2012 Kia Optima and Soul ranked highest in class in J.D. Power & Associates Study

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the fastest-growing car company in the U.S. and two of its best-selling vehicles – the Optima and Soul – were awarded the highest ranking scores in their respective segments within the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.^℠ The Optima ranked highest in a tie in the "Midsize Car" category, while the Soul claimed the highest ranking in the "Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)" grouping. The APEAL study measures new-vehicle buyers' gratification with the design, content, layout and performance of their newly-purchased vehicles.

"As key entries in Kia's design-led transformation, the Optima and Soul have attracted new customers to our showrooms, and the results of the J.D. Power and Associates' APEAL Study illustrates just how delighted these new buyers are with the purchase of their new Kia vehicles," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications, KMA. "Both of these popular models, along with the rest of the Kia vehicle line, continue to deliver on a promise to offer U.S. consumers high-quality vehicles with an impressive combination of design, performance, comfort, safety and technology. All of this while still maintaining the brand's unmatched value proposition."

This year's study emphasizes the point that although buyers are continuing to downsize, they are looking for vehicles that are as appealing and well-contented as the larger ones they previously owned. Both the Optima and the Soul allow consumers to shop for a smaller, more affordable vehicle without having to make sacrifices in quality and amenities.

The 2012 APEAL Study is based on owner evaluations of more than 80 vehicle attributes. Responses were gathered between February and May 2012 from more than 74,000 new car and light truck owners who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth

Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality¹ and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking². Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan*. Kia's value and technology-laden lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

Article courtesy of Kia News.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Seal a leaky radiator

Save the high expense of a new radiator by trying to seal a leak with a radiator sealer, such as Alumaseal from Gold Eagle Co. Available in powder or liquid form, the product circulates in the radiator until it gets to the hole, where it sets up and fills the hole upon contact with the air. Alumaseal may be used to stop heater core leaks as well.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip courtesy of Reader's Digest.

Check out this testimonial from a happy Executive Kia customer from our follow-up survey!

Check out this testimonial from a happy Executive Kia customer: "Every aspect of my visit was great, everyone was courteous and I received great service all around.  I will definitely come back for my next service visit."

[VIDEO]: 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited Commercial Video Ad

Introducing the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited with 18" chrome wheels, LED lighting, Nappa leather-trimmed seats, an electronic parking brake and sport-tuned suspension.

Video courtesy of Kia's Youtube channel.

Kia Optima Hybrid "World Record" Commercial

Kia built a midsize sedan that set a world record. The Optima Hybrid traveled almost 8,000 miles through the contiguous 48 states on less than 123 gallons (64.5 MPG).

Video courtesy of Kia's Youtube channel.

Special thanks to Mary for this 5-star review on Google!

"The people who work there are always friendly. They finish what needs to be done on schedule and try to find me the best discounts. I've been bringing my Kia to them for every car need because I believe and trust in their quality of service." - Mary G.

Click here to read more reviews on Google.

 

Two-Door Coupe Evokes Passion with Eye-Catching Design and Fun-to-Drive Performance

Kia Motors America's (KMA) resident two-door coupe returns to the lineup for 2013 with the same combination of sleek styling, spirited performance and long list of standard comfort and convenience features that have become synonymous with the Kia brand. Also back for 2013, Kia's U.S. motorsports program is once again campaigning two Forte Koups in the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC) in the Street Tuner (ST) class, having brought home the 2012 Team and Driver Championships in its sophomore season thanks in part to the Forte Koup's responsive and dynamic driving capabilities.

The 2013 Forte Koup is back with minor styling enhancements and added features, including a new design for the 16-inch alloy wheels (EX) and power-folding side mirrors for added convenience. The performance-inspired coupe also benefits from higher-quality leather materials on the steering wheel for a more comfortable and luxurious feel, while both trims now include a standard washer fluid warning lamp, illuminated glove box, and improvements in the areas of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) through added sound-deadening materials.

Available in EX and SX trims, Forte Koup starts at $17,400¹ for the EX trim while SX starts at $18,800. Both trims come standard with convenience features including air conditioning, SiruisXM^™ Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service², MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth^® wireless technology³ and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

Plethora of Standard Technology and Connectivity Features
All Forte Koup models surround occupants with the latest in must-have technology with Bluetooth^®4 wireless connectivity and steering wheel-mounted controls that enable voice-activated hands-free operation for compatible cell phones. For listening convenience, USB and auxiliary input jacks offer full iPod^®5 and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit or the standard steering wheel-mounted audio controls. A six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SiriusXM^™ Satellite Radio capability with three months complimentary service⁶ also comes standard on all models, while speaker lights that can either pulse to the beat of the music or simply add mood lighting further enhance the personal lounge feeling of the interior.

Striking Design
Forte Koup's fluid lines and balanced proportions offer a refined and athletic stance with sweeping wrap-around headlamps, aggressive air intakes and a low, sleek profile. Koup offers a muscular yet sophisticated design, and even from behind, the two-door coupe exudes attitude with slim, wrapped tail lamps, dual exhaust outlets and a racing-inspired rear diffuser.

Standard exterior features are plentiful throughout the Forte Koup EX, including power heated and folding outside mirrors with LED integrated turn-signal indicators, dual chrome exhaust outlets, body-color bumpers and 16-inch alloy wheels (new design for 2013) outfitted with 205/55R16 tires and five-spoke alloy wheels. The SX trim offers an even more sporty profile with 17-inch alloy wheels paired with 215/45R17-sized premium tires, grey-colored 10-spoke alloy wheels, LED taillights, and gloss-black front fascia accents. Buyers can choose from an exciting array of exterior colors, including Titanium, Corsa Blue and Racing Red.

Refined and Lively Ride
Riding on the same 104.3-inch wheelbase as its sedan and hatchback siblings, Forte Koup provides comfortable seating for up to five passengers with an overall length of 176.4 inches, an overall width of 69.5 inches and overall height of 55.1 inches, making it 2.4 inches lower, 2.0 inches shorter and 0.4 inches narrower than the sedan. Koup is equipped with a front lip spoiler, under-floor airflow deflectors ahead of all four wheels, an engine bay cover, and a lowered stance which contributes to a highly competitive coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.31 and an aerodynamic lift coefficient (Ci) of just 0.21, enhancing stability and providing a smoother ride at higher speeds.

The two-door's high torsional stiffness gives Forte Koup responsive handling, a smoother ride and improved refinement over the competition. Tuned in the U.S. to appeal to more spirited driving preferences, the Koup is built on a lightweight, hydro-formed subframe, featuring a front suspension that employs MacPherson struts similar to the sedan and hatchback, while high-speed stability has been enhanced by lowering the ride height and widening the wheel track. The SX trim also comes with sport-tuned suspension designed to provide a firmer ride with reduced body roll and improved handling.

An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system and smart front suspension design add the finishing touches to the robust, finely tuned steering and suspension package and provides a highly competitive turning circle of just 33.9 feet.

For 2013, additional improvements have been made throughout the vehicle to significantly reduce NVH and help ensure a comfortable ride. Additionally, noise-inhibiting materials are used in the engine bay bulkhead and rear parcel shelf, including the injection of sound-dampening foam into hollow sections of the bodyshell at strategic noise-transference points, as well as improved door and window seals.

Refined Performance
The Koup is powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque⁷ that features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which allow for greater performance and fuel economy. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque⁸. Expanding upon the dynamic look and feel, Forte Koup benefits from a dual-outlet exhaust outfitted on both trims.

Two transmission options are available for 2013 Forte Koup models: an efficient standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

Fuel economy is not sacrificed for performance with Forte Koup as both engines deliver at least 31 miles per gallon (highway). The 2.0-liter engine offers 24/33 mpg⁹ (city/highway) when paired with the six-speed manual transmission and 25/34 mpg⁹ (city/highway) when mated with the optional six-speed automatic. Those opting for the more powerful 2.4-liter engine can expect an economical 22/32 mpg⁹ (city/highway) with the six-speed manual and 23/31 mpg⁹ (city/highway) with the six-speed automatic transmission.

Impressive Interior
Forte Koup provides a spacious 90.7 cubic feet of interior volume, a surprisingly roomy interior for a two-door coupe. Driver and passengers have an impressive 38.7 inches of headroom and 43.6 inches of legroom in the front seats and 35.3 inches of headroom and 33.9 inches of legroom in the rear seats. Trips to the beach and weekend getaways are a breeze with ample cargo space of 12.6 cubic feet while 60/40-split folding rear seats that fold nearly flat extend the available amount of cargo space even further to 53.4 cubic feet.

Forte Koup continues to impress with a host of standard interior features, beginning with supportive sport seats outfitted with more aggressive bolsters on the seat cushion and seat back. Additional standard equipment on all Forte Koup models includes air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, a driver's seat height adjuster, adjustable rear seat headrests, a tilt and telescopic steering column, rear defroster, center console with dual cup holders and storage area, dual map lamps with ceiling-mounted, drop-down sunglasses holder and variable intermittent windshield wipers.

Progressing to the SX trim offers additional standard touches such as: paddle shifters, auto headlamps, unique cloth seats with vibrant red stitching, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob with a more luxurious material for 2013, metal pedals and metal finish trim. Both EX and SX trims also offer a host of options, including a navigation system, automatic climate control, push button start with smart key, and power sunroof with tilt.

An optional Leather Package is available on the SX trim that includes leather and heated seats in addition to the standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

A Supervision^™ gauge cluster with trip computer, optional on EX models and standard on SX models, further enhances Koup's energetic personality with its red-hued glow and message display shown at the bottom of the cluster. This display includes information such as outside temperature, distance to empty, engine coolant temperature, elapsed time, door-open alerts, fuel consumption, average and instantaneous miles-per-gallon readings.

Article courtesy of Kia News.

Remember to take advantage of our $29.95 for an Oil Change and Tire Rotation eCoupon this month!

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Check out the all-new, limited edition 2013 Kia Optima SXL!

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This limited-edition 2013 Kia Optima SXL is truly the King of all Optimas! It includes LED Headlights, 18-inch chrome alloys, revamped front and rear bumper treatments, custom interior, handling package and much more! Power folding side mirrors mittened in chrome (not shown above) will also add to the new look.

Inside, the 2013 Optima SXL is loaded with its unique black tricot headliner with equipment, packing everything from heated front and rear Nappa leather seats (the fronts are cooled as well) to wood trim. Navigation, a backup camera and an Infinity audio system with Sirius are also standard fit.

Call us at 888-875-7491 to speak to a sales consultant to learn more!

A Glimpse into the Hush-Hush World of Automotive Proving Grounds

Car manufacturers often boast that vehicles can handle all sorts of driving conditions.  These circumstances may range from strange weather, crazy terrain, bumpy roads, and even certain types of collisions. Have you ever wondered how the people who put your car together know precisely what it will stand up to? Did they drive it through a multitude of possible road and environmental conditions at some secret Area 51 like testing facility to make sure?

The short answer is yes, we did. Today on Kia-Buzz we’re going to introduce some of our most notable ‘proving grounds,’ which is the term for the special tracks where Kia puts its cars to the test against extreme and unpredictable conditions at different speeds with all-kinds of passenger loads.

 

The Proving Grounds

Our proving grounds put vehicles through an exhausting array of tests at various speeds and under diverse road conditions. Our testing grounds cover an area of 4,940 acres (~20 million square meters) and are located in South Korea at our Namyang R&D Center and Kia’s Hwasung plant. In addition, our most sprawling 4,329 acres (17.52 million square meters) testing area is located in California’s Mohave Desert.

 

Hwasung & Namyang Proving Grounds

Our Hwasung proving ground, which is adjacent to our factory that currently produces the Cerato (Forte), Optima, Sorento, Borrego (Mohave) and Cadenza was completed in 1993 and features 16 test drive tracks.

Satellite shot of our Hwasung, South Korea proving ground

 

Opened in 1995, the proving ground at our Namyang R&D Center is of international standards and features no less than 34 roads including a Belgian road, and a high-speed track that is 2.8 miles (4.5 km) long. In all, the site features a total road length of 43.5 miles (70 km).

Aerial shot of Kia’s Namyang R&D center’s proving ground

 

California Proving Ground

The Hyundai-Kia Motors California Proving Ground site is located 100 miles north of Los Angeles in the Mojave Desert. Construction began in February 2004 and was largely completed by October 2004.

 

The California proving ground boasts an impressive total road length of 72 miles (116 km) and top speed of 155 miles/hour (250 km/h). Constructed with a total investment of US$60 million, the test site is approximately 10 times the size of the proving ground at Namyang R&D Center and is the third largest in the US operated by a foreign automaker. Eight test roads combine to form a total length of 72 miles (116 km). The longest track is the 6.4 miles (10.4 km) oval, a three-lane high speed track which allows a top speed of up to 155 miles/hour (250 km/h). The facility enables high-speed and endurance tests.

 

The grounds include a 6.4-mile oval track, a 2 million square foot Vehicle Dynamics Area (VDA), a 2.75-mile winding track, a 3.3-mile hill road and various special surface roads constructed to duplicate U.S. highways. The proving ground also includes a 30,000 square-foot office complex for its 50 staff members.

 

Our massive 4,300-acre, $60-million California proving ground that looks kind of ‘Area 51-ish’

To put the California proving ground’s size into perspective here’s an approximation of how much of New York’s Central Park and surrounding city blocks can fit inside of it.

 

Kia Proving Grounds by the Numbers

Metric	Namyang	Hwasung	California
Total length	43.5 miles	12.4 miles	72 miles
Types of test tracks	34	16	8
Types of roads	71	36	18
High-speed circuit - Length - Top speed	2.8 miles	2.5 miles	6.4 miles
	155 mph	155 mph	155 mph
Total area	408 acres	203 acres	4329 acres

 

Types of Proving Ground Tests

Our cars are truly born after withstanding some of the most rigorous road tests:

Multi-purpose road

This universal and all around test road it is used to conduct a diverse range of automotive performance tests and comparative trial runs with rival cars.

High-speed track

True to its name, this track tests vehicle performance when drivers put the pedal to the metal and for those situations that call for the need for speed.

Belgian road

Many European countries like Belgium have very old roads. Due to their uneven, cobble-stoned surfaces, the roads deliver shock levels to cars that are approximately 100 times greater than regular roads. Accordingly, the Belgian road offers a chance to test the strength and durability of new cars and its parts within a short period of time.

Low friction road

When sprinklers shower water on road surfaces made of materials like epoxy, the friction coefficient of the road becomes equivalent to that of roads covered by rain, snow or ice. This enables tests for driving and braking performance on icy roads regardless of actual weather conditions.

 

Dust tunnel

Man-made dust is used to recreate road conditions which generate large amounts of dust. It tests the driver’s visibility and seal quality of the car body and parts.

 

Various condition roads

Diverse road conditions that can be found all over the world are recreated to ensure the same levels of ride comfort and noise levels regardless of the location. Recreated roads include pebbly roads, cracked surface roads, Seongbuk-dong road (Seoul), wavy roads, European asphalt road, long wave pitch road and the West Coast Highway.

 

Additional tests include:

• Winds up to 124 miles/hr (200 km/hr) at our world-class US$ 45M wind-tunnel
• Driving on 71 different road surfaces
• Road simulators
• Electromagnetic wave tests
• Heavy rain/snow tests
• High & low temperatures
• And the list goes on and on

 

Kia’s Wind Tunnel at the Namyang R&D Center

 

Proving grounds take the guess work out of how cars will hold up and help to make sure that no manufacturing defects or design miscalculations will cause it to be unsafe or behave in unpredictable ways. We hope this post has shed some light on piece of automotive world many don’t often hear about, and rest assured that you can trust proven and tested cars will keep you and your passenger’s safe.

Share your thoughts

Do you have a particular Kia model that you would like to put to the test at one our proving grounds? If so, which model and what kind tests would like to run? Leave your answers in the comments section below.

Images and article courtesy of Kia Buzz.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Keep leather from drying out and cracking

Leather cars seats are durable and don’t require a lot of maintenance. After a few years, however, the seats can become soiled. Use a leather cleaner to remove dirt and stains.Then apply a leather protectant formulated for pigmented or top-coated grain leather (the leather used for most leather car upholstery). Protectants will resist stains and make the upholstery easier to clean in the future. Choose a protectant that includes conditioners to keep your leather supple.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip courtesy of Reader's Digest.

Thank you to Paul for this 5-star rating on Yelp!

"Loved the service there and would go there again for a used/new car. Everyone was nice and helpful to me." - Paul F.

Click here to read more review on Yelp.

[Fox Business]: The 7 Best Cars for the Budget-Minded Retiree

Choosing the seven best cars for retirees isn't easy simply because carmakers don't target seniors. To do so in the car business is the kiss of death. Just ask anyone who worked at Oldsmobile.

Car companies invest money and energy appealing to buyers in the 18-to-45 age range. Still, there are features and attributes that make some vehicles better suited for older drivers.
Bankrate relied heavily on Consumer Reports to narrow the possibilities. It recommended every vehicle on this list. It rated as "very good" the driving position of each, while giving high marks for front- and rear-seat access. All also scored high for ride quality and interior noise control.

Each received the top Insurance Institute for Highway Safety score of "good" for front-offset and side-impact crash tests.

Although we didn't filter based on price or fuel economy, the goal was to keep both reasonable. Only the most expensive is priced more than $36,000, and each gets average or above-average fuel economy for its class. All have automatic transmissions and full power accessories.

The list is representative of several segments from hybrid to sport utility vehicle.
Finally, vehicles featuring power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity and extra safety features scored higher.

2013 Kia Optima SX
Price: $26,800
Gas mileage: 22 mpg city/34 mpg highway
"Value" is the mantra of the 2013 Kia Optima SX. It's a nearly ideal passenger environment transported by an aggressive, fuel-efficient powertrain wrapped in a highly stylized exterior skin covered by a remarkably long warranty. That's value in our book.

A 274-horsepower, 2-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine provides the go through a six-speed automatic transmission. A wide trunk opening swallows more than 15 cubic feet of cargo.

We chose the SX model because that's the one Consumer Reports recommends. It also has features we think more mature drivers appreciate, such as keyless entry and start and dual-zone automatic climate control, absent in the base model.

Other senior-friendly features include eight-way, power-adjustable driver's seat with power-adjustable lumbar support, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, Bluetooth connectivity with voice command and five years of free roadside assistance.

Article and image courtesy of Fox Business Online.

Lease Special on 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid

2012 Kia Optima Hybrid: Only $269/month with just $2,499 down. Lease based on 12,000 miles per year plus tax, tag and fees.

Call us at 888-875-7491 for complete details as restrictions may apply.

2012 Kia Rio Receives Prestigious Red Dot Award and Wins IDEA Design Award in Transportation Category

• Fast-growing automaker's commitment to world class design results in international recognition and accolades for Kia's global products
•  2012 Kia Rio brings high-style and flair to the subcompact segment

Exhibiting highly sculpted, sloping shoulder lines and wedge-shaped exteriors, the 2012 Kia Rio subcompact has achieved top honors from exclusive design award competitions in the U.S. and Germany, including the brand's first IDEA Design Award in the Transportation category and a highly coveted Red Dot Design award.

The IDEA Award is a top design award organized by the Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA) and recognizes designs that affect a person's quality of life and economy in 18 categories, including Transportation, Design, Technology, and Design Strategy.

The 2012 Red Dot Design awards are held by the Design Centre of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany and judge on innovation, functionality, ergonomics, durability, ecological compatibility and intuitive handling. Globally, Kia has been awarded six Red Dot awards since 2009 – with the Picanto and Rio winning in 2012, Optima and Sportage winning in 2011, Venga in 2010 and the Soul in 2009.

"Since its introduction, the Rio's striking looks inside-and-out has attracted new customers to the Kia brand with a standout combination of style, performance and modern amenities that consumers are looking for," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. "The new Rio is the latest vehicle to emerge from Kia's design-led transformation and represents the collaborative work of our global network of design centers in Seoul, Frankfurt and Irvine, California under the direction of chief designer Peter Schreyer."

Article and image courtesy of Kia News.

Your chance to be $50,000 richer -- the Cash-a-Palooza contest!

Remember to listen to Radio 104.1 from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the start of every hour today. Wait for the signal to call 860-657-1041 and you can win a piece of the $50,000 prize! Powered by Executive Auto Group!

Get a great deal on your next oil change this month with this $29.95 for an Oil Change and Tire Rotation eCoupon!

Click here and "like" us on Facebook to print this eCoupon! Just navigate to the Coupon tab on the top of the page for access our monthly eCoupons and more!

Another happy Executive Kia customer's follow-up survey!

"I would never go anywhere else and I would recommend this place to absolutely everyone!" - May

Win $50,000 in Executive Auto Group and Radio 104.1's Cashapalooza Contest!

Here's your chance to be $50,000 richer -- the Cash-a-Palooza contest! Simply listen to Radio 104.1 from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the start of every hour for the signal to call 860-657-1041. Powered by Executive Auto Group!

Another 5-star testimonial from Executive Kia's follow-up survey!

Another satisfied Executive Kia customer raves about their experience with our service department in a follow-up survey:

"When I drop off my car for service I know I have nothing to worry about and all of the work will be 100%... if 10 is the highest then I suggest adding 11!" - Terry D.

2013 Kia Optima SX Limited Commercial Video Ad

Introducing the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited with 18" chrome wheels, LED lighting, Nappa leather-trimmed seats, an electronic parking brake and sport-tuned suspension. It defies what an average midsize sedan should be. The Optima was already the best; now it's even better.

Video courtesy of Kia's Youtube channel.

Kia Completes Best First Half Sales in Company History with Record June Performance

Kia Motors America's (KMA) unprecedented momentum and growth reached new heights last month with best-ever June sales of 51,326 units, a 13.9-percent increase over the same period last year, contributing to the brand's best quarter ever of 150,647 units – topping more than 150,000 units in a three month period for the first time. Kia's streak of consecutive monthly sales records extended to 22 months, and the brand's historic second quarter performance capped off the best first half in company history with year-to-date sales up 17.8 percent.

The record-setting June sales were highlighted by continued healthy demand for the brand's two U.S.-built* products – the Optima midsize sedan and Sorento CUV built at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) – with Optima surpassing the 70,000 unit mark. Consumers also continued to turn to Kia for fuel efficient vehicle choices such as the Soul urban passenger vehicle, which was honored as a segment winner in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) in June. In total, Kia vehicles that achieve more than 30 mpg on the highway² accounted for 78 percent of June sales.

"Kia has been setting one sales record after another for nearly two years, and the ongoing popularity of our two U.S.-built products as well as the Soul have attracted new customers to our showrooms and dramatically raised awareness, perception and consideration for the brand in a very short period of time," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG. "Kia offers discerning shoppers a standout combination of world-class design and quality, outstanding fuel efficiency, advanced technologies and tremendous value, and with more new products arriving in the next year, we will continue to draw new customers into our showrooms to look at Kia for the first time."

Article courtesy of Kia News.

Check out this testimonial from a happy Executive Kia customer from our follow-up survey!

Check out this testimonial from a happy Executive Kia customer from our follow-up survey: "I always have confidence in the service department. A product that is good is a great thing but service has to be a big part of success; you have both, thanks. "

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Accelerate slowly when you begin your drive

The most wear to the engine and drive train occurs in the first ten to twenty minutes of operation. So, always accelerate slowly when you first begin your drive.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip courtesy of Reader's Digest.

Another 5-star review for Executive Kia on Yahoo! Local! Thanks, Steven!

"Recently purchased a Kia Rio from Executive with the help of Mr Chang. Excellent service -- no tricks, no hassle. The car was immaculate when delivered." - Steven F

Click here to read more reviews on Yahoo! Local.