Kia chairman says brand will compete with luxury companies by 2017

For the past decade, Hyundai’s main goal has been to get its Korean brand becoming a serious competitor among luxury brands like BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz – well, it has really happened. Apparently, it’s Kia’s turn now- a brand owned by Hyundai.

According to Kia’s vice chairman Hyoung-Keun Lee, the automaker will become a premium global player over the next five years. He says that Kia’s lineup will eventually be on the same level in terms of style and sophistication as the top luxury German and Japanese brands.

Like Hyundai’s Equus, Kia offers a premium luxury vehicle called the K9 in Korea. The large luxury sedan will be making its way to the United States in 2014 under the ‘Quoris‘ name. Prices are expected to start around the $50,000 mark.

Can Kia do it? Even with Peter Schreyer, ex head of design at Audi, I think it’s practically impossible. What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments section below.

Source: CARandDRIVER

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2013 Kia Optima Blake Time Travels - 1999 Arcade

2013 Kia Sorento - Smooth Riding SUV

Winterize Your Car

Driving in the winter means snow, sleet and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, hot tempers and unforeseen dangers. To help you make it safely through winter, here are some suggestions from the National Safety Council to make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared.

Weather
At any temperature -- 20° Fahrenheit below zero or 90° Fahrenheit above -- weather affects road and driving conditions and can pose serious problems. It is important to monitor forecasts on the Web, radio, TV, cable weather channel, or in the daily papers.

Your Car
Prepare your car for winter. Start with a checkup that includes:

• Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts.
• Changing and adjusting the spark plugs.
• Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve.
• Inspecting the distributor.
• Checking the battery.
• Checking the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth.
• Checking antifreeze levels and the freeze line.

Your car should have a tune-up (check the owner's manual for the recommended interval) to ensure better gas mileage, quicker starts and faster response on pick-up and passing power.

Necessary Equipment
An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time and you must be prepared. In addition to making sure you have the tune-up, a full tank of gas, and fresh anti-freeze, you should carry the following items in your trunk:

• Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack
• Shovel
• Jumper cables
• Tow and tire chains
• Bag of salt or cat litter
• Tool kit

Essential Supplies
Be prepared with a "survival kit" that should always remain in the car. Replenish after use. Essential supplies include:

• Working flashlight and extra batteries
• Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth
• Compass
• First aid kit
• Exterior windshield cleaner
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container
• Scissors and string/cord
• Non-perishable, high-energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy.

In addition, if you are driving long distances under cold, snowy, and icy conditions, you should also carry supplies to keep you warm such as heavy woolen mittens, socks, a cap and blankets.

If You Become Stranded...

• Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation.

   

• To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna.

   

• If you are sure the car's exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.

   

• To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and blankets to keep warm.

   

• Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.

   

• Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist.

Source: Weather.com

Throwback Thursday! Watch Blake Griffin travel back in time with Kia to teach his past self a lesson.

Kia 2014 Sorento and 2014 Forte at 2012 LA Auto Show

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2012 LA: 2014 Kia Sorento gets redesigned, first model to get UVO infotainment system

Along with the 2014 Kia Forte, the Korean brand also showed off its redesigned Sorento CUV. While the new 2014 Kia Sorento may seem like a facelift, the model is quite different boasting an all-new chassis, a new Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) V6 engine, a redesigned interior and the brand’s new infotainment system – UVO.

“With each new vehicle launch Kia is advancing the concept of value to new levels of sophistication and with significant chassis, suspension, powertrain and comfort and convenience upgrades the new Sorento continues that trend,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing and communications, KMA. “With more than 80 percent of the 2014 Sorento including new or significantly redesigned parts, it’s obvious that the improvements are not just skin deep; including technological enhancements such as UVO eServices, the next generation of our voice activated telematics system, and Kia’s first-ever blind spot detection system.”

Power for the 2014 Kia Sorento comes from either a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine (standard on the LX and EX) making 191-hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. The 3.3 liter GDI V6 is available optionally on the LX and EX but is standard on the LX V6, EX V6, SX and SX Limited. The V6 produces 290-hp and 252 lb-ft of torque.

 

The inside redesign is pretty significant in terms of improved quality and new standard features. The 2014 Kia Sorento is also the first model by the brand to receive the company’s UVO eServices Infotainment System with Voice Command Navigation.

“UVO was a breakthrough for Kia, and signaled the brand’s ambitious plans to become an in-vehicle technology leader by enabling drivers and passengers to use all of their personal technologies more safely and easily, while creating additional entertainment experiences,” said Henry Bzeih, head of the connected car program and chief technology strategist, KMA.

Last but not least, the 2014 Sorento gets an SX Limited model, which will feature a bunch of bells and whistles and will be top-of-the-line trim-level for the model.