Kia’s fist U.S. built vehicle, a white 2011 Kia Sorento crossover, rolled off the production line today at Kia Motoring Manufacturing Georgia.

“The start of production for our first manufacturing facility in the United States further demonstrates our commitment to growth in North America and we are proud to be adding 2,500 jobs to the local economy” said B.M. Ahn, group president and CEO, Kia Motors America (KMA) and KMMG.

The KMMG plant is expected to produce 300,000 vehicles when it reaches full capacity. It employs some 2,500 jobs, with on-site and nearby suppliers creating 7,500 jobs.

Click through for the press release.

2010 Kia Sorento:

Press Release:

KIA MOTORS’ FIRST U.S. MANUFACTURING PLANT STARTS PRODUCTION IN WEST POINT, GA

$1 Billion Manufacturing Plant To Create 2,500 Jobs

* State-of-the-art facility is capable of producing 300,000 vehicles annually
* All-new 2011 Sorento CUV is first vehicle built at the plant

WEST POINT, Georgia, November 16, 2009 – The first U.S.-built Kia vehicle¹, a white 2011 MY Sorento CUV, rolled off the production line today at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), officially opening the first U.S. Kia Motors² plant. KMMG is expected to produce 300,000 vehicles at full capacity and employ 2,500 people, with on-site and nearby suppliers creating 7,500 additional jobs in the region.

Representing an investment by Kia Motors of $1 billion, KMMG will establish new benchmarks for vehicle quality and productivity by utilizing some of the world’s most advanced manufacturing techniques. 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. Also in general assembly, KMMG is the only plant in North America outfitted with wood flooring, which provides a more comfortable and forgiving work environment for team members.

Built on 2,200 acres, the complex includes a body stamping facility, a transmission shop where the all-new 2011 Sorento’s six-speed automatic transmission is produced, and a two mile test track in addition to the main assembly plant. The plant’s 186-foot-long stamping press delivers 5,400 tons of pressure to stamp steel into 17 different types of vehicle panels for the all-new Sorento, operating at a speed of seven to 15 strokes per minute. The massive stamping equipment spans from almost 20 feet below the floor to 39.4 feet high.

KMMG continues Kia Motors’ aggressive investment in the U.S. market. Since 2002, more than $1.3 billion has been invested in various facilities throughout the country, including a dedicated corporate campus and design center in Irvine, Calif., a state-of-the-art research and development center in Ann Arbor, Mich. and custom-built vehicle proving grounds in Mojave, Calif.

Since coming to market in the United States, Kia Motors, through its US-based marketing and distribution arm, KMA, has expanded to a full product line of vehicles and enjoyed 14 years of consecutive market share increases, including a 50 percent increase through October 2009. Most recently, KMA posted its best sales quarter in company history and is one of only three automakers whose sales are up over their 2008 sales pace.

- By: Stephen Calogera

The Japanese are worried because as Reuters reports, “South Korea last month inked a tentative trade pact with the European Union to add to list of more than 40 free trade agreements (FTAs) with countries ranging from the United States to India. Japan has less than a third as many, almost all of them with the rest of Asia.”

To make matters worse for the Japanese companies, the government seems none-too-concerned about the yen’s rise against the dollar and is promoting a platform based on an increase of domestic demand.  The automakers are worried about the value of the yen and pine for the government to ensure that the auto industry, which drives the national economy, remains competitive.

Ingenious marketing and government measures to encourage the purchases of fuel-efficient vehicles have allowed Hyundai to gain strong market-share. Aside from their increased share, the company has also defied industry-standard profit margins; For the period July-September Hyndai posted a net profit of $847 million.  Honda and Toyota combined for earnings of the same amount for the same period.

Many industry insiders however believe that Hyunda/Kia has just been the beneficiary of fortunate circumstance, and that these numbers will not last as the Japanese have more flexibility in their production and more experience in the business than do the Koreans.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Reuters

At the 2009 SEMA show today, Kia unveiled its new U.S. motorsports program with the launch of a new Kia Forte Koup race car that will enter the 2010 GRAND-AM KONI Sports Car Challenge Series in the Street Tuner (ST) class.

The GRAND-AM KONI Challenge Street Tuner (ST) class uses production-based race cars with a variety of vehicles from the U.S., Europe and Asia, using weight and intake restrictions to maintain a level playing field for all participants.

Kia has teamed up with the Kinetic Group team to build and campaign race cars for the Korean automaker’s first-ever motorsport efforts in the United States.

Andy Lally and Nic Jönsson will drive the Kia Forte Koup race cars in the GRAND-AM KONI Challenge Series in 2010.

Click through for the press release.

Kia Forte Koup Grand-Am Koni Challenge:

Press Release:

KIA MOTORS AMERICA UNVEILS U.S. MOTORSPORTS PROGRAM

* Forte Koup Will Enter GRAND-AM KONI Sports Car Challenge Series Street Tuner (ST) Class
* Kia Motors and Kinetic Group team up to build and campaign race cars for the automaker’s first-ever auto racing efforts on U.S. soil
* Decorated drivers Andy Lally and Nic Jönsson to pilot Kia Forte Koup race cars

LAS VEGAS, November 3, 2009 – The all-new 2010 Kia Forte Koup’s motto – “One Hot Ride” – took on a new meaning today as Kia Motors America (KMA) unveiled its U.S. motorsports program at the 2009 SEMA Show. KMA has teamed with the Kinetic Group to build and campaign two Forte Koups in the 2010 GRAND-AM KONI Sports Car Challenge Series in the Street Tuner (ST) class.

“The Forte Koup is the latest chapter in the dramatic Kia brand transformation story, and the decision to enter into the motorsports arena was an easy one to make,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. “The Forte Koup’s performance-inspired styling and outstanding driving dynamics make it a natural fit for road racing, and competing in GRAND-AM’s KONI Challenge Series enables us to reach an entirely new and passionate base of automotive enthusiasts.”

The GRAND-AM KONI Challenge Street Tuner (ST) class utilizes production-based race cars and has a wide variety of vehicles from the U.S., Europe and Asia, using weight and intake restrictions to maintain a level playing field for all entrants.

“We researched every form of auto racing in the U.S. to find a fan base that was aligned with our target demographics, and found GRAND-AM to be the perfect fit,” said Sprague. “In addition to working with the Kinetic Group, we are also proud that Infinity Audio, whose high-end audio systems are offered in several Kia vehicles, will join us as the Official Sponsor of the #10 Kia Forte Koup Race Car during our inaugural motorsports season.”

As part of its motorsports team development, KMA identified and partnered with the Kinetic Group to develop, build and campaign the two Forte Koup KONI Challenge spec cars. Based outside of Atlanta, Kinetic provides a comprehensive array of in-house services, including fabrication, composites, paint and body, engine, and electronics departments. Kinetic’s staff of engineers, mechanics and crew have extensive race experience in many series, including NASCAR, Indy Racing League, the American Le Mans Series and the GRAND-AM KONI Challenge Series.

Completing the team, decorated drivers Andy Lally and Nic Jönsson have been secured to drive the two Forte Koup entries in the GRAND-AM KONI Challenge Series in 2010.

“We expect the Forte Koup to be a strong competitor in the GRAND-AM KONI Challenge Series starting with the first race in Daytona, and the fact that drivers of Andy and Nic’s caliber have joined the team reinforces that expectation,” said Sprague. “Building on our involvement in the GRAND-AM KONI Challenge Series and in an effort to introduce the Kia brand to even more racing fans, apparel maker GoGoGear.com has created a highly modified version of the popular Soul urban passenger vehicle which will serve as the official pace car at several races throughout the 2010 US Touring Car Championship (USTCC) season.”

About the Drivers
In the last seven years, driver Andy Lally has three professional championships – 2006, 2004 and 2001 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series – and recently won the 2009 Rolex 24 At Daytona in the GT class. In addition to three Championships and two Rolex 24 wins, Lally currently holds the record for most top 3 and top 5 finishes in GRAND-AM Rolex Series history as well as the record for most podium finishes in a single season. He is third on the all time win list and the only three-time Rolex Series Champion. Lally also has stock car racing experience, including the NASCAR Nationwide Series, Craftsman Trucks, ARCA and Goodies Dash.

Nic Jönsson made his first professional start in 1989 and was the Scandinavian Formula 3 champion in 1990 and 1991. In 1992 he won the Scandinavian Touring Car title and finished second in the European Formula 3 cup. Jönsson has raced touring cars, sports cars and Indy cars all over the world and has competed in the American Le Mans series as well as the SPEED World Challenge Touring car series. Jönsson, who is a highly sought-after test and development driver, scored his first GRAND-AM victory in 2005 at the Six Hours at The Glen. Outside of sports car racing, Jönsson has trained the Swedish royal family and secret-service agents in high-performance and self-defense driving. A native of Sweden, Jönsson is the co-founder and owner of Kinetic Speed Shop.

About Kinetic Group

Kinetic is an automotive group that includes Kinetic Motorsports, Kinetic-Sunbelt Engines, and Kinetic Speed Shop. Kinetic Motorsports taps into every aspect of professional and amateur racing, from car builds to prep and trackside support. Every resource needed to develop, manage and run a professional race team in any series is located on-site. Kinetic-Sunbelt Engines have powered amateur and professional racers to numerous championships in North America. Kinetic Speed Shop caters to aftermarket street performance. Kinetic’s 42,000 square foot, state-of-the-art showroom and race complex is located in Buford, Georgia, just 15 minutes from Road Atlanta. More information can be found online at www.kssmotorsports.com.
About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) 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 650 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline “The Power to Surprise.”

- By: Kap Shah

Popular Mechanics today named the 10 winners of its Automotive Excellence Awards for the 2010 year. Chosen by the magazine’s expert editorial team, these awards recognize the best in automotive design, execution and technology for 2010 model year vehicles in ten specific categories.

“Despite a tumultuous year in the automotive industry, engineers have rolled out some of the best cars we’ve ever seen,” said James Meigs, editor-in-chief, Popular Mechanics. “We are exceptionally proud of this year’s Automotive Excellence Award winners, all of which represent the innovation and foresight that will keep this industry moving forward.”

Ford Motor Co. set a new record in Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards by winning more categories in a single year than any other automaker in the history of the awards, which has been going on for four years now.

Click through to see the list of winners.

The recipients of the 2010 Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards:

• Performance: Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
• Design: Chevrolet Camaro
• Value: Kia Soul
• Fuel Efficiency: Toyota Prius
• Versatility: Subaru Outback
• Fun to Drive: Hyundai Genesis Coupe
• Off-Road Ability: Ford F-150 Raptor
• Technical Innovation: Lexus Remote Touch
• Luxury: BMW 335d
• Workhorse: Ford Transit Connect

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Popular Mechanics

Kia today released the first official picture of the production version of its KND-5 concept car. The sedan will be known as the ‘Cadenza’ in markets outside Korea and will make its debut at the Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Dubai International auto shows towards the end of 2009.

The Cadenza will eventually come to the United States badged as the redesigned Amanti sedan.

“New Cadenza will showcase the continuing evolution in Kia’s striking design language through the harmonious blend of light and lines,” said Soon-Nam Lee, Director of the Overseas Marketing Group, Kia Motors Corporation. ”It will also present a new concept in luxury sedans in terms of performance and technology.”

Make the jump for the press release.

Kia Cadenza (Amanti):

Press Release

Kia reveals name of all-new luxury sedan

(Seoul) October 18, 2009 – Kia Motors Corporation has unveiled the first official picture and export market name of the production version of its KND-5 concept car – an all-new sedan designed to satisfy drivers’ desire for refinement, safety and emotional satisfaction by creating ‘ideal’ driving conditions.

The stylish luxury sedan, which is to be called ‘Cadenza’ in markets outside of Korea, will make its overseas premiere at the Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Dubai international motor shows, towards the end of the year.

The Cadenza name is derived from an Italian musical term used to describe an elaborate, ornamental flourish for a concerto or aria. It perfectly symbolizes the dynamic sedan’s striking design philosophy and upscale image.

Sporty and sleek in appearance, Cadenza features a bold headlamp design with attention-grabbing LED surrounds and a purposeful, athletic character line. The prominent front grille and stylish taillights emphasize the car’s high- tech feel and are a continuing expression of Kia’s dramatic design DNA.

On the inside, there is a futuristic ‘floating’ dashboard that highlights Kia’s uniquely innovative design approach. The welcome system turns on the exterior puddle and interior lights to ‘greet’ the car owner, while the interior mood lighting strip, which runs along the dashboard to the door trim, creates a warm atmosphere within the vehicle.

Kia Cadenza’s dynamic design and driving performance, allied with a raft of competitive passenger-friendly high-tech features, will make it a leader in the large, luxury sedan market segment.
Available new technologies will include a heated steering wheel (for winter driving in cold markets), powered extendable seat cushions (for extra thigh support), automatic defogging of the windshield and ventilated front seats (for cool comfort in hot markets).

- By: Omar Rana

One would be hard-pressed to argue that the cash-for-clunkers was wildly successful at bringing consumers into showrooms this summer. The hype, however, has ended and September has seen sales rates below that of June, before the program began.

September’s sales rate came in at 9.51 million units, compared to 9.55 million in June. Ken Czubay, VP of US marketing for FoMoCo had this to say to Automotive News about the years numbers, “I’ve been in the auto business for 39 years, and I’ve never seen a roller coaster year like this,”

Ford fared fairly well though, as GM and Chrysler dropped 40% as predicted by analysts, Honda fell 20% and Toyota’s sales were down 13%, all compared to Ford’s drop of 5% following two consecutive months of year-over-year gains. Subaru and Hyundai-Kia, up 10% and 3% respectively, were able to sustain growth.

Industry wide performance was down almost 1/4 when compared with the previous September, and brought the decline for the previous 9 month period to 27%. August was the first month this year, and thus far the only one, to break 1 million units sold.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Following the debut of the Sorento Hybrid Concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Kia has confirmed that it will be pursuing diesel-hybrid technology in future production vehicles. A source has confirmed to AutoCar that the Kia Sorento Concept is likely to enter production by 2012.

“Diesel hybrids are certainly the way we’d like to go with our alternatively powered vehicles in the future,” said the source. “The powertrain seen in the Sorento has a strong chance of making production, be it in that model or others such as the Cee’d. All manufacturers have to work to get their emissions down and we think this is one our best chances of getting there.”

The Kia Sorento Hybrid concept is powered by a 1.6L diesel engine fitted with twin-turbochargers that produces more than 161-hp. The diesel engine is mated to an electric-motor and a double-clutch transmission.

Kia said it is also looking to introduce electric vehicles within the next two years. Insiders say that Kia has developed an all-electric version of the Sportage SUV in Korea.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Kia has announced that it will unveil its new ’spacious and dynamic B-segment MPV’ at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show tomorrow.

Known as the 2010 Kia Venga, the model is based on the No.3 Concept seen in Geneva earlier this year. The 2010 Venga will sit on a 2,615mm wheelbase and will measure 4,068 mm.

“The ‘Venga’ name for our all-new model has an attractive and lively sound that is ideally suited to our latest family car,” comments Panu Vainamo, General Manager Marketing, Kia Motors Europe. “The name is derived from Spanish and has a modern, polished feel that fits well with European consumers’ active urban life-styles and also with Kia’s core brand values, echoing our ‘Power to Surprise’.”

Power will come from a choice of two 1.4L and 1.6 gasoline and diesel engines with output ranging from 75-hp to 115-hp. The model will also feature Kia’s fuel-saving Intelligent Stop and Go technology.

Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery.

2010 Kia Venga:

- By: Kap Shah

Kia has finally released the pricing details on the 2010 Kia Forte Koup, the two-door sibling of the new 2010 Forte Sedan. The two-door Forte Koup will be available in two trims including, EX and SX.

Pricing for the Forte Koup EX starts at $16,595 (excluding a $695 destination charge). Power comes from a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine that makes 156-hp and 144 lb-ft. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Estimated fuel-economy for the Kia Forte Koup EX comes in at an estimated 25/34 mpg (city/highway).

The 2010 Kia Forte Koup SX starts at $17,695 and is powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine that produces 173-hp and 168 lb-ft. The engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic. Fuel-economy is estimated at 22/32 mpg.

The 2010 Kia Forte Koup is on sale now at your local Kia dealership.

Click through for more detailed pricing information and the high-res image gallery.

2010 Kia Forte Koup:

2010 Kia Forte Koup Pricing Details:

The 2010 Kia Sorento is ready to make its European debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show later this month. It will go on sale in the U.S. later this year after it makes it stateside debut at the 2009 LA Auto Show in December.

In the U.S., the 2010 Kia Sorento will be offered with an entry-level 2.4L 4-cylinder engine making 175-hp with a maximum torque of 166 lb-ft. The top-of-the-line model will carry a 3.5L V6 unit making 277-hp with a peak torque of 247 lb-ft. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed automatic and a 6-speed automatic mated to a 2WD front-wheel-drive system or a 4WD system.

We’ve updated our high-res image gallery so check out all the new pictures after the jump.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

2010 Kia Sorento:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Kia today dropped the initial details and the first images of the new compact Venga, which will make its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. It will go on sale in the UK in early 2010.

Based on the Kia No.3 concept, the Venga features a long wheelbase for its class of 2,615 mm – and a 1600 mm high roofline for a spacious interior. The compact Kia Venga will come with a sliding 60/40 rear-split seat that folds into the floor, a twin-level boot floor and a panoramic glass roof.

Power will come from a choice of two 1.4L and 1.6 gasoline and diesel engines with output ranging from 75-hp to 115-hp. The Venga will also feature Kia’s fuel-saving Intelligent Stop and Go technology .

Make the jump for the press release.

2010 Kia Venga:

Press Release:

Uniquely spacious Kia Venga to debut at Frankfurt

Kia’s stylish and uniquely spacious new premium B-segment contender will be named ‘Venga’ when it goes on sale across Europe later this year and in the UK early in 2010.

Due for its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, the Venga is based on the ‘No 3′ concept shown at Geneva in March.

Designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe, the 4,068 mm long Kia Venga features an unusually long wheelbase for its class of 2,615 mm – and a 1600 mm high roofline to maximise cabin space.

Skilful packaging will ensure that the Venga redefines the category by offering levels of interior space typical of a larger C-segment vehicle, but within a B-segment footprint.

Every engine in the Venga line-up will be available with Kia’s fuel-stretching Intelligent Stop and Go technology and will comply with Euro 5 emission standards. Venga will be marketed exclusively in Europe where consumers will be offered a choice of two 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines, generating between 75 and 115 ps.

The Venga will be equipped with a sliding 60/40 split rear seat that also folds flat into the floor to create a spacious cargo bay and, a twin-level boot floor and depending on model a tilt-and-slide all-glass panoramic roof.

Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Limited said: “The ‘No 3′ was one of the stars of Geneva and I am certain Venga will attract similar attention in Frankfurt.

“This is exactly the kind of vehicle UK motorists are looking for as we emerge from the recent economic turmoil – a fantastically flexible package providing big-car comfort and space within a compact package. It will offer our customers style, sophistication and refinement coupled with environmental economy,” he added.

The Kia Venga will make its world premiere during the Frankfurt International Motor Show at 13.00 hrs (CET) on Tuesday 15 September

- By: Kap Shah

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has awarded the 2010 Honda Insight, Toyota Prius and Kia Soul “Top Safety Pick” labels. As many of you are probably well aware by now, to qualify, the vehicle must earn of “Good” in front- and side-impact crash tests and feature stability control.

Stability control is standard on the Toyota Prius and Kia and is available high-end Insight EX. All three cars come standard with side-curtain airbags.

“The latest results show that consumers who want good fuel economy can also get a high level of safety,” said Russ Rader, an institute spokesman, in an interview with Automotive News. “Because there are so many small cars that test well, there’s no reason to settle for a small car with less-than-stellar safety ratings.”

Other small cars with the rating are the 2009 Subaru Impreza, 2009 Scion xB, four-door 2009 Honda Civic, 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer, 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit, 2010 Toyota Corolla and two-door 2009 Ford Focus.

- By: Omar Rana

We’re close to wrapping up this lovely Aug. 11, which means its that time of the day where we gather up our random thoughts or findings from around the Internet.

2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe GXP test-drive updates: Well, I finally go around to setting the perfect seating position in the car and I have to say – it changes the whole driving experience – especially in a car with a rough clutch. If I were to give interior quality a letter grade it would be ‘B’. Honestly, I just expect more from a car priced over $33,000 (yes, it’s understood that the Solstice starts at $24,275). However, most of the interior quality is overlooked by the fun-to-drive feeling.

Ferrari 430 Spyder catches fire: A Ferrari 430 Spyder in San Diego, CA went up flames. Reason for this Ferrari burning to crisp? Engine fire. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

Kia Soul’s Go-Hamster-Go App on Facebook: Want to kill some time? Check it out. It’s a bit addicting.

We had our first look at the Kia cee’d last month. Kia has now dropped additional images of its new cee’d prior to its 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show debut next month. The car is scheduled to go on sale in the UK in Oct. with a new ECO-dynamics model.

For the first time, the cee’d lineup features a fuel-saving ISG technology on the 1.6L diesel model. The new ‘U2′ 1.6L diesel engine will be mated to a new six-speed manual transmission.

Press Release:

NEW LOOK cee’d AT FRANKURT

Kia’s best-ever selling C-segment car gets a new look at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September and when the car goes on sale in the UK from October 1 a new ECO-dynamics model will be added to the range.

The cee’d is Kia’s top-selling model in Europe and has been thoroughly re-engineered and restyled under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, to feature the latest version of the company’s signature grille – an evolving expression of the brand’s design DNA.

Comprehensively updated, the new Kia cee’d range will deliver a host of customer benefits including numerous exterior and interior design refinements, upgraded standard equipment and technical innovations. The cee’d also gets a fully-revised suspension set-up.

The changes will also significantly reduce fuel consumption and in the new ‘Intelligent Stop and Go’ ECO-dynamics version to be launched for the first time in the UK CO2 emissions are reduced to 110 g/km. On average emissions will be cut by five per cent across the cee’d line-up.

Kia Motors UK Limited Marketing Director, Simon Hetherington said: “The new cee’d is 25 mm longer and is more distinctive in appearance with a stronger road presence. Following our established model range line-up, customers will enjoy a thoroughly revised interior including a new-style steering wheel and gear lever, all-red instrument illumination, a new centre console and new audio systems, plus dual-zone climate control air-conditioning.”

Technical innovations being introduced with new cee’d will include fuel-stretching ISG technology on the 1.6-litre diesel engines for the first time, a “hill-holder” function for the ESP and brighter projection-style headlamps. The new ‘U2′ 1.6-litre diesel engine will be matched to a new six-speed manual transmission.

The ‘new look’ Kia cee’d range, which is backed by the company’s unique 7-Year Warranty, will make its world premiere at 13.00 hrs (CET) on 15 September at Frankfurt’s International Motor Show.

Full UK range details and pricing will be announced prior to the on-sale date.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Kia has dropped the first renderings of its premium sedan due to go on sale in Korea at the end of this year. Currently known by its code name VG, the premium Kia Sedan will make its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and will replace the existing Opirus model in Korean, North American and European markets.

“VG clearly demonstrates the next stage in Kia’s design evolution and showcases our new design principle of ’sophistication by simplicity’. The exterior is a seamless blend of powerful front, sleek profile and sophisticated but simple rear lines to create an elegant and luxurious appearance,” said Hyoung Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of International Business Division at Kia Motors Corporation.

Power for the production model will come from a 3.5L V6 making 277-hp. A 2.4L 4-cylinder model is also expected to be made available.

There are no current plans to bring this model to the UK market.

Kia VG Renderings:

- By: Omar Rana

A Kia dealership has donated a Soul to the Sussex Police of southern England. Known as the Kia Soul Shaker, the car will be used by Horsham South’s community police team to patrol the streets in a fuel-efficient manner.

The Soul Shaker is colored in a vanilla-cream color and is fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass and an LCD display rear-view mirror for reverse parking. Kia said that it will replace the car after 6 months with a newer model.

“The car is as highly visible as we are,” said PCSO Charlotte Whittaker. “We were delighted to have been given a car, but to have one that turns heads as swiftly as this one does only helps us become more visible to the public.”

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: AutoCar

Kia has dropped the first image of the upcoming Kia cee’d, prior to its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motorshow alongside two new Kia models. The one and only image shows some changes to the bonnet, minor changes to the bumper, grille and indicators.

Interior modifications will include some upgrades to the center console and upgraded audio system including Bluetooth.

“Since its launch just over a year and a half ago, Kia cee’d has been instrumental in placing Kia firmly as one of the top five global automakers,” said Paul Philpott, managing director of Kia Motors UK Limited. “With over 5,000 units already sold in the UK so far this year, Kia cee’d is currently holding a four per cent share of the retail market.”

Kia cee’d:

- By: Omar Rana

According to a report by Motor Trend, Kia’s next-generation Amanti sedan will switch over from its front-wheel-drive platform to parent company Hyundai’s Genesis rear-wheel-drive platform. Besides embarrassing Ford, GM and Chrysler who have canceled their rear-wheel-drive sedan dreams in recent years, the Amanti rear-wheel-drive will come to the market as an affordable sedan with a little bit of enthusiast driving touch.

The car is expected to make its debut some time after the front-wheel-drive Optima comes to the market next summer. It will join Kia’s new aggressive lineup makeover, which currently includes the Forte sedan and Forte Koup along with the compact Kia Soul.

Sources say that power for the rear-wheel-drive Amanti may come from the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo and the 3.8L V6 from the 2010 Genesis Coupe. However, there doesn’t seem to be a future for the Tau V8 in the Amanti lineup.

Look out for the new Amanti by the end of 2011.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Motor Trend