New Kia Grand Carnival’s design overhaul

The current Kia Grand Carnival remains as one of the last key Kia models to get a design update, leaving the Korean company with enormous expectations to deliver yet another elegant design.

Since former Audi designer Peter Schreyer was appointed chief design officer in 2006, the company has transformed its image from a budget Korean manufacturer to a world-class marque with trend setting designs. With cars like the Optima, Cerato, Sportage and Sorento gaining huge worldwide momentum over the past few years, the time is approaching for a Grand Carnival replacement.

The problem remains, how do you make a people mover look good? CarAdvice spoke with Peter Schreyer in Geneva last week about the future of the Grand Carnival and whether or not SUVs have replaced people movers (MPVs) for the masses.

“I think there is a shift that way, definitely [but] I think there is still a demand for cars like [Grand Carnival]” he said.

Schreyer was quick to point out that the next-generation Kia Grand Carnival will not be a people mover that is bought just out of necessity. “I want to get away from that atmosphere that you only buy MPVs if you have to. I want to do them in a way that it’s cool to have one. I think that it can be cool.”

The German born designer, who helped design the original Audi TT as well as well as the Volkswagen New Beetle and numerous Audis (previous generation A3, A4 and A6) is confident that the new Grand Carnival will be an attractive vehicle.

He said the Kia KV7 Concept (revealed at last year’s Detroit motor show and pictured here) gives hints as to what the next-generation Grand Carnival will look like.

“KV7 concept was an attractive example for a car like [Grand Carnival]. I think a real production car still needs refinement and KV7 was very compact so we need to see, because a Grand Carnival needs to be considerably longer. That kind of design could still fit that kind of car – the concept showed that you can make an attractive van” Schreyer said.

We suspect the next-generation Kia Grand Carnival will arrive in 2013, given the current model has been on sale since 2006.

 

Courtesy of Caradvice.com

 

The Kia Warranty

One less bump in the road.

Kia Motors America, Inc. (Kia Motors America) has a lot of confidence in the quality and endurance of all its new vehicles. So much confidence, in fact, we offer one of the industry&\#39;sleading warranties. The Kia 10-year/100,000-mile warranty program consists of various components including a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000 mile limited basic warranty, a five-year or 100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty, and a five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan, each of which provides coverage until either the yearly or total mileage figure is reached, whichever occurs first.

Peace of Mind

The extended protection of the Kia 10-year/100,000-mile warranty program gives Kia vehicle owners an added safeguard against unforeseen service and repairs. You'll have many extra miles of worry-free driving down the road.

Shield Against Unexpected Repair Bills

The Kia 10-year/100,000-mile warranty program covers repairs made to precise Kia standards and requirements. You can rest easy knowing your vehicle is in the skilled hands of Kia trained service technicians at your authorized Kia Dealer.
All warranties are limited. For complete details, see a dealer or download complete details of the Kia 10-year/100,000-mile warranty program in PDF format.

Limitations of Coverage

The Kia 10-year/100,000-mile warranty program consists of various limited warranties, including limited basic, limited powertrain, and limited anti-perforation warranties, plus a roadside assistance and trip interruption program. For vehicles in commercial use, the powertrain warranty is limited to five-years or 60,000 miles, which ever comes first. For specific warranty coverage, exceptions, terms, conditions, limitations, and restrictions on transferability, please download complete details of the Kia 10-year/100,000-mile warranty in PDF format.

Toll-Free Assistance

Should you be left to wait on some remote roadway for lack of pocket change? Certainly not. Our toll-free hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is accessible from anywhere in the U.S. The number's simple enough you can remember it even while fuming about the kids locking the keys in the car\: 1-800-333-4KIA.

Emergency Roadside Assistance

A free phone call isn't of much use if it doesn't result in someone coming to your rescue. So, we have set up a network of over 17,000 roadside assistance providers. They'll help you out of the usual little mishaps -- dead batteries, flats (provided you have a spare that isn't flat), out of gas -- free¹.In the event of a warrantable concern that can't be fixed on the spot, we'll see to it you're towed at no cost to the nearest Kia dealer or an Alternate Service Location (ASL), whichever is closer. Needless to say, if you have a warranty-related concern, repairs are on the house.If you have the misfortune to break down after-hours, on a weekend, or a holiday, your vehicle will be towed and stored by a Kia-approved vendor, and taken to the nearest dealer or ASL on the next business morning.

Trip Interruption Policy

Trip interruption expense benefits are provided in the event that a warranty-related disablement occurs more than 150 miles from the customer's home, and the repairs require more than 24 hours to complete. Reasonable reimbursement is included for meals, lodging, or rental car expenses. Trip interruption coverage is limited to $100 per day subject to a three-day maximum limit per incident, and the customer is required to contact the Kia Consumer Assistance Center to explain the circumstances. A representative at the Kia Consumer Assistance Center will determine whether the circumstances meet the criteria for trip interruption benefits and, if so, will advise the customer that they will be reimbursed for trip interruption expenses. The representative will assist the customer in making the necessary arrangements. Insurance deductibles, expenses, and claims paid by the customer's insurance company or other providers are not eligible for reimbursement.

* 24-hour Roadside Assistance service plan provided by Kia Motors America, Inc.

² Certain restrictions apply. See owners warranty manual for complete information.

Kia Motors Declared All-Time Best February Sales

Kia Motors America declared a February increase of 37.3% over the same period last year, with sales of 45,038 units and Year-to-date sales up 32.9%.

Optima midsize sedan and the Soul urban passenger vehicle were the ones which led February sales with 11,558 and 10,876 units sold, respectively. The February sales mark the company’s 18th straight monthly sales record, continuing to be one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S.

“Kia’s record-breaking sales momentum has continued in 2012, and one of our key growth enablers has been the success and efficiency of our first U.S. manufacturing plant, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), which produced its 500,000th vehicle in February, just over two years since opening its doors,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG.

A new top-of-the-line Optima is expected to begin production in a few weeks at KMMG and the Optima Limited will prove Kia’s unique ability to redefine value. Kia’s 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

Courtesy of Kia Media

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Kia Motors America Announces Kia Classic Winner to Receive New Range-topping Optima Limited

IRVINE, Calif., March 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The third annual Kia Classic, from March 19-25, is attracting a strong field of LPGA players who will compete for a $1.7 million purse with the winner taking home a first-place check for $255,000 and one of the first range-topping 2012 Optima Limited midsize sedans to roll off the production line at Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia.

"Kia is one of the fastest growing auto brands in the U.S., and sports marketing initiatives such as our involvement with the LPGA have significantly raised awareness and consideration for the brand and our vehicles," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA.  "We are pleased to offer an enhanced prize package for the winner of this year's Kia Classic.  The Optima Limited is Kia's most refined and premium product offering to date, and we are excited to showcase the vehicle to golf fans at the Kia Classic and reward some of the tour's best players for their outstanding performances."

In addition to the Kia Classic winner, Kia will honor the outstanding achievements of LPGA players this season by presenting the winners of the Kia Performance Award with an Optima Limited. The awards, which will be presented at the CME Group Titleholders event in November, include:

• Kia Power Drive – Awarded to the player with the longest average driving distance
• Kia Drive to the Top – Awarded to the player with the most Top 10 finishes
• Kia Most Compelling Performance – Recognizing a player with exceptional performances throughout the year; this award is chosen by fans through an online vote
• Kia Community Assist – Recognizing a player who makes exceptional contributions to charity organizations or community programs

 

Following strong event-attendance and TV-ratings growth in the tournament's second year, Kia signed on as the "Official Automaker of the LPGA."  Kia also serves as the "Official Tournament Vehicle" of eight LPGA events.

New 2012 Optima Limited
Produced at Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia[1], the new 2012 Optima Limited is motivated by a 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine delivering a class-leading 274 horsepower[2] and achieving 22/34 mpg[3] (city/hwy).  Offered exclusively in Ebony Black, Snow White Pearl and Titanium Metallic exterior colors, the Optima Limited is equipped with sporty red front brake calipers and uniquely designed 18-inch chrome wheels.  Other premium-level features include LED daytime running lights, chrome-accented rear spoiler and lower door sills.  Interior appointments and amenities include rich wood trim, high-grade Nappa leather seats, a panoramic sunroof and an Infinity®[4] audio system. 

Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling.  Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand.  In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality[5] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[6].  Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan[7].  Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

Courtesy of PR Newswire

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