Cash back from Kia Motors America, Inc (KMA). Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock from 10/2/2012 to 10/31/2012. Cash back offer when you purchase a new car only and may not be combined with Special Low APR offer. This incentive is for a limited time offer on eligible Kia vehicles. Not all incentive programs are compatible. See dealer for details.
Kia Motors America is extending and expanding its deal with Madison Square Garden, wherein Kia becomes a signature partner and official vehicle of the venue. The new partnership should give Kia some of what it has needed for years: awareness, affinity and positive brand perception.
The deal gives Kia a big placement at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, tie-ins with the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers and the New York Liberty, and presence around college basketball and tennis, as well as the Concert Series at The Garden. The partnership also includes an expanded presence for Kia on MSG regional sports networks, MSG and MSG+, and integration on the Garden, Knicks, Rangers and Liberty websites. Also, Kia vehicles will be on show year-round with a custom-built display space in the lobby entrance to the Arena. Kia's Official Vehicle designation will include branding at the Arena for all associated sports events and the Concert Series. Kia gets digital and static signage throughout the Arena; features on GardenVision, the center-hung scoreboard; and on-court and on-ice branding and promotional contests. Kia will be there for the Concert Series that includes Madonna, Justin Bieber, One Direction, The Who and Neil Young and Crazy Horse. Kia will have a presence at all Friday night Knicks and Rangers games as the presenting partner. Tim Chaney, executive director of marketing communications at Kia, points out that the automaker is not new to the Garden as it has had a seven-year relationship with the Knicks plus sponsorship of the the Rangers NHL team, activated with the New York Kia dealer group. "But this is the whole building all year long for multiple years." Beyond this, Kia is official vehicle of the NBA, and also has separate, individual sponsorship deals with 14 NBA teams. "But this really is the first of this scale for us; being a signature partner gives us exclusivity to select categories," says. He tells Marketing Daily that New York, media central, is the place to have this kind of deal. "And if you are going to have a presence in New York, this is the property to do. He adds that the Garden's multi-year, billion-dollar investment in facility renovation also works as a complement to Kia's own packed vehicle-launch schedule. "We looked at it simply: transformed Kia at the transformed Garden." There's also a CRM element with Kia customers getting access and experiences with MSG's sports brands and events. The automaker says it will collaborate with the Knicks and Rangers on a number of promotions and events also for Kia customers. Some of the offers include tickets and special experiences at games. As the official vehicle of the Concert Series at The Garden, Kia will also work with MSG on promotions for select concerts. Dave Kissel, president and CEO of Chicago-based sports-event media network InStadium, says the virtue of a major sponsorship deal like Kia's is that, among other things, it locks out the competition against an audience a marketer determines to be spot-on for its brand. "But even for the most well-funded brands you can't lock up every thing. So even the big guys have to be careful about how and where and when they spend money on sponsorships. But, clearly, sponsorship does work as part of the overall media mix. It's a $23 billion market; clearly, it works." Indeed, Kia is not the lone auto brand with category-exclusivity in the Big Apple: across the East River, Honda in August became the 10th brand to hitch its star to the new Barclay's Center as a top-tier sponsor, becoming official vehicle of both the Brooklyn Nets and the arena itself. Among other things, Honda will sponsor the Brooklyn Hoops Winter Festival in December.Article and image courtesy of Media Post Communications.
"Carlos was great, the rest of the experience went smoothly, but the star was the product itself. Make a great car and customers will come. My Optima has features and amenities that other cars don't at twice the price. I purchased a Spicy Red 2012 Optima EX. I now have 11k on it, have been to service twice for oil changes (free) and tire rotation ($20). Both times I was treated like family, and sat and chatted drinking fresh free coffee with customers and employess like I had been thre for years. Maybe I am easy to get along with....or maybe I did my homework on the new Optima I purchased and knew exactly what I was geting and how much was a fair price. I would and will buy there again for sure after I have used up a good portion of service-free life of this fun to drive Optima EX. It really likes the highway between 50 and 80...only when allowed of course. :)" - cski
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When you indicate one way and the blinker flashes quicker than when you indicate the other way, it means one of the bulbs has blown. An auto parts store will be able to tell you what sort of bulb you need to replace it with and your manual should show you how to get at the indicator bulbs - they're different on every car.
Your Maintenance Tip Courtesy of Car Bibles.
"Man everybody needs to listen for real yo. I was down and out with my caddy on its last leg so i went to a 3rd chance dealer who wanted to put me in a 06 300 C for $3K down and $380 so i went to Kia in Fairfax and my man Carlton Calloway put me on. It wasnt easy with like every back rejecting my loan but he stayed on it and got me into a BRANDNEW 2013 Kia Optima for a stack down with tons of free stuff with it like lifetime oil changes, tires and state inspections! Im tell you im really blessed that Carlton and Rob held me down and got me back on my feet. get off ya couch and go see my peoples, if i can get a car then YOU can get a car." - Robert G.
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With its beautiful, jaw-dropping design and long list of available features, the 2013 Kia Sorento is anything but expected. Follow the Sorento, and all its beauty, as it navigates an urban jungle at night, to the tune of some equally stunning music.
Video courtesy of Kia's Youtube channel.
Legendary Artist Jim Lee and RIDES Magazine Help Bring The Dark Knight's Personality and Pursuit of Justice From Comic Book Pages to Kia's Flagship Sedan
Kia Motors America (KMA) has teamed up with DC Entertainment and RIDES magazine to create a brooding, Batman-inspired Optima that goes on display this week at the Time Warner Center and signals the beginning of a 10-month partnership based on the iconic characters that make up the Justice League. Influenced by the artistry of comic book icon, Jim Lee, the Kia super hero vehicles will become a force for good in the world by raising awareness of DC Entertainment's "We Can Be Heroes" giving campaign, a relief effort to fight hunger in the Horn of Africa (www.WeCanBeHeroes.org). Fitting for the caped crusader's dark and mysterious personality, Kia's range-topping Optima SX Limited wraps cutting-edge technology and premium amenities in a sleek, aggressive design customized with several unique Batman elements.
"Batman is one of the most popular Super Heroes of all-time, and showcasing in a fun and creative way Kia's top-of-the-line Optima SX Limited as a Batman-themed custom ride underscores this car's potent combination of premium features and turbocharged performance," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing and communications, KMA. "The Optima is our best-selling vehicle and has played a significant role in Kia becoming one of the fastest-growing automotive brands in the U.S. over the last five years1, and it is the perfect platform to introduce our partnership with DC Entertainment and the Justice League to benefit the 'We Can Be Heroes' campaign."
Working together, Kia, DC Entertainment and RIDES magazine designed and built the Batman-themed Optima, transforming the exterior with a matte- and piano-black paint scheme, a dramatically lowered coilover suspension and muscular ground effects kit, huge Ksport performance brakes for extreme stopping power, custom-designed 20-inch black wheels and a performance exhaust system. Other exterior modifications include a custom front grille shaped like a batwing that took over 40 hours to create, yellow LED lighting accents throughout the vehicle and the iconic bat signal etched into the HID headlights.
Moving beneath the cape, the Optima's seating surfaces are costumed in custom black leather and suede with bold yellow accent stitching. Gotham City's streets are full of villains and the Batman-themed Optima is ready for action at a moment's notice with a Bat suit and cowl mounted in the trunk and utility throwing stars installed in the center console.
As Kia's sales have grown, so has the company's role as a responsible corporate citizen, and the Batman-themed Optima furthers those efforts with two video screens in the front-seat headrests that will raise awareness about the worst hunger crisis in 60 years by featuring a custom "We Can Be Heroes" video that demonstrates how one small act can make anyone a hero.
Article and image courtesy of Kia News.
When it comes to your car’s safety, brakes top the list of systems that need monitoring. However, many people are unaware of the signs that indicate a car’s brakes may need maintenance or repair.
For routine maintenance, it’s important to check the vehicle’s braking system at least once a year. A thorough inspection should include brake lining wear, brake fluid level, rotor thickness, condition of hoses and brake lines, brake and dash warning lights, as well as taking the car for a test drive to detect other potential brake system problems.
It is important to be alert and recognize the danger signs of brake problems. Other warning signs include an illuminated brake warning light, brake grabbing, low pedal feel, vibration, hard pedal feel and squealing.
“Sometimes it’s only a few miles between a soft brake pedal and a pedal that goes clear to the floor,” said Stephen Powell, NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year and owner of Thoroughbred Transmissions & AutoCare, Inc. in Laurel, Md. “But consumers easily can protect themselves from brake failure by watching and listening for a few simple clues.”
Powell says noise is one of the leading indicators that something is awry with brakes. “Any out of the ordinary sound is often a sign that brakes have worn to the point they should be checked,” he said. “Watch especially for a grinding noise, and if your brakes typically throw off brake dust on your wheels, look for a sudden increase or decrease in dust.” He added that finding small metal flakes on the wheels is also a sign that brakes should be checked.
Another leading indicator is the feel of the brake pedal, Powell said. If the car pulls left or right when braking, or if the front end shakes, those are both signs of excessive brake wear. If the brake pedal begins to feel spongy, it could be a sign that air has entered the brake system or fluid is low.
“A mushy brake pedal, along with a decrease in brake fluid, could also indicate brake wear,” Powell added. “Check the brake fluid reservoir to make sure it’s topped off. If not, then brake fluid is likely remaining at the wheel to fill the space caused by wear.”
Many cars now have ABS (Automatic Braking System) that initiates a rapid- fire pumping sequence to the brakes to keep the car straight during sudden or hard braking. “If the ABS light illuminates on your instrument panel, then it’s likely that the wheel sensors have detected excessive build-up of metal particles from the brake system,” Powell said. “Most cars are designed to shut down the ABS when excessive particle build-up occurs.” Powell added that a shutdown ABS does not prevent you from stopping, just that the ABS feature isn’t working.
Other tips:
Your Monday Maintenance Tip courtesy of Car Care.
Cash back from Kia Motors America, Inc (KMA). Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock from 10/2/2012 to 10/31/2012. Cash back offer when you purchase a new car only and may not be combined with Special Low APR offer. This incentive is for a limited time offer on eligible Kia vehicles. Not all incentive programs are compatible. See dealer for details.
Kia Motors Corporation enters the exclusive list of the 'Top 100 Best Global Brands,' according to the 2012 study released today by Interbrand, the world's largest brand consultancy agency.
Kia's remarkable increase in brand value is now estimated at $4.1 billion USD, which firmly sets the automaker at 87th place on the 'Top 100 Best Global Brands' list. This is a 50% increase from last year's estimated brand value and far exceeds the average automotive brand value growth rate of 11%. The 2012 edition of Interbrand's annual 'Best Global Brands' study was executed through a comprehensive brand performance analysis using best practice research methodology by expert analysts. The study measures a corporation's financial performance in terms of the raw financial return to investors; role that a brand plays in the actual purchase decision; and brand strength, which is the ability of a brand to secure the delivery of expected future earnings.
The strong increase in Kia's brand value closely mirrors the company's recent surge in global sales, which have posted three consecutive double-digit year-or-year gains to cement Kia's position as the world's fastest growing major automotive brand. Over this three year period (2008-2011), Kia's annual global sales have grown by 81% to nearly 2.5 million units.
Claire Chai, Vice President of Kia Motors Corp. Marketing Division, said, "Entering the 'Top 100 Best Global Brands' validates Kia's commitment to continuously provide exciting and inspiring brand experiences. And it's amazing to see what we can accomplish by staying true to who we are – a young and dynamic challenger that goes beyond expectations.
In addition to the major advances Kia has made on the product front, the company has also been executing numerous large-scale marketing initiatives that have helped raise awareness of the brand, including its sponsorship agreements with the world's premier sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, Australian Open and National Basketball Association. Kia has also made effective in-roads towards engaging its young-at-heart customers through a strong presence on social media channels and innovative advertising campaigns such as the eccentric music-loving hamsters TV commercials seen in the USA for Kia's iconic Soul urban crossover vehicle.
Article courtesy of Kia News.
Whether you've come in for a simple oil change or a more extensive repair, consumers should be armed with a series of expectations for what to look for once you get to the repair shop. Episode 3 in Car Care's series of videos aimed at educating consumers seeking car repairs answers that exact question.
Your Monday Maintenance Tip courtesy of Car Care's Youtube channel.
Episode 4 in Car Care's series of videos aimed at educating you in what to expect and what questions to ask when you go to your repair shop. This episode focuses on how to communicate and ask questions to your service advisor!
Video courtesy of Car Care's Youtube channel.
DC Entertainment and Kia Motors America have now joined forces to create a fleet of Justice League-inspired vehicles combining automotive style with comic book art. The partnership, which will deliver eight individually customized vehicles, harnesses the talents of famed DC artist and co-publisher Jim Lee, who has collaborated on the design of each car.
Each core member of the Justice League of America -- Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg -- has been matched up with a Kia vehicle. The Batman-themed Optima will be the first unveiled during New York Comic-Con on October 10. Other one-of-a-kind vehicles will be subsequently revealed over the next ten months at various events, including SEMA Show in Las Vegas, North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Wonder-Con and San Diego Comic-Con. Additional model bases include the Soul, Sorento, Sportage, Rio and Forte. The partnership between DC and KMA was originally conceived to benefit "We Can Be Heroes," a giving campaign, dedicated to helping fight hunger in the Horn of Africa and inspired by the heroism of the iconic Justice League characters. "DC Entertainment is pleased to be partnering with Kia on this program to help raise awareness and funds for the devastating hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa," said Amit Desai, DC Entertainment's SVP of franchise management. "Each of the iconic members of the Justice League is a superhero in his or her own right, but when they band together as the Justice League, they become an unstoppable force for good and right."Article and image courtesy of IGN News.
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To expand corporate social responsibility activities, Kia recently launched their 'Green Light Project', a global social mobility program that will seek to improve the accessibility of health and education for disadvantaged youth in ailing regions.
Video courtesy of Kia's Youtube channel.
"I researched cars forever online, went to many dealers, and test drove a bunch. I ended up buying a Kia optima from Fairfax Kia. Great experience. Carlton is the man. The finance guy were also great. No one was too pushy and they were all very honest with the prices. I had unique circumstances and they ensured i wouldnt miss out on the car i wanted. Luckily they had the exact color option combo i wanted. They didnt try to convince me to buy upgrades or anything.They went above and beyond to make me happy and gave me a fantastic deal. I already sent a friend to see them. They also offer free oil changes and inspections for you new car." - jonsjeans
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Summer’s extreme temperatures can destroy a vehicle’s battery. The Car Care Council advises vehicle owners to have their cars’ batteries tested periodically and replaced, if necessary, to avoid being stranded.
Excessive heat and overcharging shortens the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destroy a battery.
“When most motorists think of dead batteries that cause starting failure, they think of severe winter weather, but summer heat is the real culprit,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Many battery problems start long before the temperatures drop. A few simple steps now can help you avoid the cost and inconvenience of a breakdown later.”
To get the most life out of a battery, the Car Care Council suggests the following:
• Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging.
• If your battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Add distilled water when necessary.
• Always replace a battery with one that’s rated at least as high as the one originally specified.
• Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains battery power. Further, as corrosion accumulates on battery terminals it becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow.
Your Monday Maintenance Tip courtesy of Car Care.
"Bought a Kia optima from Fairfax Kia. It was a great sales and finance experience. Carlton is the man. I got a great deal and they jumped through hoops to make me happy. I already sent a friend their way. No pressure or up sales. Very honest. they let me test drive the car right away with no hassle. Told me to take as long as I wanted." - jonsjeans
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