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

SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIRONMENT Kia thinks green. And acts it, too. | KIA Of Abilene

Sustainability plays an integral role in our vision for a better future. That’s why we’ve partnered with The Ecology Center in Orange County, CA—a regional hub for practical eco education. They provide the community fun, hands-on activities that highlight empowering and cutting-edge environmental perspectives. These are eco solutions that can be applied at a community level. Each household can make a difference toward a sustainable future.

Kia has also partnered with the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, CA—a non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of marine mammals stranded along the California coastline. Increasing public awareness of the marine environment through education and research is another main initiative. From our employees volunteering at the facility, to sponsorship of seals, to participating in exclusive release ceremonies, Kia has a special place in its heart for these beloved animals.

In addition to our partnerships, we have significant internal sustainability efforts. We push everything from green manufacturing practices to delivering high fuel efficiency across our entire vehicle lineup. Kia is dedicated to being a leader in the area of environmental consciousness. In fact, we can be found on Interbrand’s list of the 50 Best Global Green Brands for 2013. We want to help create a healthy world with clean resources for present and future generations.


Source: http://www.kia.com/us/en/content/why-kia/community/sustainability-and-environment

Kia Soul EV and the GT4 Stinger concept car made their first road trips to Europe

Hello from Geneva!

March 4th, 2014 Posted in Design & Technology,Motor Shows & Awards,Soul 

Just when you thought you had seen all there is to see, Kia shows up again—this time in Europe. We stopped by in Geneva, Switzerland, for the 84^th Salon International de I’Automobile, also known as the Geneva Motor Show.

The Best of the Best

First and foremost, the new Kia Soul EV and the GT4 Stinger concept car made their first road trips to Europe.

The new Kia Soul EV, which will be Kia’s first globally-sold electric vehicle when it goes on sale later this year, attracted many auto fans in Switzerland.

The GT4 Stinger concept car, which wowed the auto industry at its Detroit debut at the North American International Auto Show, finally made its way across the pond for those in Europe to admire.

 

The upgraded Kia Optima Hybrid and enhanced Kia Sportage will also be making their European debuts, full of new features such as new touchscreen interface (specific to the hybrid system) and a new (optional) high tech pack of driver assist systems.

 

More Firsts

In addition to the Soul EV’s European debut, Kia is also showcasing a new hybrid powertrain technology. This new technology was developed by the brand’s European R&D center, and will be plugged into future Kia models all around the world. The new hybrid powertrain can drive a car in electric-only mode at low speeds and while cruising, while the battery is recharged under deceleration. When the car is stationary, the technology also acts as a zero-emissions stop-start system, performing with almost no noise or vibration as it is features a belt-starting system.

 

Kia also revealed details of its all-new seven speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The first seven-speed transmission from the Korean manufacturer has been engineered to deliver both greater fuel efficiency and improved performance.

 

Back to the Basics

Exactly 70 years ago, Kia manufactured its first bicycle parts in Korea—who would’ve thought? Though we’ve come a long way since, we decided it was time to go back to the basics, but with a twist. Kia unveiled two prototypes (City model for urban use, and MTB for tougher terrain) of the Kia Electric Bicycle (KEB) concept to select media in Geneva. The KEB, designed and engineered by Kia’s Namyang R&D Center in Korea, has an innovative metal frame, propelled by a 250 Watt electric motor and weighing in around 20 kg. The KEB is designed for commuters, promising up to 40 km on a single charge, with a four-hour recharge time.

 

We are so excited to show everyone in Europe once again what Kia’s all about. Stay tuned for more news straight from Geneva!

                   

The best from behind-the-scenes in Geneva

March 17th, 2014 

• Kia BUZZ Editorial Team

It was a whirlwind couple of weeks with Kia in Geneva, where we got to finally greet our European fans with the Soul EV, the GT4 Stinger concept car, and showcase the latest Kia technologies during the Geneva Motor Show.

While the Soul EV was in the spotlight, plenty of other Kia cars and Kia’s latest technologies, like the all-new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and our new hybrid powertrain technology on display, also received a fair amount of attention.

In case you missed out on the action, catch all the highlights from the Geneva Motor Show below!