2014 Kia Forte Named Best New Compact Sedan By Cars.com

Kia Motors America’s (KMA) 2014 Forte has been named the Best New Compact Sedan of 2014 by Cars.com, putting Kia’s European-inspired sedan in contention for the respected website’s Best of 2014 award. Cars.com editors picked six cars to compete for the annual award, and the Forte topped its segment with its style, performance and value.

“The all-new Forte continues to earn praise for its sleek design, exceptional performance and plethora of features,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “Cars.com speaks for, not only the industry, but also car buyers, and we are happy to have the Forte recognized for elevating the compact segment to new levels of sophistication with its premium features, comfortable cabin and refined ride.”

Cars.com will announce the Best of 2014 award winner at the North American International Auto Show in January, 2014. The Forte stood out in its category for offering a wide variety of features and options, edgy styling and a comfortable ride. Earlier this year, the 2014 Forte also took first prize in the Cars.com/USA Today/MotorWeek $20,000 Compact Sedan Challenge.

“People buy compact cars because they are affordable and efficient, but that doesn't mean they have to be boring,” said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com editor-in-chief. “The Forte breaks the mold with its head-turning styling outside and an interior full of affordable creature comforts.”

Come test drive the Best New Compact Sedan at Executive Kia and don't forget to check us out on Facebook and Twitter for further news and updates.

Kia Motors America Releases 2014 "Red Zone" Special Edition Soul

Kia Motors America announces its first special edition Soul of 2014 with the “Red Zone” edition. Inspired by the ultra-popular Track’ster concept previously unveiled at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, the “Red Zone” edition Soul is the first special-edition based on the all-new second-generation Soul and is scheduled to go on sale during the first quarter of 2014.

“The Soul has always appealed to those who choose to express their individuality through their vehicle, and special editions have been a part of the lineup since the first-generation Soul went on sale in 2009,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America. “The Red Zone Soul underscores that independent spirit and brings to life many styling features from our wild Track’ster concept.”

Based on the 2014 Soul Plus, the “Red Zone” Soul exudes its own extroverted personality with White exterior paint and an aggressively styled body kit featuring red accents throughout, including treatment on the front grille, front and rear fascias, and side skirts. Custom 18-inch alloy wheels fill the wheel wells and keep the “Red Zone” Soul firmly planted on the tarmac. Power comes from Kia’s efficient 2.0-liter gasoline direct injected (GDI) four-cylinder engine which puts 164 horsepower to the ground via a six-speed automatic transmission.

The interior makeover is equally impressive with black cloth seats featuring red stitching, leather steering wheel, black-leather dash hood with red stitching, black carpeted floor mats with red piping, and sport pedals. The shift knob ring, air vent ring, dash speakers and console tray trim have all been dipped in red paint, continuing the “Red Zone” theme.

As with all previous special-edition Souls, the “Red Zone” will be offered in limited quanities. Just 2,000 examples will be available.

Stay tuned at Executive Kia for availability or contact us, and be sure to stay up to date on our Facebook and Twitter.

2014 Kia Sorento Named To 'Top 10 Cars of the Year' List By Hispanic Motor Press Awards

Kia Motors America’s (KMA) top-selling crossover utility vehicle, the 2014 Sorento, was recently named one of the “Top 10 Cars of the Year” by the Hispanic Motor Press Awards.

The Sorento took top honors in the competitive crossover segment of the annual survey of influential Hispanic journalists by virtue of its sleek styling, improved ride and handling and outstanding value proposition with a base price of $24,100.

“Quality and value have universal appeal among car buyers, and the Kia Sorento offers both,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA.  “With its multiple trim levels and wide array of standard features – all at an affordable price – the Sorento has earned many accolades, and we’re honored to count the Hispanic Motor Press Awards recognition among them.”

The Hispanic Motor Press Awards honor the Top 10 Cars of the Year annually at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  The Hispanic Motor Press Awards jury evaluates vehicles in 10 categories and in search of offerings that represent the best value, design, comfort, safety and functionality for Hispanic families.

“The crossover segment is gaining popularity among consumers, and the size and attributes of these vehicles fit the needs of the family.  The all-new Kia Sorento shows that this automaker is paying attention to what consumers want today.  It won not because of its price, but because it is the best overall value in its class,” said the HMPA jury director, Ricardo Rodriguez-Long.

Come test drive a Sorento today at Executive Kia and be sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter for further news and updates.

2014 Kia Soul Receives ALG Residual Value Award

Kia’s fun and funky urban hatchback, the all-new 2014 Soul, has received a Residual Value Award from ALG, a leading provider of data and consulting services to the automotive industry. The 2014 Soul is expected to retain 57 percent of its value after three years of ownership according to ALG’s November-December edition, surpassing the industry and segment average residual. Each year ALG recognizes vehicles that are predicted to best retain their value in their class, and Soul earned top honors in the subcompact utility segment with its premium feel and competitive pricing.

“Kia vehicles are well known for their value, and the Soul’s mix of personality, utility and affordability has made it a huge hit,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “Adding the ALG Residual Value Award to the Soul’s trophy case is a testament to the vehicle’s quality and appeal that stands up over time.”

ALG determines Residual Value Award winners based on a variety of factors including careful analysis of the automotive industry, the vehicle’s performance, quality and the overall price. With its iconic design, the all-new 2014 Soul offers markedly improved ride and handling, significantly reduced NVH, a suite of standard features and options – and now – the Soul is forecasted to retain its value better than any other vehicle in its class.

“The redesigned Kia Soul offers the economy of a small hatchback with increased utility and premium feel for the price,” said Eric Lyman, vice president of editorial for ALG. “Kia is a brand on the rise, and the Soul combines personality and value to deliver a product poised to retain its value over time.”

Come test drive a Soul today at Executive Kia, and don't forget to check us out on Facebook and Twitter for further news and updates.

2014 Kia Forte Wins Cars.com/USA Today/MotorWeek Compact Sedan Challenge

The all-new 2014 Kia Forte was recently named by Cars.com as the best compact sedan in its league. The multi-day Compact Sedan Challenge brings together experts from Cars.com, USA Today and MotorWeek to conduct a series of tests on a competitive set of vehicles and combines their professional assessments with the real-world opinions of car shoppers currently in the market for a compact sedan.

“The Forte truly stood out against the competition,” said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com’s Editor-in-Chief. “Between its dynamic exterior styling, impressive standard features for the price and excellent ride and handling, the 2014 Forte is a well-rounded car that checks off all the boxes of the perfect, affordable compact sedan.”

This years’ competition included the 2014 Ford Focus, 2013 Honda Civic, 2013 Hyundai Elantra, 2013 Subaru Impreza, 2013 Nissan Sentra and 2014 Toyota Corolla. The Kia Forte bested all the rest with its roominess, performance and premium amenities. The Compact Sedan Challenge judges cars based on a series of criteria, including fuel economy, comfort, styling and drivability.

“The Forte is designed to bring our customers premium amenities at an affordable price,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. “Cars.com’s recognition of the 2014 Forte as being the best compact sedan among these worthy contenders clearly highlights Kia’s commitment to quality and value for our customers.”

With its sleek European-inspired styling, the Kia Forte was designed to offer more room, more performance and more amenities to an ever growing segment of compact sedan consumers.

Come test drive the award-winning Forte today at Executive Kia and be sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter for further news and updates.

Kia Motors America Electrifies Las Vegas With Music-Driven Souls At SEMA

Kia Motors America (KMA) provided the perfect rolling soundtrack to Las Vegas’ never-ending light show as the 2013 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show opened with five music-inspired all-new 2014 Soul urban passenger vehicles, collectively making their presence known with a display worthy of the best Las Vegas nightclub parties.  The five sound-blasting creations feature music-themed builds including a DJ Booth Soul, an “Amped” Soul, the museum-like Music Memorabilia Soul, a Soul inspired by NBC’s hit show, The Voice, which Kia has sponsored for four seasons, and a Soul highlighting the brand’s partnership with the Vans Warped Tour.  All five Souls of SEMA tell their own unique story with music as their common language.
    
“Since the Kia Soul first arrived on the scene in 2009, it has established a very real and remarkable connection with music,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing and communications, KMA.  “After harnessing five major marketing campaigns with songs spanning from Black Sheep to LMFAO to this year’s Lady Gaga spot, which debuted during MTV’s Video Music Awards, music has become a core attribute of the Soul’s persona. The SEMA show presented the perfect opportunity to bring that personality to life – with the volume turned up to 11.”

Built by Galpin Auto Sports and LUX Motorwerks, three of the vehicles feature premium audio components intended for live performance, while the others showcase musical lifestyles and trends.

Amped SoulPopular Mechanics has energized this Kia Soul with the power of larger-than-life JBL speakers.  Integrated into the rear-hinged doors, the JBL Pro Live sound equipment transforms this Soul into a full size boom box on wheels.  With LED ambient lighting and four 12-inch Infinity power subwoofers, this Soul is ready to wow the crowds at any venue. 

The Amped Soul features a modern and sleek design enhanced with blacked out windows and a custom paint job. It rolls on performance 22-inch Forgiato custom three-piece wheels with Hankook 245/30/22 tires.  And to make room for the club-sized stereo, the passenger side B-pillar has been removed.  All the world’s a stage when riding in the Amped Soul; a portable platform invites musicians ready to plug in and perform for their fans.

Vans Warped Tour SoulEmbodying the youthful and fun spirit of the Vans Warped Tour, Popular Mechanics designed a Kia Soul ready to hit the road on a musical journey.  This unique Soul features a full custom paint job – inspired by the colors of the Van’s Warped Tour – with eye-catching air-brush artwork.  The side windows have been replaced with custom-built fiberglass body panels housing eight Infinity 8-inch speakers to deliver a true concert experience.  And to really put you in the middle of the performance, a 50-inch flat-panel monitor has been mounted atop the car with running footage from the tour itself.

The Vans Warped Tour is about music, friends and food.  To that end, this Soul has been outfitted with a slide-out rear barbeque for the full music-inspired tailgating experience.  And a specially designed hood ornament pays homage to the iconic shoe company that serves as the namesake of the Warped Tour.  With 20-inch wheels outfitted with performance low-profile tires and vibrant LED ambient lighting, this Kia Soul is made to take music lovers on a rockin’ ride they’ll never forget.

DJ Booth SoulRIDES magazine totally transformed this all-new 2014 Kia Soul into the ultimate DJ booth on wheels.  The roof was removed to give the DJ the ability to rise up and stand on a custom diamond-plated stage—which replaced the rear seats—and start spinning on the pro-grade Pioneer CDJs and mixer.  Influenced by both EDM and hip-hop, this Soul is painted an eye-catching purple with turquoise accents. Outfitted with 19-inch Rotiform BRU wheels and Continental tires, the DJ Soul has been lowered with Ark Performance springs to give it an aggressive stance.  With LED lighting, front and rear strobes, and a speaker enclosure built into the lower grille, it promises even the most seasoned club-goers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

For the headlining DJ, black leather, graphite suede and turquoise stitching give the Soul’s interior a vibe reminiscent of an ultra-lounge.  With the Maschine Mikro production studio molded into the passenger dash, every control is available at any time.  Blasting the beats is a Pioneer audio system that includes five amplifiers, three component speakers, two 10-inch and two 12-inch Champion Series subwoofers, and a sound bar housing four coaxial speakers, making sure the most important part of any DJ set—the music—is heard loud and clear.

Music Memorabilia SoulThis one-of-a-kind Kia Soul encompasses the passion, raw talent and diversity of music as an industry and an art form. Creating a music museum on wheels, RIDES magazine curated music memorabilia spanning rock, hip-hop and EDM history.  The collection includes a signed Slash guitar, a G-Unit sneaker signed by 50 Cent, a Jimi Hendrix gold album and a signed John Legend microphone, which are displayed in hand-built Plexiglas enclosures in the trunk, rear windows and rear hatch insert.

As a nod to industry icons, this Soul was influenced by platinum and gold records: The Soul’s exterior received PPG waterborne platinum silver, gold exhaust tips and anodized 20-inch gold HRE 935s.  The interior received gold diamond stitching and painted trim that highlights the custom black suede and leather interior.  Ark Performance springs and Nitto Invo tires make sure the Soul gives an award-winning performance at every appearance.

The Voice SoulThe name of this Kia says it all: Soul.  With NBC’s The Voice inspiring so many talented people to sing their hearts out and bare their souls through music, this car represents the sheer talent needed to perform in front of a live audience and millions at home.  RIDES magazine customized the exterior with a bright red airbrushed The Voice logo on the side, incorporating vinyl on the window portion, as well as the inspiring words “I Want You” illuminated in the lower grille, along with the LED puddle projectors. In order to perform under pressure, 20-inch three-piece Niche Scope wheels color-matched to the vehicle, coupled with Falken tires, add style and confidence.

The four replicated coaches’ chairs are the highlight of an interior that is decked out in red leather, black suede and red stitching.  Control the “I Want You” logo with the red button on top of the dash.  Using a unique platform such as The Voice to become a star requires practice; luckily, an iPad Mini connected to a 40-inch LED TV allows you to use the preloaded The Voice app and sing at the top of your lungs through the wireless microphone, amplified through Rockford Fosgate speakers in their fiberglass custom pods.

Come test drive the redesigned Soul at Executive Kia and don't forget to check us out on Facebook and Twitter for further news and updates.

A Soulful Journey at SEMA: Vans Warped Tour Soul Sneak Peak

 



The 2013 SEMA Show is almost upon us and Kia will be revealing five very special Souls, each one uniquely inspired by the world of music. 
 
Here’s a sneak peek of one of the Kia creations, the Vans Warped Tour Soul.  Embodying the youthful and fun spirit of the Vans Warped Tour experience, this Kia Soul is ready to hit the road on a musical journey. 

With eye-catching air-brushed artwork, 20-inch wheels with performance low-profile tires, a slide-out barbeque and a barrage of Infinity speakers to deliver a true concert experience, the Vans Warped Tour Soul is built to take music lovers on a rockin’ ride they’ll never forget!

Keep an eye on Executive Kia as the redesigned Souls roll in and be sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter for more news and updates.

Redesigned 2014 Kia Optima Saves the Day with Technology and Turbocharged Performance

Kia Motors America (KMA) has launched a new national advertising campaign for Hispanic audiences to coincide with this month’s arrival of the redesigned and U.S.-built* 2014 Kia Optima midsize sedan in showrooms nationwide. The light-hearted 30-second spots highlight the Optima’s easy-to-use technology features, turbocharged performance and redesigned front and rear fascias – which stay true to the award-winning original design while introducing several new styling cues – as well as the optional SXL trim which offers premium amenities such as Nappa leather trimmed seats and 18-inch chrome wheels.

“Performance enhancements and high-tech amenities are core to the redesigned 2014 Optima,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. “The new spots help to increase Kia’s presence among the important and growing Hispanic demographic by placing the Optima in everyday situations people can easily identify with while highlighting our midsize sedan as not only attractive and stylish but also functional, safe and feature-filled.”

Set to a Spanish-language track from the music company, Human, “Pez” features a frantic father who utilizes the Optima’s Sport driving mode to get home in a hurry. Meanwhile, the Optima’s Blind Spot Detection system1 saves the day for a group of friends in “Cuidando de ti.”

According to the press release, the videos should be found at www.youtube.com/kia, but we couldn't find them at the time of this blog. Stay tuned with Executive Kia on our Facebook and Twitter, and we'll link you to them when they show up.

Redesigned 2014 Soul Boasts Iconic Design, Desirable Features and Improved Driving Dynamics

The iconic Soul enters the 2014 model year with an all-new take on design, driving dynamics and desirable features that totally transform one of Kia Motors America’s best-selling cars into an urban utility vehicle that is as comfortable in the city as it is on the open highway. The signature Soul design is instantly recognizable yet thoroughly fresh, with more than a passing nod to the hot Track’ster concept that was unveiled last year.  Riding on a new chassis that is stiffer, longer and wider, the all-new Soul has grown up without losing its edge, allowing for more passenger and cargo room while reducing NVH levels. A flatter torque curve and significant suspension upgrades make the 2014 Soul a nimble and agile companion in congested urban environments.  Honoring Soul owners’ fierce individualism, three unique trim levels will be available when U.S. sales are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year: Base, Plus and Exclaim.

The all-new Soul displays its own individuality through a blend of funky personality, fun-to-drive characteristics and premium upgrades intended to set it apart from the pack.  A playful color palette, including Soul-exclusive colors such as Solar Yellow, Kale Green, and Inferno Red, along with sporty new wheel designs, pump up the dynamic equation that has made Soul such a dominate competitor in the “boxy” car segment. 

Keeping what made the current Soul special while addressing areas for improvement was no easy task.  As the design team at Kia’s California studio began putting virtual pen to virtual paper, engineers in the U.S. and Korea focused on making Soul a joy to drive. Starting with a solid foundation was key, and the new body enjoys a 28.7 percent increase in torsional rigidity over the current Soul.  With the hard points set, the all-new Soul was boiled down to three focus areas: Maintaining the iconic design while adding modern cues; providing premium features and content; and improving driving dynamics to make the 2014 Soul more desirable than ever. 



Keep an eye out at Executive Kia as the 2014 Souls roll in, and be sure to check out our Facebook and Twitter for more news and updates.

Details about the Soul's incredible features below the jump.

Kia Motors Announces Plans For First All-Electric Vehicle In The United States

At the media launch of the all-new 2014 Soul, Kia announced plans to offer an all-electric version of the company’s iconic Soul urban passenger vehicle in select markets in 2014. Already one of Kia’s best-selling vehicles, an all-electric variant is a natural extension of the Soul’s urban-friendly place in the brand’s lineup of award-winning vehicles. More details about the Soul EV’s powertrain, range/MPGe, packaging and go-to-market strategy will be announced at an upcoming major U.S. auto show.

“Eco-consciousness already comes standard on the all-new Soul with 85-percent of its materials able to be recycled at the end of its lifespan, and the Soul EV will further demonstrate Kia’s engineering capabilities as well as our commitment to producing vehicles with reduced environmental footprints,” said Orth Hedrick, executive director of product planning, KMA. “The Soul has always been a terrific choice for drivers in urban environments, and the all-new version’s blend of technology, refinement, style, improved dynamics and value has allowed us to create a car that is as efficient as it is fun to drive.”

Kia Motors was recently ranked by Interbrand as one of the “50 Best Global Green Brands,” and Soul EV will be the second alternative-fuel Kia vehicle to be offered for sale in the U.S. The award-winning Optima Hybrid was introduced in 2011 and for 2013 sees a number of enhancements including numerous powertrain refinements for smoothness and drivability, including a more robust 47 HP electric traction motor, a stronger Hybrid Starter Generator (HSG) and a more powerful 47 kW Lithium Polymer battery.

Check out our Souls at Executive Kia and be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for news and updates.

Redesigned 2014 Kia Sorento Earns 5-Star Safety Rating from US Government

Kia Motors America’s (KMA) top-selling CUV, the redesigned 2014 Sorento, has earned the highest possible overall safety rating – five stars – from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  The new Sorento was recognized for its outstanding performance in frontal and side impact crash tests, as well as high marks in rollover testing.

“Built on an all-new platform, the redesigned Sorento utilizes Kia’s advanced safety equipment and technologies to provide a high level of occupant protection for drivers and their families as measured by the U.S. government,” said Orth Hedrick, executive director, product planning, KMA. “Already a compelling entry in the compact CUV category, earning a 5-Star rating from NHTSA makes the Sorento an even stronger contender within its segment while underscoring Kia’s overall commitment to delivering safety and exceptional value to our customers.”

In addition to NHTSA’s 5-Star rating, the 2014 Sorento has also been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).  It is built at Kia’s manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia and is available in four trim levels.

Keep on eye on Executive Kia as the 2014s arrive, and be sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter for further news and updates.

Grab Our Coupon for a 2 for 1 Oil Change

If you've got a family, and you're like most of the world, you've got two cars. We'd place good odds on one of those cars needing an oil change soon. We'd place even better odds on the other still needing one from a couple months ago. We're right, aren't we?

Well regardless of why you need two oil changes, if you do, now's the time. There's a coupon on the Executive Kia Facebook page for a 2 for 1 Oil Change! You'll find it under Offers.

While you should never put off getting an oil change, we'll bet you're glad you did now.

Check out the Executive Kia website, and be sure to not only grab the coupon from our Facebook, but to check us out on Twitter too.

Kia Announces New Sportage

Kia’s longest running nameplate offers an enhanced 2.4L powertrain for greater efficiency and equips drivers with UVO eServices for advanced voice-activated telematics control.

The 2014 Sportage advances Kia’s brand to the next level with an array of design enhancements as well as a host of comfort and convenience features.  Building upon the already award-winning platform, Sportage now offers – 2.4L GDI I4 (LX and EX) and 2.0L Turbo GDI (SX) powertrains – for enhanced efficiency.

Keep posted as the 2014s arrive on the Executive Kia website, and stay up to date on our latest specials and deals via our Facebook and Twitter.

Kia Motors Launches Campaign to Raise $3 Million for Schools

Kia Motors America and DonorsChoose.org recently launched a Back-to-School giving campaign to raise $3 million of support for high-need public schools across the country. For the second year in a row, Kia will make a matching contribution for each donation to eligible DonorsChoose.org projects during the month of September, empowering “citizen philanthropists” to make a difference in the lives of students who need it most.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural campaign – which raised more than $2.1 million and benefitted nearly 500,000 public school students – Kia has partnered with dealers in six metro areas across the southern United States to increase the company’s total financial commitment by 50 percent.

Be sure to stay up to date at the Executive Kia website, our Facebook, and our Twitter.

The Design of Kia

Ever wondered why Kias look so cool? It's all about the award-winning design choices. In 2007, Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer for Kia Motors, had this to say about Kia's image:

"In the past, the Kia cars were very neutral. When you saw one on the road, you didn't really know if it was Korean or Japanese…I think it's very important that you are able to recognise a Kia at first sight."

 
Peter Schreyer then introduced a newly designed grille for Kia Motors. This new design, called the "tiger nose," gave Kia a distinct image that helped set it apart from other cars.

Peter Schreyer is now the president of Kia Motors, as well as the Chief Design Officer for both Kia and Hyundai. He has won many awards for his designs over the years, and was named one of the Men of the Year in 2011 by Top Gear.

Come on in to Executive Kia and take a look at our lineup of gorgeous, award-winning cars.

Need New Tires? There's a Coupon for That.

Grab our “Buy Three Get One Free” tire coupon on the Executive Kia Facebook page, then come and see us about swapping your tires out.

Not sure if you need new tires? Let’s take a look!

Modern tires have “wear bars” that run side to side. If you can see a bar across the gap between the tread of your tire, it’s time to get them replaced. It should look something like the photo on the right.

If you can’t tell or you’re not sure if your tires have “wear bars,” then check out this handy penny trick.

This coupon expires at the end of the month, so hurry in and get your new tires!

2013 Kia Sportage Ranked One of the 10 Best Back-to-School Cars for 2013

Pens, paper and books are easy. However, choosing a car during your back-to-school shopping may be a little more daunting.

Last week, the 2013 Kia Sportage was named one of the 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2013 by Kelley Blue Book! The crossover ranked number six on the list, standing apart from competitors for its styling and combination of fuel economy and performance, all at a "student-friendly price."

This award is based on Kelley Blue Book’s evaluations of vehicle attributes, including fuel economy, safety, style, versatility and value.

The list, which is published annually by KBB.com, seeks to help college students and their parents make the most informed purchasing decisions when choosing the best car to meet their wants and needs. The Kia Soul topped the Best Back-to-School list in 2012, making the 2013 Sportage the second Kia vehicle to make an appearance on the Kelley Blue Book list two years running.

To see all of our great back to school deals, visit http://www.executivekia.com/!

Reviews of Kia's Newest Best Seller: The Kia Cadenza

The Cadenza is unlike anything Kia has made in the past, and critics are taking notice. Read some of the amazing things people have to say about Kia's most luxurious model yet:

"[...] the Cadenza offers a wealth of standard and optional high-end features along with sharp styling that manages to make it stand apart from the crowd without looking strange." - Edmunds

"Now Kia's rivals have another vehicle to watch out for in their rearview mirror: the all-new 2014 Cadenza." - MSN Autos

"[...] the 2014 Kia Cadenza's unique mix of price, features and materials makes it a viable alternative to players on both the mainstream and luxury-brand sides of the divide." - Kelley Blue Book

"One of Kia's core focuses has been offering value to customers, and even with a starting price of $35,100, the Cadenza still represents plenty of that kind of thinking." - AutoBlog

These are only some of the amazing reviews of the Kia Cadenza. Don't believe the hype? Just come in and test-drive one!

Visit the Executive Kia website to check out our inventory and schedule your first drive.

Cars.com Names the 2013 Kia Optima the Most Affordable Midsize Sedan

Cars.com has named the 2013 Kia Optima the most affordable midsize sedan! 

Contenders for the top spot had to be equipped with equipment such as, automatic transmission, cruise control, a USB connection, Bluetooth, power windows, a power driver's seat and a rearview camera. Taking into account these features and the five-year estimated fuel cost, Cars.com compiled a list of 10 midsize sedans, ranked from most to least affordable, with the Kia Optima taking the top spot.

In addition, the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid LX placed fifth on the list. 

Come test-drive your Kia Optima today at Executive Kia!

Puzzle Pieces for Autism

Puzzle Pieces for Autism is a month long fundraising and awareness event being held throughout Connecticut to help the state’s families and individuals living with Autism.

The Executive Auto Group has teamed up with Radio 104.1 to support the efforts of Autism Services and Resources Connecticut (ASRC). ASRC is a statewide, non-profit organization that supports families, educators, and the entire autism community – across the diagnosis, needs, challenges, and age ranges.

This August we’re bringing the individuals and businesses of Connecticut together to show the communities support and promote autism awareness statewide.

We’re asking friends, families and professionals from across the state to celebrate the wonders of those on the autism spectrum and embrace the uniqueness in all of us by decorating a puzzle piece. For every puzzle piece that gets decorated, Executive Auto Group will donate $5 to help the efforts of ASRC.

We encourage you to paint, draw, color, glue and decorate your puzzle piece however you see fit. Use your imagination and make it your own. The blank puzzle pieces will be available all month long and can be picked up at any one of our 9 locations throughout the state.

Every Sunday we invite people to join us at one of our dealerships and decorate a puzzle piece with us. We will have all the supplies you need to make your puzzle piece unique.

On August 25th we will invite everyone back for our big gallery show event which will be held at Fiat by Executive in Wallingford. We will display all of the decorated puzzle pieces so people can see how the community came together. There will be live music, food and prizes so you don't want to miss it! 

For more information on this amazing event, visit http://www.puzzlepiecesforautism.com/!  

Monday Maintenance Tip: You've purchased your dream car, now what?

You finally did it. You found your dream car, and after negotiating and paperwork, you're ready to take it for a joy ride. But before you speed off the dealership lot, be sure to keep some things in mind. Taking care of your car and following a few simple rules during the break-in period can significantly help your car in the long run.

The break-in period is the amount of driving time it takes a car's piston rings to settle into place, ensuring there will be a tight seal that won't leak oil. Most cars typically have a break-in period suggestion between 600 to 1,200 miles.

Here are some things to remember after your car purchase:

Read the owner's manual. There's a lot of good stuff in there. It is important to know your car's break-in time, suggested speed, maintenance schedule and more.

Drive slowly. Be sure to keep your speed under about 50 mph or to the speed recommended by your manufacturer. Varying your speed and avoiding hard and sudden accelerations will improve your vehicle's piston ring seating.

Avoid heavy loads. Don't take the family on a cross-country trek the week you get your new car. Keep the weight off your roof rack and hitch, so the drive train is not stressed.

Check and change your oil. During your first few drives, metallic residue is produced by your new engine. We suggest getting an oil change at the end of your break-in period to get rid of this residue and give your car a nice clean start. 

We know that it's hard to resist the rev of a new engine, but by having patience and keeping your foot off the acceleration, you can keep your car running at it's best long after the new car smell fades away. 

Which category do you fall under: High or low-tech?

2002 Kia Spectra Commercial

Kia Motors America Launches Nationwide Partnership with B.R.A.K.E.S. Teen Pro-Active Driving School to Provide Free Hands-On Defensive Driving Instruction

 
Kia Motors America (KMA) is launching a nationwide partnership as the official vehicle and presenting sponsor of B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe) Teen Pro-Active Driving School to educate teenagers and their parents about the importance of responsible driving habits.  KMA’s support – which includes a fleet of 32 Kia vehicles – will provide teens nationwide with no-cost, hands-on training, including distracted driving exercise, emergency braking using the anti-lock braking system (ABS), evasive maneuvering and skid-control practice.  A three-to-one student-to-teacher ratio will ensure personal attention and high-quality individual instruction for every student.

“KMA is committed to giving back to the communities in which we do business,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA.  “Our partnership with B.R.A.K.E.S. will help teens learn to respond quickly and confidently to real-world driving scenarios through advanced training techniques to help ensure their own safety and that of others on the road.”
In addition to supplying school cars and other support, Kia’s race-winning No. 38 Pirelli World Challenge (PWC) Optima Turbo, driven by Mark Wilkins, will prominently feature B.R.A.K.E.S. for the remainder of the 2013 PWC season in an effort to raise awareness for teen driving safety.  The racer’s new livery will be unveiled at a promotional event in New York City’s SoHo district this evening, ahead of this weekend’s races at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Conn.

“Kia’s support will enable B.R.A.K.E.S. to train thousands more teens, grow awareness and expand training to new areas of the country,” said Doug Herbert NHRA Top Fuel Racer & Founder of B.R.A.K.E.S. “We are extremely excited about this new relationship and what we can do together with Kia to accomplish our mission of reducing teen driving accidents.”

B.R.A.K.E.S., a 501 c3 charity based in Charlotte, N.C., has provided safe driving instruction courses for more than 8,000 students in the U.S. and Canada.  The school offers nearly four hours of hands-on training and a very low student-instructor ratio to ensure personal attention.  The curriculum includes an array of defensive driving techniques and raises awareness of the dangers of distracted driving.  Parents participate in the courses alongside their teens to ensure safe driving techniques are reinforced following the session.  To sign up for a school in your area visit http://www.putonthebrakes.com/driving-schools/schedule1/.

Training includes the following:

• Accident Avoidance/Slalom:  The two-part course simulates an animal or object jumping out in front of a car.  It forces students to make a split-second reaction to help negotiate a quick, evasive lane change without losing control of the vehicle.  Students must navigate their vehicle around cones while focusing on weight transfer, hand positioning and eye scanning.
• Distracted Driving:  In 2009 it was estimated more than 5,400 people died in crashes that were reported to involve a distracted driver and about 448,000 people were injured[i].  The course demonstrates the danger that cell phones, text messaging, and other distractions can pose while driving.
• Drop Wheel/Off Road Recovery:  The drop-wheel recovery course teaches students how to effectively recover from a drop-wheel situation by regaining control of the car and safely returning to the roadway.
• Panic Stop:  Teens often lack the experience needed to judge a safe following distance.  The panic stop course instructs students on proper braking techniques to help stop a vehicle in the shortest distance possible while maintaining control.  Students experience firsthand the pulsating brake pedal effects of ABS and how to control the vehicle when ABS in engaged.
• Car Control and Recovery:  A wet skid pad simulates wet-road conditions.  Students learn how to recover from both over-steer (rear wheel) and under-steer (front wheel) skids.

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Kelley Blue Book Names 2013 Kia Soul to List of Coolest New Cars Under $18,000

Soul Picked Based on its Fun-to-Drive and Fun-to-Own Personality 

Kia Motors America’s (KMA) top-selling urban passenger vehicle, the 2013 Soul, was named to Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com list of the 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000. Chosen by the site’s editors, the 2013 Soul was celebrated for its fun and bold design, high-tech offerings and roominess.

“The Soul, which paved the way for Kia’s design led transformation with its fun and funky personality, quickly established a reputation as the spunkiest car in the Kia lineup, and now KBB has recognized it as one of the coolest vehicles on the market,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “Kia has always strived to provide customers with value, style and substance, and the Soul fulfills that promise with an extensive roster of standard features and unique design that has become iconic.”

The Soul placed third on Kelley Blue Book’s annual list of the coolest cars. Editors at Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com looked for new cars that were fun to own and drive. The Soul’s one-of-a-kind look and feel stood out amongst its competition.

“Born in 2010 and significantly updated in 2012, the Kia Soul has managed to keep its cool the whole time,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. “Like a small cargo van with bold lines and high tech, the Soul’s impressive standard equipment list includes Bluetooth®1 phone connectivity, an auxiliary audio input and iPod®2 integration.”

Source: Kia Motors America