Have you checked out Grand Theft Auto? Click the link below to find out more about the book by Alan and Alison Spitzer that gives you a behind the scenes look at the auto industry bailout.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

New Book Grand Theft Auto: How Citizens Fought for the American Dream Now Available

Latest release from New Year Publishing exposes the steep price dealerships paid for
Chrysler and General Motors government bailouts

 

DANVILLE, CA, <August 29, 2011> - New Year Publishing is pleased to announce the release of Grand Theft Auto: How Citizens Fought for the American Dream, a new book that goes behind the scenes of the multi-billion dollar auto industry bailout. Grand Theft Auto exposes how decisions made by the government’s Auto Task Force put thousands of dealerships out of business—and how a determined group of dealers fought back. Starting today, Grand Theft Auto is available in hardcover and e-book versions.

 

Penned by Alan Spitzer, a multi-franchise dealer from Ohio, and his daughter Alison, Grand Theft Auto explains how conditions attached to the government bailouts shut down thousands of dealerships in defiance of state laws. Given no recourse or independent appeals process, Spitzer and colleagues Jack Fitzgerald and Tammy Darvish led a grassroots movement for federal legislation to overturn the terminations. Against all odds, their efforts resulted in the Automobile Dealer Economic Rights Restoration Act, signed into law by President Obama in December 2009, which put hundreds of dealers back in business and saved tens of thousands of jobs.

 

“If McDonald’s wants to sell more hamburgers, they don’t start out by eliminating thousands of their restaurants,” says Alan Spitzer, a third-generation car dealer whose family has been in business for more than 100 years. “Not only were the actions of the Auto Task Force counterproductive to ensuring the viability of Chrysler and GM, but the decision to terminate the franchises of profitable businesses was completely un-American.”

 

Grand Theft Auto is available in hardcover from online booksellers, including Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com, for a suggested retail price of $28.95. It is also available digitally for Kindle, Nook, and Apple’s iBookstore. To learn more about Grand Theft Auto, visit http://www.grandtheftautothebook.com.

 

About the Authors

Alan Spitzer is a third-generation member of the Spitzer family, whose business encompasses 35 separate entities including 16 automobile dealerships. He has served as Spitzer Management’s CEO and Chairman of the Board for over twenty years. When Chrysler and General Motors terminated more than 2,000 dealers in the spring of 2009, Alan led a coalition of dealers who successfully lobbied the United States Congress to overturn the closings. Alan’s oldest daughter, Alison, has been involved in the family business since 2007 and currently serves as a vice president of the organization.

 

About New Year Publishing

New Year Publishing, LLC was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Danville, California. More information on the company can be found at http://www.newyearpublishing.com.

 

Press Contact

Cindy Berman

CindyKBerman@gmail.com

(216) 952-7510

Kia Motors America's Music- Loving Hamsters Shuffle to "Party Rock Anthem"

Trio of Hamsters Roll Through A Futuristic Videogame World and Showcase the 2012 Soul's New Performance and Technology Enhancements

IRVINE, Calif., August 26, 2011 - When the funky Soul urban passenger vehicle arrived in 2009 it announced Kia Motors' design-led transformation and immediately stood out from its boxy competitors with an intriguing combination of eye-catching looks, a unique personality and a memorable advertising campaign starring a trio of music-loving hamsters. The evolution of the Soul continues this weekend with the debut of a new 60-second spot for the significantly refreshed 2012 Soul featuring the return of the hamsters and this summer's hottest song, "Party Rock Anthem," by electro-pop group LMFAO. "Share Some Soul" is set in a dark, futuristic videogame world in which the hamsters turn a fierce battle between alien robots and humanoids into an interstellar dance party. "The success and popularity of the Soul continues to grow and attract new customers to the Kia brand, and with music playing an important role in our marketing efforts it is the perfect time for the hamsters to return for a third installment featuring the infectious sounds of LMFAO's 'Party Rock Anthem' to highlight the 2012 Soul's new attributes," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "After just two model years, the Soul receives significant technology improvements for the 2012 model year and delivers class-leading power and fuel efficiency. Our new multifaceted campaign will continue to raise consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the Kia brand through online engagement, experiential activations and TV." "LMFAO is striking both visually and sonically," said Jennifer Frommer, senior vice president, brand partnerships, Interscope. "The same can be said about Kia and their Soul hamster campaigns. Together with the entire Kia Motors team we devised an integrated program tapping into the band's cultural phenomenon with their song of the summer "Party Rock Anthem." The 60-second "Share Some Soul" spot, available now at http://www.youtube.com/kiasoul, will make its television debut on August 28 during the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) and will begin appearing on thousands of movie screens across the country on September 2. 30-second versions will appear on network and cable television beginning September 5 and the campaign will also have a presence on Facebook, Kia.com and YouTube. Beginning mid-September, consumers will be invited to participate in a LMFAO-inspired "shuffle" dance video submission contest hosted on the Kia Soul YouTube and Facebook channels for a chance to win cash and other surprise prizes. Created by David&Goliath, KMA's advertising agency of record, "Share Some Soul" finds three hamsters rolling through an apocalyptic landscape in an aptly named "Alien Green" 2012 Kia Soul with this summer's hottest song, "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO – number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks – blasting from the hatchback's new 350-watt Infinity®1 audio system. The hamsters bring style and flair to a dark and dreary scene with their fluorescent Hamstar® street wear and quickly capture the attention of battling robots when they emerge from their Soul and begin performing the latest dance trend, shuffling. Just as the Kia Soul infuses fun and personality into the compact CUV segment, the Hamsters' positive energy causes the alien robots and humanoids to stop fighting, drop their weapons and shuffle and party together. "Share Some Soul" is the third in a series of award-winning Kia Soul campaigns and builds on the popularity generated by "A New Way to Roll" and "This or That," both of which received numerous accolades including Nielsen's "Automotive Ad of the Year" two years in a row and Silver and Gold Effie awards. Unveiled earlier this year at the New York International Auto Show, the 2012 Soul won critical acclaim for its finessed styling and increased power and higher fuel economy. With the new 2.0-liter engine, Soul now delivers a class-leading 164 horsepower2 (an increase of 22 horsepower over the previous model year), and the new 1.6-liter engine offers 138 horsepower (an increase of 16 horsepower) and fuel-saving and emissions reducing gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology. Mated to new more efficient six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, the 1.6-liter engine delivers up to a class-leading 35 miles per gallon3 (mpg) on the highway (up four mpg), while the new Soul will be among the first in the segment to offer Kia's new Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology (late availability), further enhancing its fuel-sipping capabilities. Available in three trims – Soul, Soul+ (plus) and Soul! – the 2012 Soul's exterior design has been updated with subtle changes to the front and rear fascias to project a wider stance, while new headlamps, taillights, side mirrors and wheels project a more modern look. All Soul models also are improved with redesigned and upgraded interiors, significantly better noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities, a more refined ride and many new standard features, including a tilt and telescoping steering column, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC). Design-Led Transformation and Product Line Kia Motors has undergone 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. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and brand growth through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology. Kia's commitment to the U.S. market is represented by its U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – which will add the critically-acclaimed Optima midsize sedan to its production line in the near future. Kia's model year 2012 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan. 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 740 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." In 2010, KMA recorded its best-ever U.S. sales and 16th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new tech

Kia’ New Design Direction Revealed at Frankfurt

By Kia Buzz

Powerful, dynamic, and forward-looking.

These are three words that anyone of us would like our car to be associated with. Kia presented a concept car, rear-wheel drive four-door sports sedan that successfully encompasses those three words at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Kia’s new concept car shows seamless integration of muscular proportions with stylish sleekness as well as feminine and elegant four seater cockpit.

Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors Chief Design Officer commented proudly, “No matter from which perspective you look at it, this concept car is roaring with energy and ready for take-off.”

He also said Kia is ready to move forward on all new chapter, that the car signifies a strong statement from Kia.

Kia has been reaping awards for its design in the past few years, including the red dot award and the iF award for the Optima and Sportage.

Check out pictures of the four-door sports sedan concept car and tell us if you think it’s another winner for Kia.

Kia BUZZ editor Colin Jang will visit the Frankfurt Motor Show and post motor show’s photos and atmosphere. Stay tuned!

 

2012 Kia Soul Priced Under $14,000

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America, Inc. (KMA) today announced pricing for the more powerful and fuel-efficient 2012 Soul will begin at a best-in-class(1) $13,900 MSRP(2) while the Soul A/T starts at $15,700(3).  The funky urban passenger vehicle's highest trim level – Soul! (Exclaim) – starts under $20,000(3) and delivers refined and modern features such as exclusive projector headlamps with front LED accents and LED taillights complemented by stunning new 18-inch alloy wheels, Kia's UVO powered by Microsoft®(4) voice-activated infotainment system (expected to be available this fall) with a 4.3-inch color touch screen and rear camera display(5) and an all-new 350-watt seven-speaker Infinity audio system (also optional on Soul+).

Unveiled earlier this year at the New York International Auto Show, the 2012 Soul won critical acclaim for its finessed styling and increased power and higher fuel economy.  With the new 2.0-liter engine, Soul now delivers a class-leading 164 horsepower(6) (an increase of 22 horsepower over the previous model year), and the new 1.6-liter engine offers 138 horsepower (an increase of 16 horsepower) and fuel-saving and emissions reducing gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology.  Mated to new more efficient six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, the 1.6-liter engine delivers up to a class-leading 35 miles per gallon(7) (mpg) on the highway (up four mpg), while the new Soul will be among the first in the segment to offer Kia's new Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology, further enhancing its fuel-sipping capabilities.  

Available in three trims – Soul, Soul+ (plus) and Soul! – the 2012 Soul's exterior design has been updated with subtle changes to the front and rear fascias to project a wider stance, while new headlamps, taillights, side mirrors and wheels project a more modern look.  All Soul models also are improved with redesigned and upgraded interiors, significantly better noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities, a more refined ride and many new standard features, including a tilt and telescoping steering column, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).

Design-Led Transformation and Product Line

Kia Motors has undergone 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.  Kia is poised to continue its momentum and brand growth through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology.  Kia's commitment to the U.S. market is represented by its U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – which will add the critically-acclaimed Optima midsize sedan to its production line in the near future.  Kia's model year 2012 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

The 2011 Kia Sedona Sets Itself Apart From the Rest

As seen on the Kia Media site, Kia gains another award under its belt with the recognition of the 2011 Kia Sedona being the "Best Reviewed" in the categories of standard safety features, comfortable interior, and handling.  The 2011 Sedona is also being praised for its industry-leading warranty and outstanding safety features.  To find out more about this award-winning Kia vehicle which offers amazing value to its drivers, please visit the link.

http://bit.ly/rnoJU6

FIFA Interactive World Cup 2009 Sponsorship

Sponsoring an online football event is just as exciting as the non-cyber ones! To enhance its brand appeal among the younger generation, Kia Motors sponsored FIFA Interactive World Cup (FIWC) 2008 and will serve as an official partner until 2011. The FIFA Interactive World Cup is the world’s largest football gaming tournament along with presenting partners Electronic Arts (EA) and PlayStation®.

 

The FIWC 2009 event structure is very similar to the actual football tournament. With 19 countries holding Live Qualifier Events around the globe, it provides great geographical reach across all six confederations. The Online Qualification runs from October 2008 through March 31st, while the first offline 2009 qualifying matches were just held in New Zealand last month (October 25~27, 2008). In May 2009, 32 finalists will compete in the Grand Finale (venue and date undecided). Online applications for the competition can be submitted through the PlayStation® 3 Network and offline applications will only be accepted on-site.

In 2009, we plan to upgrade our 2008 marketing efforts and execute effective FIWC sponsorship activities. In particular, to maximize our sponsoring efforts and strengthen our new Soul brand awareness, Kia Motors plans to provide the crossover vehicle as a first prize for the 2009 competition. Kia will also market Soul to young and young-at-heart drivers worldwide through the event’s promotional materials from FIFA, EA and Sony PlayStation®.

 

Here’s a little summary of what we did during the FIWC 2008.

The Kia A-Board was seen around the world through the game title which sold 8 million copies worldwide. Kia provided official vehicles and exhibited the cee’d at the FIFA Interactive World Cup 2008 Grand Finale which drew an audience of about 20,000 people. Also, an ad to promote the corporate image based on the football theme was shown on the giant screen. We feel these measures effectively promoted the Kia brand to young consumers.

 

We are looking forward to another great year with these partners and would love to hear what you, our bloggers, think about these initiatives.

Top Five Useful Tips for Tire Maintenance

By: Kia Buzz

Taking good care of your tires does not have to be difficult or time consuming. By following these tips, you can ensure safe performance, top mileage and longer tire life for your car.

1. Check the tire pressure

It is essential to check tire pressures at least once a month. There are several places you can find the correct pressure level for your vehicle: the vehicle’s owner manual, inside the gas tank lid, the driver’s side doorframe and on the door post.

Remember the air pressure listed on the side of your tire is not the correct air pressure, but the maximum level for your car. Check the air pressure when the tire is cold because the pressure is highly affected by temperature.

After removing the valve cap, press a tire gauge into the valve and read the gauge. If you find your tire is overinflated, push on the metal stem of the valve and release the air. If the pressure is underinflated, add air until the pressure reaches the proper level. Finally, make sure to close the valve cap tightly to prevent leaking and damage from dirt.

2. Check the tread depth

Worn down tire tread is more likely to cause a sliding accident and lower the traction of your car. It is recommended to replace your tires before the treads get less than 1/16 of an inch.

Using “wear bars,” or built-in tread wear indicators, is a good way to determine tread depth. If you see these narrow strips of smooth rubber, you should replace the tires.

3. Store the tires in proper conditions

It is very important to keep tires in the right place. To prevent changes in the tire rubber, you should avoid storing tires in a place where the temperature is above 77 ºF or below 32 ºF. It is also necessary to keep your tires away from any form of oils or solvents. Tires should also be kept away from ozone-producing equipment, such as fluorescence lamps, as ozone has a very strong deteriorating effect on tires.

4. Rotate your tires regularly

Regular tire rotation will help to get uniform wear on all your tires. To avoid irregular tire wear, you should rotate tires every 6,000 – 8,000 miles or as specified in the vehicle’s owner manual.

5. Replace the tires

When you replace your tires, it is important to use the tires with the same size, type and speed rating that originally came on the vehicle.
KiaBUZZ will continue to provide a variety of car lifestyle information.

Ten Tips for Long-Distance Driving

By Kia- Buzz

Summer is in full swing and cars are hitting the roads for vacation destinations. Before you hop in the car to zoom off to your getaway, take note of our suggestions for a safe and fun drive.

Check the vehicle.
Prior to the trip, make sure to get a vehicle maintenance check for factors including tire tread depth, tire pressures and engine & brake oil condition. Check your lights, signals, wiper blades, horn and radio. Also check to see, if the spare tire is usable. Bring a solution like Rain-X (glass treatment) for optimal visibility in case of rain.

Prepare an emergency kit.
Related to the maintenance check, pack an emergency kit. A basic kit should include the car manual, a flashlight, extra batteries, a reflective triangle (in case you need to pull over), flares, basic tools and a first aid kit. Other items such as waterproof matches, a whistle, a blanket, a jumper cable, rope, cutting device and duct tape could be included.

 

Get a good night sleep.
Before heading out for the road, make sure to get full night’s rest. If you set off tired, it’s likely that you’ll feel fatigued throughout your trip.

Secure the luggage and cargo.
The word “vacation” may be synonymous with “luggage.” When loading the luggage, make sure to have your items well placed, so that they don’t move around during quick stops or turns.

Pack car-friendly items.
It’s helpful to bring wet wipes and to have easy-to-access trash bags in the car. Make your driving experience as comfortable and safe as possible. Remember to pack a hands-free device for your mobile phone to prevent distracted driving. According to research by Carnegie Mellon University, driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37 percent. Another car-friendly item is bed sheets or thin blankets to place over the car seats if the vehicle is going to be left in the sun for a while. Also, don’t forget to pack medicine if you or your passengers are prone to motion sickness.

Bring food.
Take some snacks for the road. A cooler filled with water and homemade snacks is a good idea for those who aren’t huge fans of convenience store food. However, avoid anything that has excessive sugar or salt. These foods can lead to changes in mood and energy. Eating heavy meals will bring your blood sugar down and make you feel tired. Try snacks like dried fruit or trail mix, which are easy to eat and store and are light on the sugar and salt.

Take breaks.
Take a break if feeling tired or sleepy. Taking even a five minute break to stretch your legs can make a big difference. As a general rule, stop at least once every two hours for a break.

Bring your favorite music.
Radio stations will vary by region and may not always be able to offer what you want. By preparing music, you don’t have to worry about fiddling around with the radio while you are driving. Upbeat music is best for helping to stay awake and energized while driving.

Research the route.
Check for local events and landmarks along your route that you may want to stop and see. Make your schedule flexible to allow for time to see extra sights. This also includes scoping out spots that have heavy traffic. Jot down the traffic stations along your route to get traffic news in real-time. Find out where and when to avoid certain areas, because nothing ruins a road trip like a traffic jam.

Have fun.
With tips 1-9 taken care of, you can relax and enjoy the ride!

Kudos to the team for providing a simple and stress free purchasing experience.

Everyone I dealt with at the dealership was professional, helpful and made it very easy to purchase my car. No complaints whatsoever. I would refer anyone who is looking to buy a car to Spizer Kia/ Cleveland. Overall, it was a great experience with everyone that was involved." -dnaderer

Kia Optima Bests Honda Accord In Consumer Reports Showdown

Consider it a knockout performance: In a recent head-to-head battle between two mainstream middleweights, conducted by the team of experts at Consumer Reports, the all-new Kia Optima took on—and then took down—the Honda Accord.

According to CR, the Kia won the day based on its performance in five key areas:

• Handling—Riding on an all-new, stiffer platform, the Optima boasts independent front and rear suspensions, with
• MacPherson struts at the fore and a multi-link setup aft, along with coil springs and a front anti-roll bar.
• Transmission—All Optimas (except the four-cylinder LX entry model) leverage Kia’s proprietary six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic clutchless shifting.
• Controls—Ergonomically designed seating and switchgear combine to give drivers simple, easy-to-access control over the Optima’s vehicle systems.
• Fuel economy—The Optima posts an EPA line of up to 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway/28 combined, and even the high-performance Optima turbo, with 274 hp under the hood, can reach 22 mpg city/34 mpg highway.
• Safety—Packed with standard safety features, the Optima is both a Top Safety Pick of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the first Korean-built car to earn a five-star overall crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The CR kudos are just the latest for the stylish new Optima, which also has been named one of the “Top 10 Cars to Look Forward to in 2011” by Carsdirect.com, “Best New Model” by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, among the “Best of 2011” by Cars.com, a member of the “Edmunds InsideLine.com Editor’s Most Wanted” list, a Consumer Guide Automotive “Best Buy,” and part of the Ward’s “10 Best Interiors” rankings.

The award-winning 2011 Kia Optima is on sale now.