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Amerigon Incorporated announced that its proprietary heated and ventilated seat system will be offered as an option on the front seats of the all-new 2011 KIA Optima, a mid-size sedan now being sold in showrooms.

The new KIA Optima has been re-designed and re-engineered for 2011 and includes a variety of technology features and interior amenities including the Amerigon heated and ventilated seat system.

“We are pleased that KIA has included our new heated and ventilated seat system for its newly designed and much anticipated Optima,” said Amerigon President and Chief Executive Officer Daniel R. Coker. “We believe that underscores the success our two companies have enjoyed working together and the value our technology provides for the KIA vehicles lines. We look forward to continuing to work closely with KIA.”

In addition to the all-new 2011 KIA Optima, the 2011 KIA Sportage, the KIA Mohave and the KIA Borrego also offer Amerigon’s heated and ventilated seat system. KIA vehicles featuring Amerigon’s proprietary Climate Control Seat® (CCS®) system, which delivers active, individually controlled heated or cooled air to seat occupants, include the KIA Opirus full-size sedan.

Compact CUV Continues Kia’s Design-Led Transformation New design and AWD system for longest-running Kia nameplate Sportage boasts more refinement, power, fuel efficiency, technology and convenience features than its predecessor

The all-new 2011 version of Kia’s venerable Sportage CUV takes its design “Kue” from the concept vehicle of the same name that was shown during the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Completely and beautifully redesigned, Sportage offers more urban and fluid silhouettes than its predecessor while retaining the desirable benefits and functional features of the popular CUV. Sportage also offers increased levels of performance and efficiency, comfort and convenience and the latest in-vehicle technologies incorporated into all of Kia’s latest new vehicles.

“Adding world-class design and cutting-edge technologies to an already successful value-packed CUV equation, the all-new Sportage offers Kia the opportunity to attract an entirely new and more sophisticated customer,” said Michael Sprague, vice president marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). “The 2011 Sportage retains the functionality and versatility of the previous generation model but repackages the CUV into a sleek, modern and bold style with new proportions and a completely new look to help elevate the Kia brand further as a world design leader.”

Available later this month, the 2011 Sportage offers image-conscious yet practical consumers more power (176 hp) and improved fuel economy along with the options of a panoramic sunroof, navigation, push-button start, rear camera display, LED daytime running lights and an air-cooled driver’s seat (a compact CUV segment first). However, what first draws attention to the new CUV is the visceral connection drivers make with the striking new design of the all-new Kia Sportage. Also expected to be available in late 2010 is the UVO powered by Microsoft®(1) in-vehicle communication and entertainment system based on the Windows Embedded Automotive platform. Read the rest of this entry »

All-New Midsize Sedan, Compact Five-Door and Two CUVs Debut in the Big Apple

Kia Motor’s design-led brand transformation and aggressive new product launch cycle continues

Vehicles showcase several all-new powertrains, including Kia Motor’s first-ever turbocharged engine

Building on momentum established in 2009 with three new products, record U.S. market share and the opening of Kia Motors’ first automotive assembly plant on U.S. soil(1), Kia Motors America (KMA) unveiled four all-new vehicles during a press conference at the New York International Auto Show: the 2011 Optima midsize sedan, Forte five-door compact, and the Sportage and Sorento SX compact CUVs. Following the successful launches of the Soul, Forte and Forte Koup, Kia Motors’ slate of New York introductions continue the brand’s design-led transformation and each combine new and compelling design traits with the latest technology and convenience features while delivering efficient and fun-to-drive performance characteristics.

Arriving in showrooms in early fall, the next-generation Optima advances Kia Motor’s design-led transformation with completely new and stunning design characteristics, highlighted by a dynamic and streamlined profile that conveys elegance and athletic confidence from every angle. The all-new Optima’s three new powertrains – including the brand’s first-ever turbo and hybrid (available next year) in the U.S. – deliver class-leading(2) power and fuel economy while the sedan’s spacious cabin is outfitted with the latest technology features and luxury amenities. Keeping in line with the stylish and practical Forte compact sedan and first-for-Kia Forte Koup, the Forte five-door adds another attractive option to the Forte family. The all-new Kia Sportage compact CUV pays homage to its design heritage in a sleeker and more muscular package and also will employ a turbo option, while the new SX package for the popular 2011 Sorento CUV provides a more aggressive appearance trim for the first vehicle built at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), the first manufacturing plant on U.S. soil for Kia Motors.

“We have been promoting the Kia brand evolution over the past few years and backed it up with dramatic gains in quality and value while adding world-class design every step of the way,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing, KMA. “Kia’s recent launch cycle has now delivered eight new products in less than two years, this aggressiveness is nothing short of amazing and speaks to the growing power of the brand in the U.S. and globally.”

The all-new 2011 Optima projects a high-performance image with its unique silhouette and sleek stance that builds upon Kia Motors’ philosophy of creating high quality and dynamic vehicles that evoke passion. Longer, wider and lower than before, Optima’s coupe-like profile is enhanced by a sweeping chrome arc that flows from the A through C pillars, a distinctive design motif that visually lowers the car further and enhances its proportions. Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, the 2011 Optima offers a wide array of convenience and luxury as well as impressive technology features like UVO powered by Microsoft®(3), an advanced in-car communications and entertainment system with rear-view camera, AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service(4), auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with three all-new and fuel-efficient engines, a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine or a 2.4-liter hybrid (available late 2010).

Forte five-door builds on the popular Forte compact sedan and bold Forte Koup by employing another practical yet modern iteration of the platform. Lower and firmly set on its haunches, Forte five-door carries with it all the amenities of the Forte line and introduces a new front grille, alloy wheels, lower valence design, center console, paddle shifters, push-button start and navigation in addition to the ostensible fifth door for a distinct appearance and intentional practicality. Forte five-door is available with two efficient engines – 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter – and a new six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The all-new 2011 Kia Sportage compact CUV exudes urban street presence with a capacity for around-town utility. Longer, wider and lower than the previous model, the all-new design successfully retains the key features that made the second-generation Kia Sportage so popular – the commanding driving position, heightened sense of security and powerful road presence. The new Sportage’s athleticism is reinforced by its rakish windscreen angle, which sweeps seamlessly into the low roofline. The full-sectioned body is defined by a spearing shoulder line throughout the length of the car, and together with the lowered body, offers a distinct sense of precision while the generous C pillar gives a sense of solidity and balance. Available in two-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, the new Sportage will offer a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder GDI turbo powerplant arriving shortly after launch. The all-new Sportage features comfortable seating for five and all the latest in standard Kia technology, including MP3 capability, satellite radio, Bluetooth®(5) wireless technology, and UVO powered by Microsoft hands-free infotainment and available with HD Radio®. The new, lighter unibody construction pays dividends in handling and fuel efficiency.

The all-new Sorento has exceeded expectations since going on sale in early January and is becoming KMA’s best-selling vehicle, and now the new SX trim adds an edgier attitude and comes standard with a host of luxury, convenience and technology features throughout. Offering a more muscular stance, Sorento SX dons unique front and rear fascias to convey additional authority while added chrome to the exhaust outlet, LED tail lamps and redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels with a hyper silver paint finish increase its luxurious exterior appeal. Driver and passengers will benefit from Dual Flow Damper (DFD) shock absorbers, leather-trimmed and heated front seats, electrochromatic mirror with Homelink®(6) and a voice-activated navigation system with back-up camera, standard Infinity®(7) audio surround sound system with 10 speakers, panoramic sunroof, seating for seven and a 3.5-liter V6 engine with best-in-class horsepower(8).

Competitive Warranty

The 2011 Optima, Forte five-door, Sportage and Sorento are covered by Kia’s warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the vehicle coverage.

Kia Motors America in 2010

Kia Motors is in the midst of 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. With three new vehicle introductions and several other key initiatives planned for 2010, Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and with new technology such as the UVO powered by Microsoft® advanced hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system (to be available in select Kia models in the U.S. beginning in summer 2010). The launch of the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, the official vehicle of the NBA and the first vehicle to be assembled at Kia’s first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, further enhances the lineup, and is now in dealerships.

(1) Kia vehicles assembled at the Kia U.S. plant are assembled in the U.S. with U.S. and globally sourced parts.

(2) Based on comparison of 2011 midsize sedan segment.

(3) Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

(4) SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries. SIRIUS Radio requires a subscription, sold separately after 3-month trial subscription included with vehicle purchase. Prices and programming are provided by SIRIUS and are subject to change. Subscriptions governed by SIRIUS Terms & Conditions available at sirius.com. SIRIUS Radio U.S. service available only to those at least 18 years of age in the 48 contiguous United States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (with coverage limitations).

(5) The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license.

(6) HomeLink is a registered trademark of Johnson Controls, Inc.

(7) Infinity is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.

(8) Based on available information.

Hyundai, Kia and Ford Accelerate on Cars.com as Longtime Market Leaders See Declining Interest

Amidst concerns over the Toyota recall, interest in several of the brand’s popular models declined sharply in February on Cars.com. According to the most recent Cars.com Consumer Search Index, which tracks the fluctuation of consumer contact with dealers originating from the site, 6 of the top 10 decreases were for Toyota models including Rav4, Corolla, Camry, Highlander, Prius and FJ Cruiser. GM rounded out the top ten decreases, with four models experiencing sharp declines in consumer interest – Sierra 1500, Corvette, Tahoe and Equinox.

The Korean manufacturers Hyundai and Kia benefited directly from Toyota’s troubles. Interest in the new Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Sorento skyrocketed in the month of February according to Cars.com. In addition to the two Korean manufacturers, Ford continued its strong performance on the site which has helped propel the manufacturer past GM in terms of total sales for the first time since 1998.

The Hyundai Sonata topped Cars.com’s list of new cars experiencing the largest increase in consumer contacts to dealers, with a whopping 106 percent increase. The Sonata was followed by the Hyundai Tucson at 83 percent and the Kia Sorento at 69 percent. Ford also had three cars in the top 10. The new Fusion, Escape and F-150 ranked 6th, 7th and 8th respectively.

The Toyota Sienna, which wasn’t part of the recall and received positive reviews on Cars.com for its recent redesign, surprisingly bucked the trend and ranked 4th out of the 10 vehicles experiencing the largest increase in consumer contacts to dealers.

“The aggressive marketing efforts on the part of Hyundai and Kia are working when it comes to generating interest among car shoppers,” said Cars.com Editor in Chief Patrick Olsen. “It’s nothing short of surprising to see the activity that the new Toyota Sienna has generated, considering all the turmoil surrounding the automaker’s recalls.”

Cars.com Consumer Search Index – February 2010:

February Movers// % Increase in Consumer Contacts to   Dealers
Hyundai Sonata 106%
Hyundai Tucson 83%
Kia Sorento 69%
Toyota Sienna 30%
Honda Odyssey 19%
Ford Fusion 15%
Ford Escape 11%
Ford F150 10%
Honda Civic 9%
Chevrolet Camaro 7%

February Losers// % Decrease in Consumer Contacts to   Dealers
GMC Sierra 1500 51%
Toyota RAV4 50%
Toyota Camry 38%
Toyota Corolla 37%
Toyota Highlander 37%
Chevrolet Corvette 35%
Toyota Prius 34%
Chevrolet Tahoe 33%
Chevrolet Equinox 28%
Toyota FJ Cruiser 25%

Officials with Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), Inc. were joined by dignitaries from the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, the State of Georgia, and local city and county officials to celebrate the official grand opening of Kia’s first-ever U.S. automobile manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, capable of producing 300,000 cars annually for the North American and global markets.

The ceremony was attended by approximately 500 VIPs from Korea and the U.S., including Chairman of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group Mong-Koo Chung; Group President and CEO of KMMG and Kia Motors America (KMA) Byung-Mo Ahn; Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue; and a number of other high-ranking Korean government and State of Georgia officials.

“Kia is proud to call West Point, Georgia home and we look forward to many years of growing together,” said Ahn. “Continued diligent work has helped elevate Kia to one of the fastest growing automobile brands around the globe. With the successful launch of the 2011 Kia Sorento CUV and establishment of our first manufacturing plant in the United States, the Kia brand is well positioned for further growth and to become a worldwide leader in quality and innovation.”

Representing a $1 billion investment by Kia Motors Corporation, the sprawling, new 2.2 million-square-foot automobile manufacturing plant is situated on more than 2,200 acres of land between Exit 2 and Exit 6 along Interstate 85 in West Point. KMMG consists of four main shops: stamping, welding, paint and assembly. The site also includes a transmission shop, module shop and a two-mile test track where every vehicle produced by KMMG will be thoroughly tested. KMMG’s general assembly area is outfitted with more than a half mile of height-adjustable conveyors to achieve the most favorable installation position for each team member and reduce physical fatigue. It is outfitted with wood flooring, which provides a more comfortable and forgiving work environment for team members.

Governor Perdue noted today’s event meant the continuation of a mutually beneficial partnership between the State of Georgia and Kia that will mean many great things for the State in years to come.

“This is a momentous day for Georgia as Kia Motors has brought thousands of new jobs to this area, and is truly delivering as a tremendous corporate citizen,” said Governor Perdue. “We value our relationship with Kia and pledge to continue providing specialized training through the Kia Georgia Training Center that will guarantee a quality workforce and the future success of this plant in Georgia.”

The massive Kia automobile manufacturing plant and its supplier companies have already provided thousands of jobs. KMMG currently employs more than 1,200 team members and is expected to nearly double that number by the end of the year, while onsite and nearby suppliers will create up to 7,500 additional jobs in the region.

Randy Jackson, director of human resources and administration, said he was glad that KMMG could help give back to the local community through job creation, community development and tourism.

“The Grand Opening marks a new milestone for Kia,” Jackson said. “Beginning this spring, we are pleased to open our doors to the community and have them see firsthand the quality and craftsmanship that is built into every Kia vehicle. We hope every Kia owner, and anyone thinking about purchasing a Kia, will visit us.”

Mass production of the all-new 2011 Kia Sorento CUV began on Nov. 16, 2009 with the product officially going on sale in the U.S. in January of this year. Selling 7,398 units in its first month, the 2011 Sorento was Kia’s best-selling vehicle in January.

“The outstanding early performance of the first vehicle produced from our West Point, Georgia plant is a significant achievement for KMMG, KMA and the Kia brand as a whole,” said Ahn. “As we grow we will continue to expand our line of vehicles here and abroad while staying true to the Kia brand tenets of value, quality, safety and technology; and KMMG will play a prominent role in achieving our goals.”

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) is the first manufacturing site in North America for Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, Korea. KMMG is located on 2,200 acres in West Point, Georgia, and began mass production of the 2011 Kia Sorento on November 16, 2009. At full capacity, the plant will have the ability to build 300,000 vehicles annually from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

Ray Design Demonstrates Kia Motors’ EcoDynamics Philosophy

Kia Ray features aerodynamic design, innovative technology and plug-in hybrid capabilities

Kia Ray utilizes roof top “cool-glazing” solar glass and a has a range of up to 746 miles

Kia Motors America (KMA) unveiled the Ray Plug-in Hybrid concept during a press conference at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, advancing momentum of Kia Motors’ global alternative fuel and powertrain research program, and its sub-brand coined “EcoDynamics,” to develop innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies. The most efficient Kia vehicles with significant fuel consumption and emission reductions developed under the EcoDynamics sub-brand will be identified with the EcoDynamics badge. Recently, the EcoDynamics sub-brand took a major step forward with the introduction of the Kia Borrego Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) followed by the Forte LPI Hybrid, the gasoline Kia cee’d Hybrid and the twin-turbo diesel Kia Sorento Hybrid.

As the world looks for more efficient vehicle designs that combine sophisticated and sleek lines with functionality and fuel economy, the Kia Ray concept is a bold new collaboration between design and engineering and inventively showcases a futuristic four-seat compact sedan based on the Kia Forte platform and demonstrates a prospective plug-in hybrid vehicle configuration from Kia. Designed with lightweight and recycled materials, as well as hexagonal roof-top solar cells embedded in the glass roof panel that power extra lighting or climate control systems, the Kia Ray is the fifth vehicle from the Irvine Calif.-based Kia Design Center America (KDCA) to be revealed in the last year. The latest design from KDCA follows award-winning Kia vehicles Soul, Forte, Forte Koup and the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV.

“It is important to imagine what people will want in the future from a green perspective early in the design process, because people want to reduce their carbon footprint without driving carbon copies,” said Peter Schreyer, chief design officer, Kia Motors Corporation. “Being green doesn’t have to be an obvious statement anymore and the Kia Ray exemplifies a viable blend of modern, eco-minded features for today’s environmentally conscious consumers.”

The stylish, aerodynamic Ray combines design and engineering for maximum efficiency, incorporating clean, flush surfaces minimizing any unneeded edges, a flowing profile and pronounced rear shoulder ending in a slightly high deck lid for reduced drag, touch-screen controls, drive-by-wire steering, “cool-glazing” solar glass and a lithium-polymer battery — all possible indicators of future technology from Kia. As a plug-in hybrid, Ray is designed to reach driving distances of more than 50 miles using its electric motor on a single charge, and has a fuel economy rating of more than 202 miles per gallon, and has a total range of 746 miles.

As part of Kia Motors’ EcoDynamics sub-brand, the Ray concept demonstrates a unique vision for eye-catching vehicles with the goal of reducing environmental footprints. Kia models will carry the EcoDynamics badge as they are progressively introduced, and are designed to deliver significant environmental benefits, these vehicles also will retain a sporty design, fun-to-drive performance and a strong appeal for the young-at-heart.

Striking Aircraft-Inspired Exterior Design

EcoDynamics is the overarching design philosophy applied to make the Kia Ray concept efficiently functional and striking in appearance. A lowered mono-volume shape and a strong, curvaceous silhouette gives the Kia Ray concept better aerodynamic properties than taller profile hybrid vehicles. Strong and lightweight materials are used to support the EcoDynamics philosophy starting with a tabbed LED Kia badge covered with a single piece of glass that extends over the hood and another piece of glass that extends from the cowl of the windshield to the rear header to offer occupants a spacious, airy feeling. An illuminated battery charge indicator display is hood-mounted, furthering the Kia Ray concept’s futuristic design. A tapering greenhouse cabin and a longer “tail” improve aerodynamics while reduction of drag is attained through a one-piece, smooth-as-glass, integrated underbody panel, narrow tire width and flush wheel design. Front driving lamps slide back to create openings for better air intake when the gasoline engine is being used and a sliding U-shaped deck-lid extends from the rear of the vehicle at higher speeds for improved coefficient of drag. In lieu of side-view mirrors and door handles, motion-detector cameras are mounted flush with the body for safe lane changing procedures and opening of doors. The result is an airframe on wheels. The front door opening features a forward cutout design for the feet allowing ease of entry. The rear door lines are very purposeful with rear-hinged coach doors, yet stylish because their height and shape improves ingress and egress.

The Ray employs new “cool car” technology, including nano-laminate films and cool-glazing materials applied to the concept to dramatically reduce solar heat and demonstrate how keeping the interior cool will reduce air conditioning loads and greenhouse emissions. When the vehicle is parked in the sun, the solar cells provide a trickle charge that helps operate a cooling fan to reduce interior temperatures.

Light and Airy Interior

Using the natural element of air as the design focus to convey feelings of pure, lightweight, breathable and refreshing, Ray’s interior is comprised of eco-friendly recycled materials in cool white tones to offer the passengers a sense of purity while also reflecting the heat of the sun, keeping the temperature down and reducing the use of air conditioner energy. Front and rear seats, mounted on side sills, create a floating effect with hollowed out elastomeric materials to support body weight, also made of lightweight composite materials.

Fresh and sustainable materials like wool flooring unite to create a simple yet sophisticated and comfortable cabin, with a lightweight touch screen instrument layout featuring touch screen push-button start and gear shift toggle. The center stack features the all-new Kia UVO powered by Microsoft® advanced infotainment system, which provides users with friendly voice- and touch-activated controls for simple management of music files and hands-free mobile phone operation.

Adding to the list of green technology features, Ray also employs the all-new GreenEdge(TM) system by Infinity® Audio, complete with loudspeakers that reduce power consumption and dissipation through lower self heating temperatures with increased acoustic performance, a better synergy between amplifier, speaker and vehicle. The amplifier used also reduces the idle power consumption by 50 percent of current Infinity speakers and employs a lower dissipation design for significant savings in overall weight.

With a focus to reduce overall weight through materials and design, the hexagon/honeycomb shape can be found throughout the cabin, used as a repeated design element while tying the interior theme together. Used also in the door inserts and seats, this lightweight and breathable mesh serves to reduce overall curb weight as well as being a unique design element. Other materials found in the cabin are soft to the touch with a matte finish, including white leather, offering a more luxurious feel while making the interior more inviting and tranquil. The 100-percent earthy mocha wool felt floors add a touch of warmth and also are environmentally friendly by coming from a renewable resource. Adding further to Ray’s green characteristics, the floor mats are incorporated into the design of the floor, greatly reducing the amount of material used.

Hybrid Architecture

The Ray Concept is designed to be powered by an all-aluminum 153-horsepower Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) 1.4-liter engine mated to a permanently-engaged fixed ratio Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), used in combination with a 78kw electric motor. Depending on driving conditions, power is sent to the wheels from the gasoline engine, the electric motor, or both together. The Ray concept is front-wheel drive with a four-wheel independent suspension.

Furthering EcoDynamics innovation, the Ray concept’s advanced system is equipped with an engine-power saving alternator management system and a toggle gear-shift up/down indicator to encourage economical driving. Custom-designed low-rolling resistance with a hexagon pattern, narrow 20-inch (195/50R20) tires also improve Ray’s efficiency.

Source: Kia Motors America