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2012 Endpoverty Campaign

Green Lantern Kia Soul to Make SEMA Show Debut

 

Kia’s SEMA show stand will be full of superheroes this year. After showing off a teaser of The Flash-themed Forte,  and unleashing the Batman Optima on New York, Kia is now teasing a Green Lantern-themed Soul that’ll make its public debut at the SEMA show next week. 

Although Kia is mum on details on the Green Lantern-themed Soul,  the front-quarter panel teaser gives us a glimpse of the Soul wearing the Green Lantern’s signature shades of black and green. The custom Soul will also get a custom front bumper with a carbon fiber diffuser. The Green Lantern Soul also gets blacked-out headlights with green projector bulbs, and deep dish wheels sporting the Green Lantern’s logo. 

The Green Lantern Kia Soul is the latest collaboration between DC Entertainment and the Korean automaker. In addition to the Green Lantern Soul, The Flash Forte, and the Batman Optima, Kia will also be showing off Aquaman- and Cyborg-themed concepts at next week’s SEMA show. 

Source: Motor Trend Magazine

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Don't touch the glass when changing headlight bulbs

Most headlight bulbs now are filled with halogen and have special coatings on the outside of the glass. If you pick the bulb up by the glass with your fingers, you will leave trace amounts of oil and grease on the glass. When the bulb is used, that area of the glass will get hotter than the rest and it will eventually cause the bulb to crack. When changing headlight bulbs, only hold the metal bulb holder at the base, or make sure you're wearing rubber surgical / mechanic's gloves (clean ones) if you're touching the glass.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip courtesy of Car Bibles.

Three new 5-star reviews for Executive Kia on DealerRater over the weekend! Great work, team!

"I have rated Executive Kia and especially Chin Chang a 5 in all catagories.I was impressed by the information I received regarding the warrenty & powertrain and how I could afford the 2013 Kia Forte - I thought it was beyond my budget. Chin sold me my previous car and it was a pleasure to deal with someone I trusted again. I am sooooo pleased with my Forte and glad that I will be dealing with the service department that I have been dealing with for years. Chin found my car with the details that I wanted in just a few days. He explained all the details of the car and all the paperwork was done." - Eileen C.

Click here to read more revews on DealerRater.

[VIDEO]: 2013 Kia Sorento "Call It" Commercial

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.

Don't forget to take advantage of our $29.95 Oil and Tire Rotation eCoupon this month!

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!

"I would definitely recommend the Executive Kia dealership in Wallingford to a friend," says this 5-star review on DealerRater!

"I purchased my 2012 Kia Optima during the summer and I had an absolutely amazing experience at Executive Kia in Wallingford. Before this car, I had never owned my own car, or a car that wasn't more than 10 years old, so I was definitely very excited, but also a little nervous about the process of purchasing a new car. However, as soon as I arrived at Executive Kia and met my sales consultant, Mike Golas, my nerves went away, and I was just left with excitement. Mike was so friendly and helpful, and answered any questions that I had. He allowed me to take my time looking around the lot, and was patient with me when I needed to make the final decision. My heart was set on the Pearl White color, which they did not have on the lot at that time. When I expressed to Mike how much I would love to have the white, he told me right away that they would look for one that they could get in for me. The very next day, Mike called me and told me that my Pearl White Kia Optima was ready for pick-up!! I couldn't believe how quickly they were able to get me the car of my dreams! I absolutely love driving around in it, and I get compliments everywhere I go about how attractive the car is. It is so nice to finally have a car that I love being in. Not only was the selection of cars at Executive Kia wonderful, but the service is what really made my experience worthwhile. I could not have asked for a better sales consultant. He took his time with me making sure I understood all the details, and made me feel very comfortable. I would definitely recommend the Executive Kia dealership in Wallingford to a friend. It's a great place, and I look forward to going back their to service my brand new Kia!! :)" - Kgermain03

Click here to read more reviews on DealerRater.

Batman Comic Books Inspire Tricked Out Kia Optima Making World Debut in New York's Time Warner Center this Week

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

• Batman-themed Optima is the first of eight customized Kia vehicles representing characters from the Justice League to benefit DC Entertainment's "We Can Be Heroes" giving campaign

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.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Is Your Car Road-Ready?

Taking a road trip soon? Before you pack your car and hit the road, consider conducting a pre-vehicle check to give you peace of mind as you travel miles from home and help make your journey safer. A thorough pre-trip vehicle check includes:

• Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

• Check the brake system and make sure the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.

• Check filters and fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. Dirty air filters can waste gas and cause the engine to lose power.

• Check the hoses and belts that can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.

• Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Underinflated tires reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy and uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

• Check that the gas cap is not damaged, loose or missing to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip courtesy of Car Care.

Four new 5-star reviews on DealerRater for Executive Kia over the weekend! Great work to the entire team!

"The staff here was amazing, Jeremy Carroll helped me find the perfect car and I couldn't be happier. I'll send all my friends and family here when they need a car." - Shane J.

Click here to read more reviews on DealerRater.

Be sure to take advantage of our $2500 Cash Back offer on all 2012 Sedona Trim models this month!

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.

Check out this 5-star review from Jennifer C. on DealerRater: "As a first time buyer my experience with Executive KIA was nothing other than excellent."

"As a first time buyer my experience with Executive KIA was nothing other than excellent. Mike was very friendly and did not make me feel as though i was being forced into the sale as i felt when shopping around at other dealerships. Everyone was very helpful and friendly. I have and will continue to recommend Executive KIA to others." - jennifer.corbett.378

Click here to read more reviews on DealerRater.

Kia Motors Enters the Ranks of the 'Top 100 Best Global Brands'

• Kia's brand valued at $4.1 billion USD to achieve 87th place on global top 100 brand ranking study
• Advances in product quality, design and innovative marketing were noted as key factors for Kia's dramatic brand value increase

 

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.

"Incredible experience!!!! Hands down the best KIA dealership in Central Connecticut!" says this 5-star review on DealerRater!

"Incredible experience!!!! Hands down the best KIA dealership in Central Connecticut! I sold them a car in May and they gave me a great deal. The deal was several thousand dollars better then the original dealer who sold it!!

I promised my business, they promised the best deal with a guarantee and we both got what we wanted! A sold car!!

Customer for life!!

KK" - splvega1

Click here to read more reviews on DealerRater.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Why Pay for Diagnostics

Episode 5 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. Be comfortable asking questions at the repair shop!

Video courtesy of Car Care's Youtube channel.

[IGN]: DC And Kia Team Up For JLA Car Fleet

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.

 

Get a great deal on your service visit this month with this $29.95 Oil 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!

"My experience at Executive Kia was exceptional" says this 5-star review on DealerRater!

"My experience at Executive Kia was exceptional. Right from the beginning I was greeted by friendly helpful people. Jeremy did a great job in explaining all about the car. He was always interested in my wants and needs and my expectations. The whole car buying experience went like a breeze. Jeremy made sure I was happy with my choice and is still making sure after the purchase that everything thing is as was discussed in our pre-sale talks. I would definitely recommend Executive Kia for a new or used car purchase. Todd, the Sales Manager, aided in my satisfaction as well. He also was able to answer any question or concern I had. Great people to do business with." - dubar49

Click here to read more reviews on DealerRater.

[VIDEO]: Kia Green Light Project - Tanzania 2012

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.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Keep Your Cool in Hot Summer Cars

When it’s hot outside, one of the last places you want to be is sitting in traffic without a properly functioning air conditioning (A/C) system. To help avoid this uncomfortable situation, the Car Care Council recommends having your A/C system checked annually to make sure it is functioning at its peak performance level when the temperatures are soaring.

“Making sure your A/C system is working properly will give you the peace of mind knowing that your vehicle will keep you cool and safe when you hit the road this summer,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Not only are high temperatures harmful to the body with prolonged exposure, but they can provide unnecessary wear and tear on a vehicle.”

A vehicle’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning system (HVAC) keeps the interior cabin comfortable in any season by providing the right temperature and humidity level. Typical A/C service consists of the following steps:

• Service technician visually inspects hoses, lines, seals and other components for leaks as well as inspect the drive belt for cracks or damage.

• Technician checks pressures to test operation, refrigerant charge and outlet temperatures.

• If the system is found to be low on refrigerant, a leak test is performed to find the source of the leak. Keep in mind that if your vehicle is leaking refrigerant, it is damaging the ozone layer.

• Refrigerant may be added if necessary to “top off” the system, although some states do not allow “topping off.”

• A technician may also check for evidence of refrigerant cross-contamination, which is the mixing of refrigerants.

• A/C service should also include a check of the compressor’s drive belt and tension.

Your Monday Maintenance tip courtesy of Car Care.

Thanks very much to Laura for this 5-star review on DealerRater!

"the people were very friendly, knew car inside and out, didn't hide anything, step by step to help me understand everything, very clean store and vehicle, did not pressure you into a car" - laur1488

Click here to read more reviews on DealerRater.

Congratulations to the winner of our Facebook contest, Tami Schweikert!

We'd like to wish a big congratulations to the winner of our Facebook contest, Tami Schweikert! As our winner, Tami will receive a $100 Visa gift card from Executive Kia. And to all our other contestants we say: don't despair! There's more Facebook contests to come from Executive Kia, so stay tuned!