World Auto News & Reviews

Kia Motors’ first US-built vehicle, a white all-new Sorento, has rolled off the production line at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), officially opening the company’s first US production plant.

KMMG is expected to produce 300,000 vehicles a year at full capacity and employ 2,500 people, with on-site and nearby suppliers creating 7,500 additional jobs in the region.“The start of production at 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, President and CEO, Kia Motors America (KMA) and KMMG.

Representing an investment of US$1 billion by Kia Motors, KMMG will establish new benchmarks for vehicle quality and productivity by utilizing some of the world’s most advanced manufacturing techniques.
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The beginning of the month sees Kia’s UK division launching yet another limited edition version of the Soul, the ‘Tempest’, which replaces the outgoing ‘Samba’ model. Part of Kia’s Original Collection models, the Tempest comes in a Titanium Silver finish with black high-gloss bumper inserts and door mirrors, and is fitted with specific black 18-inch alloy wheels. As for the interior, the Tempest gets ‘Soul-Shine’ black seat trim with metallic centre fascia and chrome accents on the dashboard and instrument clusters.
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Already a recipient of numerous accolades including a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, being named to the “Coolest New Cars Under $18,000″ list by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com and “Interior of the Year” list by Ward’s AutoWorld, the all-new 2010 Kia Soul has yet again been honored and given a “2010 Automotive Excellence Award” by Popular Mechanics. Recognized for its appealing style, fuel efficiency, handling and overall value, Soul is one of only 10 vehicles to be acknowledged on the esteemed list.
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Kia has officially revealed the first images and details about the Cadenza (the K7 in Korea) luxury sedan.

Described as “sporty and sleek”, the Cadenza features styling inspired by the KND-5 Concept. Details include LED-headlight surrounds, a bold grille, and an upscale design.

While no pictures were released, Kia says the interior boasts a ‘floating’ dashboard, mood lighting, and a “raft of competitive passenger-friendly high-tech features.” Options include a heated steering wheel, power extendable seat cushions, ventilated front seats, and automatic defogging of the windshield.
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Following the global launch of Kia Motors’ EcoDynamics sub-brand at the Frankfurt motor show recently, Kia Motors Australia announces two further exciting developments occurring during the month of October.

Kia Motors will be mounting a two-car entry in the Eco Challenge category of the 2009 Global Green Challenge, to be run from Darwin to Adelaide from 24-31 October. Kia will enter two Kia Forte (Cerato) LPI Hybrid vehicles, the same as those released for sale in Korea during August and shown on Kia’s Frankfurt motor show stand last month. The hybrid vehicle uses LPG fuel which can be bought for less than half the cost of petrol or diesel.
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