Car Terminology 101: What does the "V" in "V6" stand for?

Have you ever heard someone talking about a V6 or V8 engine and wondered what the "V" stood for? Well, turns out it actually doesn't stand for anything! The V refers to the geometric arrangement of the cylinders and pistons. When viewed from the front of the engine the cylinders will form a V.

If you ever hear someone say "V4", they don't know what they're talking about, because it doesn't exist. If an engine has four cylinders, they are arranged in a straight line. The specifications will usually say I4, which is short for inline 4.  However, there are also inline 6 and 8 cylinder engines.

3 Gas Money-Saving Tips!

1. Fill up your tank all the way! The more you don't, the more times you will have to make a trip to the pump. It costs gas as well as time.     

2.  Don't top off. You waste money while hurting the environment! 

3. Don't let your tank drop below a quarter. Running it on less can shorten the life of the electric fuel pump and eventually destroy it.

5 Easy Steps on How To Beat Your Friends in Go-Kart Races

1. Have good posture. This leads to better turning control.
2. Learn how to make an efficient turn (see above picture).
3. Do most of your breaking before you start turning. The less time you're on the break during the turn, the faster you will go and the wheels won't lock.
4. Pass people by being faster at turns and cruising by them at the apex.
5.  Go full-throttle on the straightaways.

Then enjoy a victory dance after you win.

Faith in Humanity Restored

Have a great weekend and go pay it forward!

Stunning, Red Kia!

Wallpaper Wednesday! Slap this awesome Kia on your desktop.

Exclusive online coupon from Kia of Lansing!

Last week for our monthly special: 10% off service! Get the coupon here.

The car app you MUST have!

If you don't have it already, download GasBuddy! You'll thank us later when you're somewhere new and your tank hits empty and you need to find the closest gas station ASAP.

How long does the average person spend in a lifetime waiting at red lights?

 

Answer: Approximately 6 months!

New monthly special: 10% off service!

 

Get the coupon here: http://on.fb.me/10xPcrf

Clean your car, save more money!

 

Is the trunk of your car always full? Well, that could be affecting your vehicle's fuel efficiency!

The more your car or truck weighs, the harder it has to work to keep you moving down the road and consequently burns more fuel. We all know gas is expensive, so clean your car and save more money!

Clever Car Tip!

 

Park facing East to defrost your windshield!

Car Game: Name That Artist!

For you music lovers out there, a fun car game to play is Name That Artist! Throw on the radio or your iPod -- for every song, whoever names the artist first gets a point! You can set the rest of the rules. For example, the game can end when you get to your destination or for the full trip when you return home. You can also determine whether artists who are part of multiple bands can count as one in the same, or if you need to have the specific band correct (e.g. Eric Clapton vs. Derek and the Dominoes, Cream, The Yardbirds).

How cute is this? Do something nice for someone and have a great weekend!

Play computer games and win prizes? That sounds great! #Kia

‎Wallpaper‬ Wednesday! Here's a cool ‪Kia‬ Opirus for your desktop.

Kia global sales up 2.6% halfway through 2013!

Kia Motors Corporation announced today its global sales figures (export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants) for passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles through June 2013, recording a total of 1,383,759 units sold. This figure represents a 2.6% year-on-year increase for the first six months of 2013.

China experienced the highest cumulative gain to date in 2013 of 23.1% (291,125 units sold), followed by Europe with 3.7% (296,543 units sold). Korea, North America and general markets* experienced cumulative decreases of 5.3% (226,404 units sold); 4.3% (313,976 units sold) and 1.3% (255,711 units sold), correspondingly.

“Halfway through the year Kia is still posting positive sales results, and we are particularly pleased with the strong sales momentum in China, which further demonstrates the market as a rising star for the Kia brand,” said Thomas Oh, Executive Vice President and COO of Kia Motors International Business Division.

For the month of June, Kia’s bestselling model in overseas markets was the B-segment Rio (known as ‘K2′ in China) with 43,586 units sold. The Sportage compact CUV was the second best seller with 33,388 units delivered, while the C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Forte’ or ‘K3′ in some markets), Optima D-segment sedan and Sorento mid-size CUV followed with 32,696, 23,197 and 18,090 units sold, respectively.

Courtesy of AutomotiveWorld.com.

"Not only are the prices for both departments very competitive, but how I get treated whenever I go into the dealership proves that they go above and beyond the call of duty in regards to customer service." -- Matt W.

Read the story on our Google+ Local page! http://bit.ly/17esCYY

4th of July Strawberries!

How are you celebrating the 4th of July tomorrow? Here's a cute snack you can make: dip strawberries in white chocolate, and then again in blue sprinkles!

Kia Motors America Extends Partnership with DonorsChoose.org to Benefit Public School Students Nationwide in 2013

After providing educational resources to nearly 500,000 public school students across America last year, Kia Motors America (KMA) today announces a significant extension of its philanthropic partnership with DonorsChoose.org, the online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need.

As part of the continuing relationship, Kia is launching a major funding campaign in 2013 that will raise the company’s total impact to $5 million in just two years. To date, Kia has matched the support of 21,000 citizen philanthropists to collectively deliver more than $2.1 million in resources to classrooms nationwide. “Kia Motors America (KMA) has grown to become the eighth largest brand in the U.S. by volume, and as we grow, our culture and core values compel us to give back to the communities that we call home and contribute to a better future for all,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. “The overwhelming response to last year’s collaboration with DonorsChoose.org was truly inspiring, and we are determined to help even more children – and teachers – in need in 2013.”

“Kia’s support has helped bring books, chess sets, butterfly gardens, guitars, basketballs, microscopes, and many more resources to America’s high-need classrooms,” said Charles Best, founder and CEO of DonorsChoose.org. “DonorsChoose.org is grateful for Kia’s renewed commitment to helping thousands of students access the materials they need and the quality education they deserve.” -more- The announcement coincides with the unveiling of a new racing livery for the No. 36 Kia Racing Optima featuring DonorsChoose.org at a VIP “Stars and Cars” promotional event in New York City.

Kia will match consumer donations to classroom projects at public schools near Kia’s network of more than 765 retail showrooms across the country as well as the company’s U.S. headquarters in Irvine, Calif., and assembly plant in West Point, Ga. Earlier this year, Kia highlighted the valuable work of DonorsChoose.org in a marketing integration with NBC’s hit show “The Voice” and made a substantial contribution to the charity’s efforts to rebuild 60 Oklahoma classrooms destroyed by tornadoes. Kia: One of the World’s Fastest Moving Global Automotive Brands Kia Motors America is one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales in each of the past four years, and in 2012 the company surpassed the 500,000 unit mark for the first time. With a full line of fun-to-drive cars and CUVs, Kia is advancing value to new levels of sophistication by combining European-influenced styling – under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer – with cutting-edge technologies, premium amenities, affordable pricing and the lowest cost of ownership in the industry.

Kia recently joined the exclusive ranks of Interbrand’s “Top 100 Best Global Brands,” and is poised to continue its momentum with seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles scheduled to arrive in showrooms in 2013. Over the past decade Kia Motors has invested more than $1.4 billion in the U.S., including the company’s first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – which is responsible for the creation of more than 11,000 plant and supplier jobs. The success of the U.S.-built Optima and Sorento in two of the industry’s largest segments has fueled Kia’s rapid growth and is complemented by Kia’s comprehensive lineup which includes the Cadenza flagship sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima Hybrid, the Forte sedan, 5-door and Koup compacts, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the Sedona minivan.

Courtesy of The Auto Channel.

""The sales process was smooth and I got a great deal on an new Kia Sorento." -- Mark K.

 

See the 5-star review on our Cars.com page! http://bit.ly/Z3fa82

"How I get treated whenever I go into the dealership proves that they go above and beyond the call of duty in regards to customer service." -- Matt W.

 

See his full review on our Google+ Local page! http://bit.ly/17esCYY

Summer is upon us -- are you keeping cool? Check out our service deals, including our A/C special! http://bit.ly/17yjvTe

Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com lists 2013 Kia Soul one of the coolest new cars under $18,000!

IRVINE, Calif.– 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.”

Courtesy of: Kia Media

When was the last time you brought in your car for maintenance? Bring it in this month and get 10% off service!

Get the coupon here: http://on.fb.me/10xPcrf

Is Kia working on a sporty convertible?

It's been a number of years since we last heard rumors about a drop-top Kia, but as the South Korean automaker continues to grow into new segments, why not stir things up again? Fan site Kia-world.net got its hands on what is claimed to be an exclusive drawing (click to enlarge) of the Kia Pro_cee'd GT Cabrio.

This rendering looks exactly like what we'd picture a topless version of the three-door hatchback to look like, but until there's any official information, we'll keep this filed under "we'll believe it when we see it." The idea of a Kia convertible sounds good to us, especially if it looks like this, but we're still waiting for the sporty model that lead designer Peter Schreyer said could happen "sooner or later" back in 2010.

Courtesy of Autoblog.

Monday Punday! Has this ever happened to you?

Time for some Throwback Thursday! Check out this funny Kia Sportage commercial -- "Grow up, not old".

Who loves the color of this Kia? Set is as your desktop wallpaper!

Kia Motors Punks, Rattles And Rolls As Official Vehicle Of Vans Warped Tour For Sixth Straight Year

For the sixth year in a row, Kia Motors America (KMA) is touring the country as the "Official Vehicle of the Vans Warped Tour" alongside some of today's most entertaining rock and indie bands. Concertgoers in 39 U.S. cities will be able to enjoy live music performances and visit the Kia Soul Lounge to participate in a variety of interactive experiences in the spirit of this year's Kia theme, "Rock and Roll. Punk and Soul." Kia will be the official sponsor of the tour's two main stages -- the Kia Soul Stage and Kia Forte Stage -- for the second year in a row, and an exclusive Kia VIP riser will allow select concertgoers to stand above the crowd and enjoy their favorite bands from an elevated, shaded platform.

"Music, pop culture and having fun drive today's youth culture, and the 2013 Vans Warped Tour couldn't be a better embodiment of those core, coming-of-age lifestyle elements," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "Our partnership with the tour allows us to showcase the all-new Kia Soul and Forte, which have always relied on youthful spirit as a cornerstone of their appeal. We're excited to continue connecting with the young and passionate fans around the country through yet another summer of great music and fun."

This year, concertgoers will be able to enjoy hours of live music, including exclusive acoustic sets with tour headliners "We Came As Romans" and "Sleeping With Sirens" in select concert locations. Fans also can visit the Kia Soul Lounge, an interactive tent featuring a DJ, daily band autograph sessions, "Show Your Punk" body painting and hair styling stations, and a "Rock and Roll" photo booth where concertgoers can scream and rock out to their heart's desire. An interactive app will register participants via Twitter and Facebook, and each photo will be made into an animated image that can be shared via the participant's Twitter and Facebook accounts.

"It is only with the continued support of people like Kia that the Vans Warped Tour is able to offer such a value to the fans," said Kevin Lyman, founder and producer, Vans Warped Tour. "Warped is the lowest-priced ticket in town for the amount of show it brings the audience."

Visitors to the lounge also can view and learn more about the all-new 2014 Soul, which boasts more passenger and cargo room than ever before along with a new, more aggressive appearance. Also on display will be the all-new 2014 Forte 5-door, which offers more room, fun-to-drive performance and cutting-edge technology.

Festival participants will be encouraged to "Share their Soul" through an interactive photo sharing game in which concert attendees are tasked with capturing their favorite moments of The Vans Warped Tour in real time based on the tagline "Rock and Roll. Punk and Soul." Concertgoers are turned into roving reporters, snapping pictures of people rocking out, pretending to drive Kia vehicles and anything else they feel captures the Vans Warped Tour experience. Concertgoers also have the unique opportunity to receive Kia VIP passes, which allow them access to an exclusive private riser near the main stage, or in some cases, on the two main stages themselves, where they can enjoy spectacular views of the day's biggest performances.

The Vans Warped Tour kicks off on June 15 in Seattle, and will feature more than 125 rock, hip-hop, rap, metal, indie rock and electronic artists, including current chart-toppers and the hottest up-and-comers.

Select tour dates and destinations of the tour include:

• 6/15 -- Seattle
• 6/16 -- Portland
• 6/19 -- San Diego
• 6/20 & 6/21 -- Pomona, CA
• 6/27 -- Phoenix
• 6/28 -- Los Vegas
• 7/10 -- Washington DC
• 7/11 -- Boston
• 7/13 -- New York
• 7/19 -- Detroit
• 7/20 -- Chicago
• 7/28 -- Orlando
• 8/2 -- Dallas 

Courtesy of The Auto Channel.

Car safety tip: Never engage an aggressive driver.

Car safety tip: Never engage an aggressive driver. Avoid eye contact and ignore gestures. You never know what could happen on the road!

Come in this month and get 10% off service! Schedule an appointment today!

Come in this month and get 10% off service! Schedule an appointment today!

Get the coupon here: http://on.fb.me/10xPcrf

Who went to their high school reunion?

Who has had a few dents in their car?

Who thinks the Blake Griffin Kia commercials are funny?

2 for 1 oil changes! Bring in both vehicles on the same day and get one FREE! Hurry though, because this offer ends on Friday!

2 for 1 oil changes! Bring in both vehicles on the same day and get one FREE! Hurry though, because this offer ends on Friday!

Get the coupon here: http://on.fb.me/10xPcrf

A great car just got better this Memorial Day… check it out!

"If you are tired of the same old poor car dealer experiences, I highly recommend you buy from Kia of Lansing."

"If you are tired of the same old poor car dealer experiences, I highly recommend you buy from Kia of Lansing." -- Customer

Find out why on our DealerRater page! http://bit.ly/YU44Q8

Monthly special: 2 for 1 Oil Change! Bring in both vehicles on the same day and get one FREE!

Monthly special: 2 for 1 Oil Change! Bring in both vehicles on the same day and get one FREE!

Get the coupon here: http://on.fb.me/10xPcrf