It’s always fun explaining to people that Kia vehicles aren’t what they thought they were. You have to remember that when Kia first started doing their thing several years ago, they were devised as a budget car, and as a budget car they got quite a bit of healthy criticism claiming that they weren’t particularly reliable vehicles.

But a lot (and we mean a LOT) has changed since those early days, and Kia has grown into one of the more reliable and enjoyable brands in the industry. Every Kia dealer Libertyville has to offer could regale you with stories about how much sales have improved over the course of the last few years, and that has everything to do with the uptick in quality.

Yes, people genuinely enjoy driving Kias now, and the sales are showing it. In 2010, the automaker moved 356,268 new vehicles, but through September 2011 they had already topped that, amassing 367,405 sales through the end of the year’s ninth month. At this pace (about 30,000 units a month), Kia will come seriously close to pushing half a million cars this calendar year, and that’s not something they’ve ever even come close to.

By the end of 2012, however, they hope to reach that mark for the first time in the company’s history.

In Chicago, Kia Optima, Rio, Sportage, and other models are really pushing sales through the roof, and the rest of the country isn’t much different. With all this success, as well as the continued improvement of sales right here in the U.S., Kia truly believes 500,000 new vehicles could be sold on American soil in 2012.

That might seem a little ambitious, but based on their current pace—something they think will stick and even improve right through December and into January and beyond—it’s not as crazy as you might think. Ten years ago, we had no way of knowing whether Kia would’ve become the auto manufacturer they are today, but they’ve come a long way, and we’re so proud to sell consumers the results of all that hard work. These cars aren’t what you think they are, folks. They’re a million times better. Hopefully, a million times better is at least good enough for half a million in sales.

I’ll be the first to admit that I was a nerd growing up, and as a nerd there were few things I enjoyed doing more on a Saturday morning than going to the library with my father. Once there, few books captured my attention and imagination more than the Guinness Book of World Records. Maybe it was the obese twins on the motorcycles. Maybe it was the world’s tallest man, Robert Wadlow. Maybe it was that picture of the turtle with two heads. Who knows? But in any case, I knew very early on that the Guinness record book was a piece of literary history, and now, a couple of decades later, it still is.

I mention all of this because Kia recently got themselves into the book with a record that actually holds a lot of interest in today’s automotive world. Two skilled drivers took a 2011 Kia Optima gas/electric hybrid almost 8,000 miles across the country in fourteen days, and set a fuel efficiency record in the process.

The men, Wayne Gerdes and Chris Bernius, averaged 64.55 mpg on their trip, easily smashing the previous record of 52.26 mpg. There was one point over the course of their two-week journey where they went three full days without having to refuel. I’ve been on a lot of road trips myself, and to make it half a day without having to tank up is something of note. But three days? Holy Moley.

“Speed kills fuel mileage,” Gerdes said. “Don’t drive on cruise control. You’ve got to allow the car to feel like it’s not climbing (hills). It’s sad to say that they (Kia) keep the keys, and I can’t drive it anymore. I’m going to try to convince my wife to buy one when I get home.”

Kia Senior Executive Vice President and COQ Thomas Oh added, “The team climbed through the formidable Rocky Mountain Chain and negotiated rush hour traffic in Chicago, New York City and Las Vegas—which makes the Optima Hybrid’s fuel consumption figure all the more impressive.”

So props to the 2011 Kia Optima. Libertyville dealerships always knew they had a fantastic, fuel-efficient hybrid on their lots; they just didn’t know how fuel-efficient and fantastic it really was.

We know that crossover vehicles are the fastest-growing class of vehicle in the automotive industry right now, and that being the case, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that a lot of automakers have had to make plans for manufacturing more CUVs than they thought. Round Lake Kia dealerships, for example, have sold way more Sportages than they expected, and that’s a trend Kia has seen all over the world.

Over the course of the first eight months of 2011, sales of the Sportage have increased 18% as compared to the first eight months of 2010, and that was enough to warrant an uptick in production for the vehicle moving forward. When demand gets to rising, Kia gets to enterprising, so they’ve recruited 1,000 new employees for their European manufacturing plant to pump out more of the crossover people seem unable to get enough of.

The Euro manufacturing plant is a huge facility that was actually built so that it could be extremely flexible should just such an occasion arise. It cost one billion euros (about $1.35 million American dollars) to build, so it most certainly is ready to accommodate more workers, more raw materials, and more space to store completed vehicles.

How many more vehicles? That’s not something we know just yet, but we have heard that extra Sportage output might not be the only new work the European plant gets. They also are reportedly getting ready to start production on a new model (we’re guessing it’s the next-gen Kia cee’d), and that could mean a few more thousand employees as well.

Any Kenosha Kia dealer can tell you that business is good right now, and in fact it’s so good that jobs and cars are coming out of the automaker’s ears. Add all that to the added third shift in Georgia, and it really looks like Kia is on the road to doing some seriously good things in the coming year. Two-thirds into 2011 and sales of vehicles already are way up across the board. We know that the future holds great things, and we look forward to seeing what those great things may be. We’re guessing even more cars and even more jobs.

There’s a growing trend in the automotive world to have a really complex and technologically awesome infotainment system that hooks up to a smartphone. In all sorts of iterations of this system, including Kia’s UVO, drivers can sync up their iPhone or Android device to a display screen in the car’s dash via Bluetooth, and using the 3G or 4G connection of the phone, download and use various apps for GPS, internet radio, and loads of other awesome features that make driving about 1,000% more fun.

The problem, however, is for people like me, who work in the middle of a cornfield and get only spotty cell phone and 3G reception. Bottom line, it just doesn’t always work, so relying on phones to make infotainment work isn’t always the way to go. Even when it is the way to go, it’s burdensome and cumbersome to have a phone dangling by an attached chord. All that being what it is, wouldn’t it be nice if someone could figure out how to incorporate all these great apps and driving aids without having to have the phone even hooked up?

Round Lake Kia dealers think so, too, but that Kia dealer will soon have their answer, as the higher-ups in the organization are currently working on a new generation of UVO that actually can access the internet itself without having to rely on the phone and the Bluetooth connection. The option will still exist for using the phones, but let’s face it—if people don’t have to, they won’t. And that’s the way it should be.

At this point there are cars that act as their own wireless hotspots, and if there’s technology for that, there’s no reason we shouldn’t have infotainment that doesn’t rely on the internet connection of a cell phone. This is something that people really have a need for, and Kia looks to be spearheading the research that will make it happen a lot closer to sooner than later.

Of course, it won’t be long until all cars have that sort of technology in it, just like it didn’t take long for Bluetooth infotainment to catch on, but if Kia can get there first, it’ll be a big win for the automaker. And we like big wins. We like them a lot.

One million is a heck of a number. Musicians want more than anything to sell a million records because that’s exactly the point at which they reach platinum status. Entrepreneurs want to make a million dollars because that’s exactly the point in which they are allowed to call themselves millionaires. A YouTube video watched by a million people is officially considered viral, a million bucks hauled in at a fundraiser is a pretty significant a haul, and don’t even get me started on what I’d do with a million cookies.

In general, we tend to consider one million of anything a milestone, and Washington state’s Port of Tacoma recently was able to celebrate one such milestone as they checked in their one millionth Kia at the Blair Terminal on August 11, 2011.

We know that in the whole scheme of things that probably seems like small potatoes considering the fact that Kia Motors sold 1.4 million vehicles in 2010 alone, but the Tacoma longshoremen in Washington have worked hard for 16 ½ years to usher in that many automobiles to American soil. That’s a lot of work to help one of the industry’s most promising burgeoning automakers grow to its full potential.

“We congratulate Kia Motors on reaching this milestone at our Port,” said Connie Bacon, the Port of Tacoma’s commission president. “Over the years, the Kia business in Tacoma has meant thousands of longshore hours for our International Longshore Workers Union Local 23 workers who drive the vehicles off the ships, and hundreds of jobs at AWC and throughout our community. We look forward to continuing this long-standing relationship with Kia Motors.”

For the record, the one millionth car just so happened to be a 2011 Optima Hybrid, and Chicago Kia Optima dealers know what a huge boon that particular vehicle has been for the brand. It’s the first hybrid that Gurnee Kia dealerships have been able to offer, and it’s meant a significant jump in sales. That, in turn, means continued work for the good people at the Port of Tacoma, who will probably import their next million Kia vehicles a lot faster this time around.

When it comes to businesses that are working with literally millions and millions of dollars in revenue, the idea of an “increase in sales” can actually be pretty impressive without looking like much percentage wise. Let’s say, for example, that your company manufactured half a million cars from January to June last year. Sold at an average of $20,000 a pop, you’re looking at $10 billion in sales. A one percent increase in sales means a bump of about $100 million—a number so big that the average American can’t even begin to comprehend it.

Taking all that into consideration, try to wrap your heads around the fact that in the second quarter of 2011, Kia saw a 21% increase in sales globally.

Um, yeah. Pretty impressive.

Now understand that it’s not like Kia all of a sudden has $100 million multiplied by 21 just laying around. There’s overhead to consider—cost of materials, cost of labor, cost of advertising—but sales are how you do make money, and it seems like right now, every Kia dealer Libertyville has to offer is pulling in that money hand over fist.

In fact, strong U.S. sales are a huge reason that Kia saw such incredible success in the first half of the year. During that same second quarter, Kia bumped sales in the U.S. 36%, which translated to a 67% rise in profits, just from American consumers.

The second half of the year may be a little more challenging, as some of the normal heavy hitters based in Japan get back to full production as the country recovers from March’s earthquake, but so far the strong showing this year has been a beautiful thing in the eyes of the Kia dealer. Gurnee drivers have been no exception; they seem to love Kias lately, too. But, like we said earlier, the big sales have been a global thing.

You love to see sales increase because that means your company is doing something right, but when you’re selling this many more cars than you were a year ago, you’ve got to really be doing something really, really right. That’s what we’re going to go ahead and assume Kia is doing.

Not that we’re biased or anything.

As a journalist who has written for a number of different car blogs over the course of his career, I can tell you that for the most part, the media websites for most automakers are a little frustrating to navigate. Some require logins, like access to news and images and videos is something a corporation would want to hide from the general public, while others have stories and pictures stored in completely different places. As far as video is concerned, forget about it. Most have little to none on their media web pages, which, by the way, are almost always completely separate from the company’s main page.

It seems overly cryptic and unintuitive, but it’s just the way journalists, bloggers, and even regular everyday consumers have been forced to navigate automotive media.

Well, until now, that is.

Round Lake Kia dealers have been buzzing lately about the new Kia Media Center, which is basically the antithesis of everything I complained about in the preceding paragraphs. It’s a natural continuation of the main web page, offers tons of videos, and makes stories and photos so easily accessible that literally anybody can access them with the greatest of ease. Throw in connections to other news outlets like Kia blogs and social media sites, and you’ve got yourself one of the sharpest, most modern media websites in the automotive industry right now.

According to Scott Woo, General Manager of KIA’s Overseas Communication, “Our Media Center is an invaluable tool to manage multimedia content from across the organization and make it readily available in a timely manner to everyone from professional journalists and prominent bloggers, to brand fans posting videos on their Facebook pages.”

That’s right; “media” extends beyond just official press releases from Kia itself. It features live commentary from all sorts of credible people, and that’s exactly the way that consumers are going to get the best, up-to-date information about a great Kia vehicle they’re considering buying.

Every Kenosha Kia dealer loves this idea because educated consumers are good customers. The more they feel like they know coming onto a lot, the happier everyone is going to be when they leave with a new set of keys. That’s what a good media site can do for a person, and Kia hopes it can do that for you.

April was a great sales month for Kia thanks to several different models that are wowing new customers everyday.  A recent source has released the numbers for May and they continue to show the trend that Kia is following.

Compared to May 2010 sales of models, sales for May of this year were up 53.4%, which is great news for Kia dealerships all over, including your Round Lake Kia store, Classic Kia. In addition to these numbers, as of the close of May, the year to date sales for 2011 exceed those of 2010 by just under 45%.  Clearly, Kia is doing something right with all their redesigned, stylish autos that are being sold at prices most drivers find very reasonable!

We’ve brought you a lot of great information about the Chicago Kia Optima, which is currently in stock here at the store.  It continues to be a top selling model for the automaker, along with the Kia Sorento that is new for 2011 and showing some new and improved styling and performance enhancements for 2012 models.  Let’s see some of the other models that are also doing well for Kia.

Kia Soul

This is another option from Kia that is being sold in high numbers.  So far this year, 11,157 units have been sold, and in May many models left the lots as well.  Let’s check out some of its features.

1. The exterior styling is very cool, different than other autos on the market today, with its well executed boxier style.
2. Very fun to drive:  a few of the upper trim models come with higher performing engines and all of the trims have handling that makes them nice to drive both on more crowded city streets or the open expressways
3. Who can pass up a vehicle that has unusual trim names such as + and !.  Those really fit a car like the Soul.
4. It’s also very safe- a top safety pick for 2011 by the IIHS.  It comes with a long list of standard safety features that are important to drivers and passengers all over.

Stop by our store today and see these models mentioned, along with other new and used Kia models!

About 6 months ago we announced that Kia’s partnership with the NBA will extend through the 2011-2012 season.  Kia had a great presence throughout this past season, through events such as the slam dunk contest that was held during all-star weekend, and more.  Last week, it was announced that Kia will be a partner during the 2011 NBA Draft which is being held on June 23rd.

The draft will be a live event on ESPN and Kia, designer of some of the Antioch used cars we have in stock now,  will use the time slot as a chance to highlight some vehicles, as well as the opportunity to be involved in a bunch of events that will take place along with the draft.  Let’s check out a few of them.

1. 2 NBA Community Cares Caravan Events will be presented by Kia
2. The automaker will also have two models on display outside of Prudential Center in Newark, where the draft is being held.  The models will also be accompanied by a popular NBA figure.
3. Kia’s advertisement spots will play a key role in the pre-game and post game advertising, as well as during the draft itself.  Kia has a very high presence in the NBA both now and during the season that recently wrapped up.

The caravan events that are part of the NBA cares program that further show the automaker’s pledge to making the communities better places, where children can enjoy sports, such as basketball, in a safe and developmentally appropriate setting.  One event will feature members who are part of Special Olympics participating in a basketball clinic. The other will be held at a Boys and Girls Club and will be an NBA Fit clinic.  Those excited participants in both events will be able to have some fun with famous NBA players, as well as some of the top prospects in the draft.

Kia, which manufactures the 2012 Kia Optima, Libertyville drivers will be able to check out at our store in the future, is so proud of their partnership with such a popular past time.   You can bet you’ll be hearing a lot more about their partnership in the future!

MSNBC isn’t only a popular TV channel, it also has a place on the Internet for people to find the latest news and much more!  Recently, MSNBC.com released a list of the Ten Most Improved Cars of 2011.  Out of the 10 autos noted, two of them are Kia’s and there staff here at Classic Kia is delighted to hear this news.

The two models chosen are also two very popular and celebrated models right now for the automaker, who’s sales are doing very well.  The 2011 Kia Optima, Chicago residents to the north of the city can find here now, along with the 2011 Sorento, were the two noted by the popular website.  If you own one or have had the pleasure of driving one, you’ll know that these are both great choices.  If you haven’t been behind the wheel of either, come by now and see what you’ve been missing!

Kia’s focus is certainly paying off.  Over the past few years, their plan to offer vehicles with more appealing style, better features, and overall great quality at a still affordable price is winning drivers over everyday.  This is one reason why these models were chosen by MSNBC.com.  They also have notable figures when it comes to fuel usage, engine power, and much more.

Since it’s release 16 months ago, the 2011 Sorento has been the top selling model for Kia motors.  When you take a look at the stylish, redesigned exterior, along with all the features you’ll enjoy for an outstanding price, this might not come as a surprise, especially today when people are looking to get the best value for their money.

The 2011 Optima is also a fantastic option if the CUV style isn’t what you prefer.  The Optima is a roomy, stylish sedan that has so much to offer the right buyer.  It also offers variety in it’s options, as it comes in three different trims with a choice of 3 engine choices.  The 2012 Optimas will be manufactured right here in the U.S. at Kia’s plant in Georgia.  It will join the Sorento which is already being built there.

Classic Kia, your leader for Round Lake Beach used cars and more, is proud to carry both models and would like you to check them out today!