IRVINE, Calif., October 25, 2011 - Kia Motors America, Inc. (KMA) today announced pricing for the all-new 2012 Rio sedan beginning at $13,4003 MSRP, while the Rio A/T starts at $14,5004. The top-of-the-line SX trim starts at $17,5004 and offers an abundance of upscale features, including standard metal pedals, LED front accents lights, LED taillights, a Supervision™ meter cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power-folding outside mirrors, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, and UVO powered by Microsoft®5 voice-activated infotainment system with rear camera display6. Available in three trims – LX, EX and SX – the eco-friendly 2012 Rio is available with a 1.6-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) four-cylinder with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission (LX only) or efficient six-speed automatic. One of only two vehicles in the segment to offer a GDI engine, the 2012 Rio provides an inviting combination of power and fuel efficiency, achieving standard class-leading1 138 horsepower while maintaining a standard class-leading2 fuel economy rating of 30/40 mpg (city/highway). Rio also is the first non-hybrid or non-luxury vehicle to offer Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology (available in early 2012), which helps to reduce fuel consumption by turning the engine off when the vehicle is not in motion – such as at a stop light or in traffic – and automatically restarting when the driver releases the brake pedal. Adding to the Rio's earth-friendly theme, 85 percent of the vehicle's materials are recyclable at the end of its lifespan, and the Rio features seat foam material that uses 100-percent biodegradable and non-toxic castor oil, which benefits the environment in several ways, including reduced use of petroleum-based products, and because castor oil comes from plants, this material is generated from a completely renewable source. Like the 2012 Rio 5-door hatchback, the 2012 Rio sedan's exterior design is all new with a hunkered down appearance that conveys sporty athleticism and a youthful persona. The 2012 Rio also comes better equipped than the previous generation, offering standard air conditioning, electric power steering, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with USB and auxiliary ports, SiriusXM™ satellite radio with three months complimentary service7, and a slew of standard safety features, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). Design-Led Transformation and Product Line About Kia Motors America |
Thursday, October 27, 2011
All- New KIA Rio Sedan Prcied Under $13,500
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Brawl In The B Class: KIA Ready With 2012 Rio
Edmunds Auto Observer (Online)
A consensus seems to be forming that the 2012 Kia Rio is a handsome car, particularly for a subcompact. Sharp styling can't hurt as the new Rio enters a U.S. B-class segment suddenly chock full of major-league talent. According to Kia, all the solid new products in the subcompact class along with America's continued price struggle with the gas pump should see U.S. B-class sales jump 91 percent by 2015 (to almost 800,000 units), making it the sixth-largest segment in the United States. Priced smart and loaded with features recently unheard of in the class, the 2012 Rio's initial share of U.S. B-class sales will likely be constrained only by production availability. Kia will produce both a 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback version of the Rio for the U.S., with all production based in Korea. The 5-door Rio is hitting dealerships now, and the 4-door is expected in Kia's 750-dealer U.S. network in the early part of 2012. Bucking the quickly-fading "hatchbacks don't sell in the U.S." mantra, Kia executives noted at the launch event in Austin, Texas, that they expect to sell more hatchbacks than sedans. No one from Kia would go on the record for expected Rio sales volumes, but it's reasonable to expect a similar boost Kia has enjoyed with the new Optima midsize sedan (doubling monthly sales, a 22-percent boost in transaction pricing, and days to turn plummeting from 121 to 25). Pricing for the 2012 Kia Rio 5-door starts at $13,600 (plus $750 destination) with a 6-speed manual transmission. The manual tranny is available only on the base LX trim, where adding a 6-speed automatic adds $1,100 for a base price of $14,700. The volume mid-level EX trim checks in at $16,500, while the top-trim Rio SX starts at $17,700. Pricing for the 4-door will be announced closer to launch. The Hardware
The 2012 Kia Rio has been completely redesigned, its chassis now on a 2-inch longer wheelbase than the previous-generation car. All Rios are powered by an all-aluminum, direct-injected 1.6-liter "Gamma" 4-cylinder, backed by either the 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. The engine produces 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque, features dual-variable valve timing, and with either tranny hits the magic marketing number of 40 miles per gallon highway (30 mpg city). Low rolling-resistance tires are standard, along with electric power steering. Later next year, a segment-first Idle Stop and Go (ISG) option that shuts off the engine during stops will be available. The $400 feature is expected to add 1 mpg to the Rio's city rating. All Rio trims feature the same MacPherson strut front suspension and solid, torsion-beam rear axle, though the top-level SX trim will feature a stiffened setup. Four-wheel disc brakes are also standard on all trims (a rarity in this class), with larger front-brake discs for the SX trim. A number of options should help customers ease any downsizing pain, including leather-trimmed seats, power folding and heated mirrors, heated seats, rearview camera, navigation system, power moonroof and a smart-key setup with pushbutton start. A fully-tarted Rio SX with the optional Premium Package will check-in just under $20K ($19,900) before destination. Kia claims that across all trims, comparably equipped Rio pricing has dropped 2 to 9 percent. Is the market ripe for B-class cars with leather, nav, power moonroofs and heated seats? "You know, two, three years ago, nobody would've expected that," said Michael Sprague, Kia Motors America (KMA) VP of marketing and communications. "But you see a lot of people who are downsizing either for a lifestyle change or concerns about fuel economy. They're giving up some pretty nice cars, and when they get into the sub-compact car, they're looking around saying 'Where's all the stuff I had before?' It will be required to succeed." Though ready on the content front, the 2012 Kia Rio will enter a stout B-Class segment reborn by high fuel prices. Beyond its sister model Hyundai Accent, the Rio will battle Ford's hot-selling Fiesta (with Ford also being Kia's number one cross-shopped brand). Early reports on General Motors Co.'s new Chevrolet Sonic subcompact have been extremely favorable and Toyota Motor Corp.'s completely revamped Yaris certainly will be a player based on its content, price and brand image. Nissan's new Versa hasn't seen much praise from the press, but has enjoyed consistent marketing and brings to the party the industry's lowest base price. The Honda Fit now is one of the segment's oldest players it's due to be redesigned next year but is one of Honda's few models that continues to exhibit the brand's old spunk (though sales have been hurt due to Japan's natural disasters). Millenial Marketing
Like most new entries in the segment, the 2012 Kia Rio will be marketed towards Millennials, though unlike the new Yaris, the Rio will not forgo the traditional broadcast space. "My biggest challenge still as a brand is awareness. [Kia is] at 3.9 percent market share." Sprague said. "A lot of people still just don't know that Kia is out there or if they do know of Kia, they think of the old Kia. Since the Soul, we've been slowly transforming people's opinion of Kia so broadcast (advertising) is still a great way we can instill the awareness and consideration. It won't be huge broadcast but it will still be some. We'll do a lot in the digital space. If that's who we're going after, that's how they want to be communicated with." Kia plans to continue its marketing associations with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and L.A. Clippers star Blake Griffin, though Kia fortunately has a strike clause with the NBA lockout continuing. Kia also will go back to LaCosta in 2012 with the LPGA and golfer Michelle Wie, and will create a spec-racing series around the Rio. The company plans to announce more on the competition series at next month's SEMA show, where it also will display a number of project cars, including one from West Coast Customs. The Rio also is targeting new buyers via technology and its new UVO ("YOU-vo") voice-controlled infotainment system. Kia is only the second manufacturer after Ford (with Sync) to implement the technology developed with Microsoft. "So Ford came out four or five years ago and they had the exclusive agreement with Microsoft and as soon as that expired, we recognized it as a great opportunity," Sprague said. "Looking at trends, consumers wanted something that could control all of their devices, and it's a great platform." Kia claims to have made some significant improvements from a voice-recognition standpoint over the original system. "The Gen Y consumer is the first generation to grow up with technology and so I think you draw attention to yourself if you don't have it," said KMA sales vice president Tom Loveless. "UVO serves as a surrogate to let this important Gen Y consumer know that we're a brand that is relevant." On The Road
In the sheetmetal, the Rio is a handsome car, which gives it more physical presence. Particularly with the 17-inch, large-spoke alloy wheels in the SX trim (above), this car is a looker. The interior is also inviting, with soft-touch (or soft-touch-looking) materials and a horizontal dash layout that adds a real sense of width. Passenger space is adequate enough that many will question the need to move up to a C-segment compact car, particularly if adults aren't often encamped in the back seat. There's also enough gadgets onboard to make you quickly forget this is a subcompact; the high-content feel of Ford's Focus kept coming to mind. The Rio's handling is essentially viceless, and even sure-footed enough to enter the realm of entertaining on some of the more twisty bits of Texas Hill Country. On the rolling landscape outside of Austin, the new 1.6-liter Gamma engine was just the slightest bit buzzy above 4,000 rpm, but it smoothed out and started to sound better as it approached redline. The new engine is not awash in torque, though making good use of the transparent 6-speed transmissions keeps the Rio easily outpacing traffic. We wouldn't mind a just little more insulation from road noise, and Kia has more improving to do on the voice-recognition skills of the UVO system Sync seems far more consistent in recognizing commands and details such as the names of song artists. For a subcompact that comes loaded for less than $20,000, this is currently about as nice as the B-class has ever had it. Almost no reasonably expected feature is glaringly missing. Finding something to harp on in a subcompact car has never been difficult, so the Rio's few minor foibles demonstrate how much the class has matured in a short time. For the money, customers are likely to find the Rio an alluring prospect inside and out. Running down a checklist of what consumers probably require to accept owning a B-Class car, the 2012 Rio won't come up short. "People need the forty miles per gallon but they need the creature comforts associated with bigger automobiles," Loveless said. "And so when you take that and put it in a blender, I think the value equation we have with Rio really fits the bill on either count." Sprague was even more bullish: "I think we're going to sell every one we can get. And if we can get more, even better."
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Friday, October 21, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Spitzer is proud to announce we have teamed up with the Cleveland Food Bank to help provide for to those in need in our community.
Stay tuned for more information on this exciting partnership
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
College Grad Savings
**See dealer for more details**
Monday, October 17, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Kia Celebrating Its Success as It Launches 2012 Rio and Soul

In the last three years, including the 2012 Kia Rio and Kia Soul, the company has launched nine new vehicles in what is rightly described as a down economy. Tom Loveless, vice president of sales, did his best Mitt Romney imitation when he declared, “Unemployment is dangerously high and stays there. It is well above traditional levels and consumer spending is anemic.”
But, Americans are still buying new cars and they’re buying Kias. The company has enjoyed 13 straight months of record sales. Overall, sales are up 37 percent for 2011, which is 3.5 times better than the industry, according to Loveless.
Since 2008, during some of the industry’s most harrowing times, Kia has done well. Its sales are up 61 percent in three years. Its Korean counterpart Hyundai is second at 46 percent, followed by Subaru at 36 percent, Volkswagen at 34 percent, Buick at 24 percent, and Ford at 14 percent.
Sales of new vehicles are expected to be 12.5 million based on Kia projections with 2012 expected to rise by a million new vehicles to 13.5 million. Kia’s share of that market is currently 3.9 percent, which is up almost 25 percent from its 2010 share of 3.1 percent. It is the company’s 17th consecutive year of market share increase.
It’s important to grow market share in what the industry calls the B segment, but the public knows as sub-compacts. By 2015 that segment will grow to 725,000 vehicles from its current perch of about 400,000 sales in 2011. It will be the sixth largest segment in the market. “Sub-compact offers the next best opportunity for us as a brand,” Loveless said.
Wondering where Kia’s new customers are coming from? As Loveless said, “the key donor brands” are GM and Ford. Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing and communications, said Ford is the number one cross-shopped brand for Kia, followed by Toyota and Honda.
Kia buyers, in a good sign, are also younger than the industry average. Sprague told the gathered media that the industry average is 49 while Kia is averaging 47 so far in 2011. Not only are its buyers younger, they are also becoming more affluent. Average household income (HHI) was $51,431 in 2007. That number has sky rocketed to $63,665 in 2011 (in a down economy).
The brand’s growth is coming about, Loveless said, “because in the end it’s about how the market perceives your value.” In other words, value may be the new cool, as he puts it, but an inexpensive car that’s a cheap car is going to languish on the dealer lots.
The dealers are feeling the love obviously. Loveless said the number of new vehicles sold per month at Kia dealerships increased from 25 in 2008 to 50 per month in 2011. In a separate report, AutoRemarketing.com reported that Kia had its third straight month of record certified pre-owned sales with 977 units sold.
Three years from now those certified pre-owned vehicles are going to be more expensive thanks to improvements in residual values. Kia’s 2012 models have an average of 55 percent, which is almost double what the numbers were three years ago. Sprague said Kia also has strong customer loyalty with 44 percent of its owners trading in an old Kia for a new one vs. an industry average of 40 percent.
Courtesty of Keith Griffin on Tue, 10/11/2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
All-New 2012 Kia Rio 5-Door Brings A Different Kind of Horsepower To Texas
Sub-Compact Hatchback Offers New Fuel-Saving Technologies Along with Class-Leading Horsepower and Delivers Up to 40 Miles Per Gallon1

AUSTIN, Texas, October 11, 2011 - With all-new ISG technology, class-leading horsepower and fuel economy of up to 40 miles per gallon (mpg), the all-new 2012 Rio 5-door hatchback officially debuted today in Texas Hill Country. Set to join the Kia Motors America (KMA) lineup in the coming weeks and be joined by its sedan sibling later this year, the Rio 5-door offers world-class design to style- and environmentally conscious consumers along with class-leading fuel efficiency, cutting-edge technology and fun-to-drive performance. Unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the sub-compact is the latest introduction in Kia's aggressive transformation, which has resulted in record sales and market share growth since the launch of the Soul in 2009. Pricing for the all-new and completely redesigned 2012 Rio 5-door subcompact hatchback begins at an impressive $13,6002 MSRP, while the Rio 5-door A/T starts at $14,7003 – both lower than the previous generation. The EX line starts at $16,5003 while the top-of-the-line, sporty SX trim starts at a wallet-friendly $17,7003 and offers a plethora of consumer-friendly and upscale features, including stunning 17-inch alloy wheels and class-exclusive LED headlamp and tail light accents, a sport-tuned suspension with larger front brakes, projection headlamps, twin chrome exhaust tips, fog lamps, as well as standard 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 display5. Conceived at Kia's design studios in Irvine, Calif., the all-new 2012 Rio 5-door and its sedan counterpart proudly wear their own interpretations of Kia's signature grille, slimmed down to connect to the dynamic headlamp design to provide a new twist on the Kia family look that includes a bigger air intake to exude a youthful persona. Exhibiting highly sculpted, sloping shoulder lines and wedge-shaped exteriors, both the sedan and hatchback project athletic profiles that convey power and agility while mimicking the aggressive lines found on other recently launched Kia vehicles such as the 2011 Optima and Sportage. The Rio sedan drops the wedge line only slightly toward the rear door down to the trunk to differentiate it from the hatchback profile. Class-Leading Power and Fuel-Efficiency ![]() 2012 Kia Rio 5-door brings class-leading horsepower and fuel-saving technologies to subcompact segment Adding to the Rio's improved performance, Kia's engineers worked feverishly to reduce engine weight by 29 pounds over the previous generation vehicle by adding an aluminum valve cover and block to the third-generation Gamma engine, while incorporating cast iron linings for increased durability. Attractive and Functional Exterior Lavish and Comfortable Interior Adding to the Rio's earth-friendly theme, 85 percent of the vehicle's materials are recyclable at the end of its lifespan, and the Rio features seat foam material that uses 100-percent biodegradable and non-toxic castor oil, which benefits the environment in several ways, including reduced use of petroleum-based products and because castor oil comes from plants, this material is generated from a completely renewable source. ![]() 85-percent of the materials found on the all-new 2012 Rio 5-door are recyclable at the end of the vehicle's life Standard on the LX trim is a driver's seat height adjuster and six-way adjustable driver's seat, tilt steering column, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, trip computer, electric power steering, 60/40 split folding rear seats and a cargo cover for the hatchback. Moving to the EX trim includes standard power windows with automatic up/down on the driver's window, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, Bluetooth®7 wireless connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones and a sleek metallic finish throughout with leatherette door trim. The SX trim offers consumers an even more upscale and athletic look and feel with standard metal pedals, metal grain, a Supervision™ meter cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual map lights, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, UVO powered by Microsoft®8 voice-activated infotainment system with rear camera display9. In addition to offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technology features also come standard on all trims, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service10 and auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players with full iPod® and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit and steering wheel-mounted controls11. Available packaging upgrades for the Rio LX include the Power Package (A/T only), which adds power windows with automatic up/down functionality on the driver's window, power door locks with two-turn entry system and remote keyless entry. For the EX trim, the available Convenience Package includes 15-inch alloy wheels, the UVO powered by Microsoft® voice-activated infotainment system with a 4.3-inch color touch screen and rear camera display12, automatic headlamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power folding side mirrors with turn signal indicators, front fog lights, dual illuminated vanity mirrors and dual map lights. An available Eco Package can be added to the EX trim when the Convenience Package has been selected and adds ISG technology for increased fuel efficiency (expected to be available shortly after launch), enabling 31/40 mpg13 for the sedan and hatchback. With the luxurious Premium Package available on the SX trim, passengers will benefit from a navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic™ (replaces the UVO system), push-button start with Smart Key, leather seat trim, heated front seats and a moonroof to give an open, airy feeling. Advanced New Platform Built on a unibody frame, the front-wheel-drive Rio utilizes an independent front suspension system. MacPherson struts, coil springs and a stabilizer bar are used in the front with a torsion beam axle suspension in the rear to engage drivers with responsive handling and provide the utmost comfort in a variety of driving situations. A sport-tuned suspension on SX trims offers enhanced handling characteristics for drivers interested in a more spirited drive. Class-Leading Safety Features Industry-Leading Warranty Design-Led Transformation and Product Line About Kia Motors America Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle lineup is available at its website |
Monday, October 10, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
KIA'S MUSIC-LOVING HAMSTERS NAMED FIRST-EVER "ROOKIE OF THE YEAR" IN ANNUAL MADISON AVENUE ADVERTISING WALK OF FAME PUBLIC VOTE
Popular Hamsters Have Danced and Paw-Tapped Their Way to Iconic Status

IRVINE, Calif., October 5, 2011 - Since bursting on the scene in 2009 to announce the arrival of the funky Soul urban passenger vehicle, Kia Motors' lovable hamsters have resonated with consumers and critics while entertaining the young and the young-at-heart in movie theaters, on television and across the web. In recognition of the public's quick embrace of the campaign, the Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame honored Kia's hamsters yesterday with its first-ever "Rookie of the Year" award.
"In just two years the hamsters have become pop culture icons and driven record sales for the Soul and the Kia brand," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "The Soul and its advertising were designed to stand out in a sea of sameness, and this 'Rookie of the Year' honor is a tribute to the hamsters' viral success and ability to grab the attention of consumers looking for something with a unique style and personality."
Each campaign starring the hamsters was created by Kia Motors America's (KMA) advertising agency of record, David&Goliath, and received numerous accolades including Nielsen's "Automotive Ad of the Year" two years in a row and Silver and Gold Effie awards. The most recent installment, titled "Share Some Soul," finds three hamsters bringing style and flair to a dark and dreary scene with LMFAO's hit song "Party Rock Anthem" blasting from the speakers and quickly capture the attention of battling robots when they emerge from their Soul and begin performing the latest dance trend – shuffling. The Hamsters' positive energy causes the alien robots and humanoids to stop fighting, drop their weapons and shuffle and party together.
Collectively, the "A New Way to Roll," "This or That" and "Share Some Soul" campaigns have contributed to significant increases in consumer awareness, perception and consideration of the Kia brand in the U.S., attracted millions of online views and helped KMA recently surpassed its all-time best annual sales total in less than nine months.
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 745 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 technologies.
Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle lineup is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Kia Motors America Surpasses All-Time Best U.S. Annual Sales Total In Less Than 9 Months
Year-to-Date Sales up 37.1 Percent for One of the Fastest Growing Car Brands in the U.S.
IRVINE, Calif., October 3, 2011 - Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced best-ever September sales of 35,609 units, a 18.4-percent increase over the same period last year and the company's 13th straight monthly sales record. Kia's design-led transformation has delivered unprecedented growth and market share gains, and with year-to-date sales up 37.1 percent, KMA bested its previous record annual sales total in less than nine months.
September sales were once again led by the U.S.-built1 Sorento CUV, and with production of the critically acclaimed 2012 Optima now underway at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) the popular midsize sedan also was a strong performer with 6,191 units sold.
"Kia has become one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S., and surpassing our previous annual sales record in less than nine months is the result of our dramatic brand transformation and our diverse lineup of stylish, well-appointed vehicles that offer modern technologies and outstanding fuel economy," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG. "Our growth and momentum will continue with the arrival of the all-new 2012 Rio 5-door in the next few weeks, which will join the Optima Hybrid as Kia's second vehicle to deliver up to 40 miles per gallon while also offering consumers class-leading2 horsepower and world-class design."
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 is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and recently added the critically acclaimed Optima midsize sedan to its production line. Kia's model year 2012 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid3, 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 745 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 technologies.
Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle lineup is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.