Kia dealerships in PA
Filed under: Budget, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Kia, Celebrities 
The list of things Gary Busey hasn't done for money seems to be growing smaller by the minute. A string of Kia dealerships in Pennsylvania and Texas hired the actor for a series of advertising spots. Each clip features that unique Busey flare we've all come to know and be terrified of. From what we can tell, informing your salesman that Gary sent you can garner you the best deal possible. That's likely because most sane sales people are worried Busey could come storming through the dealership wall at any moment.
The ads are 100-percent bizarre in that special train-wreck kind of way. We've picked a few of our favorites for viewing after the jump, but you can head here to see the full gaggle of Gary Busey Kia ads. It's worth the trip.Continue reading Gary Busey shills for Kia dealerships in PA Gary Busey shills for Kia dealerships in PA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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