This Striking Kia Forte EX Sedan Gets Extra Tuning Love From the Owner | Kia of Abilene Abilene TX

For the lasts in our series of interviews with Kia owners, we head to West Orange, NJ to chat with Chris Quiros, a full-time student at Rutgers.

When Chris isn’t hitting the books, he loves to play sports and find time to tinker with his Kia Forte.

This is the first car that he has ever owned, and he has been a happy Kia customer since 2011.

What he particularly enjoys about the ownership experience is how deeply it has pulled him into the car world.

He immediately fell in love with the unique design of the Forte, and how there were few other cars like it in his area.

It also helps that the Forte seems to be a vehicle that seems more the willing to be modified, which is a hobby Chris has grabbed with both hands.

Chris has received a lot of attention thanks to his choice of ride. He is constantly being asked what type of car it is, with many surprised that such a cool looking vehicle is a Kia.

His favorite story, though, is evading a ticker after being pulled over. The trooper got into a conversation about the card and the modifications that Chris had made, and was so impressed that he allowed Chris to go without getting that ticket.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of all for Chris is that he has actually become so deeply passionate about modding the car.

He loved the car just the way it was, but soon found himself making little changes here and there to personalize it a little more.

He has tinkered with the wheels, spoiler, and color to begin with. If you want to know what else he has done, take some time to read the full interview.

Kia Forte Specs

• Engine: 2.0L Theta II
• Color: Snow White Pearl
• Trim: EX
• Model Year: 2012
• Tire Size: 225/45/17
• Average MPG: 26mpg
• Miles driven so far: 53000 miles

   

Kia Owner Interview

1. Share your thoughts on your Kia car ownership experience!

I’ve enjoyed owning a Kia. It was a great experience and it really got me deeply into the car world

. It’s a very unique car that I don’t think i would’ve have done all this to if it was a Civic or any other typical car I see in the streets. I barely see any Fortes on the street which is why I did a lot for this unique and amazing car.

2. What do other people say about your car?

I’ve gotten so many compliments from people. Many had no clue what it was and after telling them, they were very surprised.

Especially when being pulled over by a trooper. He was surprised and speechless after I told him what car this was. He didn’t believe me, which also led me to evading a ticket haha.

3. How long have you owned your ride?

I’ve owned my Forte since about August of 2011 – little over 3 years now.

4. Honestly, what was your intention when you bought your Kia?

My honest intention when i bought this was really in no way of changing it the way I did. I thought I’d be driving it like any other car.

No mods or appearance changes but something about this car after owning it, made me do the things i did to it.

   

5. What do you like the most about your ride?

The thing i like most about my ride is it’s beautiful look, form and style the car was made. It really helped when changing the appearance of it especially the wheels, the color, spoiler, etc.

6. What is it that makes your ride look unique?

I think the color theme, the wheels, and the headlights are what make this car really unique and stand out.

7. What accessories have you installed so far / do you have any future plans?

The things I’ve done so far are OBX headers, Short Ram Intake, Custom made headlights, LED tail lights, XXR 527 Chromium Black Wheels, Window Tints, CF vinyl Hood and Roof, new horns, conversion of the koup bumper onto the sedan, kenwood aftermarket radio, lightweight pulley, footwell lights, Viper full security and alarm, lowered on ARK springs, and magna-flow cat-back exhaust.

My future plan is to purchase a turbo kit for her in the next few years.

Thanks for participating in the Kia owners interview! Enjoy your Kia ride!

- See more at: http://www.kia-world.net/forte-ex-sedan-tuning/#sthash.50sUE1nl.dpuf

Kia's Working On a Small Crossover Hybrid Vehicle | Kia of Abilene Abilene TX

There is an all-new sub-compact crossover vehicle coming from Kia sometime in 2016, and some members of the media were invited to the Kia design center in Namyang to get a look at a full-scale model! The new vehicle is as yet unnamed, but it will be a hybrid model (a plug-in version will come a little later) that will be set to steal away some of the sales currently enjoyed by the Toyota Prius. No-one in attendance were allowed to take any pictures at the event, but word has it that the new car carries some elements seen in the Kia Niro concept crossover, albeit with a style that is a little more subdued. The profile is reminiscent of an SUV, although its low ride height gives it a crossover personality. Plastic cladding appears around the wheel arches and bumpers, with the finished car set to appeal to a global audience. A new design theme will be featured in the interior, which consumers will get to see when it appears in the new Kia Optima redesign in 2015. The 4,350mm long crossover vehicle is a litter longer than the current Kia Soul, but shorter than the Sportage SUV. Head of overseas marketing for Kia, Spencer Cho, says that the size was chosen to meet the needs of the consumer. He says that Kia listened to the complaints made by Prius owners, using that feedback to correct elements that hybrid owners felt weren’t quite right with their Prius. Hybrid-Electric Powertrain Powertrain details for the new car were not made available, but Cho did reveal that the platform will feature a combines 1.6L GDI petrol engine and an electric motor that will help improve fuel economy. Cho said that the current Prius gets 57mpg US, and that the next model should hit 60mpg US. He noted that Kia is shooting for over 50 mpg US for their model. Stay tuned as we bring more news and information on the upcoming Kia crossover vehicle! 

Originall posted -http://www.kia-world.net/kia-small-crossover-hybrid-vehicle/#sthash.s7P79Tf5.dpuf

DIVERSITY Different minds. Exceptional thinking. | Kia of Abilene

Kia is a team of talented, dedicated, and diverse individuals who work together to bring out the best in each other. We recognize that the company’s most valuable asset is, in fact, its people. And not just us, but also our dealers, the communities we live in, our suppliers, and especially our customers. Our steadfast belief in diversity stems from the recognition that every culture helps enrich our company. We sell vehicles around the entire world, and Kia is focused on satisfying every customer and embracing all of the different communities that we live in. That’s why we work so hard to foster an inclusive environment—it enables us to capitalize on the strength we derive from our diversity.

Source:  http://www.kia.com/us/en/content/why-kia/community/diversity

2014 KIA SORENTO NAMED TO “TOP 10 CARS OF THE YEAR” LIST BY HISPANIC MOTOR PRESS AWARDS

• Kia BUZZ Editorial Team

Kia Motors is on a roll, winning another award at the Los Angeles Auto Show. In addition to the K900 (Qurois), the Kia Sorento also caught the attention of many people, especially among the Hispanic community.

Kia Motors 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.

“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 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.

The Hispanic Motor Press Awards, which began in 2010, 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

Sorento Continues to Drive Quality

• Kia BUZZ Editorial Team

For the second year in a row, Kia Sorento was spotlighted for the Best SUV over $40,000 in the 2013 Car of the Year awards presented by Drive, Australia’s leading automotive magazine.

The Sorento SLi diesel triumphed over its competitors and received praise from the judges, comprised of experienced individuals in the automotive industry. The family-friendly SUV was applauded for its slick six-speed autotransmission, composed road manners, comfortable ride and stylish looks, inside and out. It also won points for its five-year warranty and five-year (15,000km intervals) capped price servicing plan.

Kia is dedicated to offering customers in Australia a premium in driving experience, safety and value. According to Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer, Tony Barlow, “The validation of these efforts comes in the growing brand acceptance and value and the recognition of media experts like the Drive team.”

“Winning awards and the recognition it brings for the brand is very satisfying, but the ultimate reward is the knowledge that all our efforts on the Kia journey are bearing fruit,” added Mr. Barlow.

In a country as vast in area as Australia, the upgraded Sorento provides the ultimate driving experience, combining loads of space and stacks of creature comforts.

Read more about one fan who went on a transcontinental road adventure in his Kia Sorento. If you have gone on an interesting road trip in your Sorento and would like to share, please feel free to do so in the comments section and we will contact you.

Learn more about the Sorento:

-      2014 KIA SORENTO NAMED TO “TOP 10 CARS OF THE YEAR” LIST BY HISPANIC MOTOR PRESS AWARDS

-      Kia Carens and Sorento Earn Top Government Safety Ratings

-      Completely New Platform for Upgraded Sorento

-      Big Improvements and Upgrades for the Kia Sorento

BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP NAMES KIA MOTORS AMERICA TO LIST OF MOST RECOMMENDED BRANDS

Kia Motors Tops the Automotive Segment and Outpaces the Industry Average

• Kia heads the list with 63 percent of respondents serving as brand advocates
• Positive recommendations are predictor of top-line growth for the brand

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 5, 2013 – Kia Motors America (KMA) was named one of 2013's Most Recommended Brands by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), validating the automaker’s ability to attract positive word-of-mouth recommendation. BCG unveiled its list of most recommended brands in five diverse product categories across five countries in its December report.

“At Kia, we understand the value of brand advocacy, enabling customer retention and acquisition through a combination of great product, positive ownership experience and brand reputation,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “Just like measured media or experiential marketing, word-of-mouth recommendation is a powerful marketing communications channel, and it is one of the best ways for our world-class products to reach new consumers as awareness for the Kia brand continues to grow.”  

BCG surveyed 32,000 people to compile its list of 55 brands spread across five industries and five countries. Each organization achieved its position by placing among the top three brands in its respective product category and country, as measured by BCG's new strategic metric, which measures word-of-mouth recommendations known as the Brand Advocacy Index (BAI). This index demonstrates a strong correlation with top-line growth and helps identify concrete actions to improve advocacy.

“Consumers are positively endorsing the most recommended brands to their friends, family, and coworkers – often spontaneously and even when they are not even customers of the brand,” said Pedro Esquivias, a BCG partner and coauthor of the report. “As a result, these brands see strong financial gains that demonstrate the power of advocacy to drive top-line growth.” 

Kia:  One of the World’s Fastest Moving Global Automotive BrandsKia 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 one of the lowest costs of ownership in the industry.  Kia recently moved up in the exclusive ranking of Interbrand’s “Top 100 Best Global Brands” after joining the list for the first time last year, and the company 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 14,000 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, Forte5, and Forte Koup compacts, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors AmericaKia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 765 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA. In 2012, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and gained U.S. market share for the 18th consecutive year. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at http://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

About The Boston Consulting GroupThe Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is a global management consulting firm and the world’s leading advisor on business strategy. We partner with clients from the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors in all regions to identify their highest-value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and transform their enterprises. Our customized approach combines deep insight into the dynamics of companies and markets with close collaboration at all levels of the client organization. This ensures that our clients achieve sustainable competitive advantage, build more capable organizations, and secure lasting results. Founded in 1963, BCG is a private company with 78 offices in 43 countries. For more information, please visit bcg.com.

About bcgperspectives.comBcgperspectives.com features the latest thinking from BCG experts as well as from CEOs, academics, and other leaders. It covers issues at the top of senior management’s agenda. It also provides unprecedented access to BCG’s extensive archive of thought leadership stretching back almost 50 years to the days of Bruce Henderson, the firm’s founder and one of the architects of modern management consulting. All of our content—including videos, podcasts, commentaries, and reports—can be accessed via PC, mobile, iPad, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

Press Release Information Accuracy Disclaimer

Information posted in press releases on the Kia Media website was accurate at the time of posting but may be superseded by subsequent releases or other information.

Kia of Abilene - About Us

About Our Kia Dealership in Abilene, TX

Kia of Abilene in Abilene, TX, also serving San Angelo, TX and BROWNWOOD, TX is proud to be an automotive leader in our area. Since opening our doors, Kia of Abilene has kept a firm commitment to our customers. We offer a wide selection of vehicles and hope to make the car buying process as quick and hassle free as possible.

If you would like financing options and you are in the market to purchase a new Kia or used car or truck, we will provide assistance to help you find financing options that fit your needs! Whether you have bad credit, no credit, or are a first time car buyer, you can trust that Kia of Abilene will get you into the car or truck you choose with professionalism and attention to your needs.

Kia of Abilene has an experienced and reliable Service and Parts departments that are open extra hours to help fit our customers' hectic schedules, and as always, Kia of Abilene offers competitive pricing for your automotive maintenance needs. Customer satisfaction is our highest priority, and our staff is committed to achieving this goal in every aspect of our business. Please feel free to reach us at (800) 741-5874 if you have any questions or comments.

Kia of Abilene offers a full selection of service areas including:

• New Vehicle Sales
• Pre-Owned Vehicle Sales
• Car Loans and Financing
• Certified Service Department
• Full Selection of Kia Parts and Accessories

- See more at: http://www.kiaofabilene.com/section/car-dealer/about-us/Abilene-TX-Kia-Dealer#sthash.RRsYEyi9.dpuf

Our hope is you will use this blog as a resource for shopping for a vehicle as well as new car reviews, auto industry news, and much moreOur hope is you will use this blog as a resource for shopping for a vehicle as well as new car reviews, auto industry news, and much more