If you’ve ever been involved in a natural disaster such a tornado, flooding, fire, or other event, you know how stressful it is to lose your home, belongings, and possibly even individuals you know and love.  Many of you probably heard about the wave of tornadoes that ripped apart areas in the Southern United States.  One state that was hit was Georgia. This is one that has become close to the hearts of some individuals employed by Kia Motors.

Kia’s West Point, GA site

One place Kia models are made, such as the Waukegan Kia Sorento, is their plant in West Point, GA.  It is a state of the art facility designed with some of these amenities to make working that much more enjoyable for the staff:

• Wood Flooring- easier to tolerate for some throughout a work shift versus a cement floor they might find in other manufacturing sites
• Work stations are designed with height adjustable capabilities, so those working on the assembly lines can work ina position that is most comfortable for their size and height.  This helps reduce work related fatigue as well.
• Plenty of spaces and stations available for thorough testing of vehicles before their release at your favorite place to buy new and Gurnee used cars: Classic Kia

The Georgia plant celebrated a grand opening event in February, 2010 where many of Kia’s top directors were there to see it live.  The plant can also be visited by area residents to see first hand how the vehicles are manufactured and tested.   Most importantly, the plant being built here gives area residents and chance for employment and growth.

Donations

To help with those near and dear to West Point, GA employees, Kia Motors gave $1.5 million to the American Red Cross.  This large sum of money will be put to great use to help tornado victims find shelter, clothing, a new auto, or other items they own that might have been destroyed in the weather event.  Kia is grateful to the state of Georgia for allowing them to set up “home” in their state and want to give back to those in need.

Will the same thing happen to the Kia KV7 concept, which was on display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit?  What are some of the features highlighted on this model?

For starters, the KV7 concept has a shape and design that builds on the popular boxy shape that makes up new and used Kia Soul models that can be found now here at your local store.  The headlight layout, while awesome to see, probably will have to be tweaked on an actual production model.  The concept’s lights are more like a row of smaller vertical lights that stretch along the grille, and the fog lights run continuously across the bottom.  Definitely cool, but will it be okayed for driving on our roadways?

Moving to the inside of the KV7, it is being described as a space that allows passengers to be very social with each other.  The seats are swiveling, including the drivers seat, in addition to a bench facing the rear seats.  The concept also comes with two computers, one in front and one in the back of the auto.  Clearly, this would be an enjoyable way to travel, but the seats we drive and are transported in will have to be safer, offer seat belts, and more. 

As we mentioned earlier in this post, the KV7 builds on the shape of the Soul, and this is easy to see.  This auto currently on display in Detroit would be a minivan style, pricing and trim information will be released when and if the concept goes into production.  There’s no doubt that it will come to fans of new and Gurnee used cars with the Kia name at an affordable price with plenty of standard features.  Stay tuned for new information on this exciting model!

It’s always a good feeling to go into a new year feeling accomplished and good about the work that’s been done.  This is how the staff at Kia should feel.  In November 2010, they saw sales numbers soar.  Let’s see what made this month so great for the up and coming auto maker.

Not only were sales strong for new and used cars sold here in the United States and other parts of North America, but all over the world including markets in China, Korea and Europe.  For example, in North America, which would include figures for new and used cars Gurnee residents purchased at Classic Kia, sales were up 43 percent, with just over 30,000 vehicles sold in all.  Clearly, people are drawn to Kia models based on their affordability, fresh design, and standard features that are included for the price.

To add to the November numbers, the months of 2010 preceding that saw increased sales as well.  This is a great way to move into 2011, which Kia executives predict sales to grow even more.  More than 2 million Kia models are expected to sell around the world this coming year, which would be the most ever for the company.  What a great way to keep employees working hard! 

Let’s check out some of the new 2011 models you can find now at Classic Kia, including the 2011 Kia Sportage Waukegan car shoppers can test drive now at our store.  The Sportage is an affordable SUV that comes in several trims such as the LX, EX, and base.  The trims we have in stock range in price from $19k to $28K and come in exciting colors such as Mineral Silver, Twilight Blue, and Black Cherry. 

If you prefer a sedan over a larger model, how about a 2011 Forte?  It comes in a four door sedan, five door hatchback, or the sporty little Forte Koup.  You can find all three options in stock here at our dealership.  One feature of the Forte sedan is the unbeatable gas mileage you can enjoy, as the estimates are 26 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway!  The base model also comes with a ton of standard safety features and a handy Ecominder fuel economy monitor!

Google has been testing their new automobiles out on streets all over California for several weeks now with almost no issues. Google is hoping to create an automobile of the future that will be able to operate in traffic allowing driver to get from point A to point B in heavy traffic without the stress of driving. While there are some snags, like current traffic laws, that would need total revamping before this new technology could be used on the roads, Google is optimistic that this technology will be life changing.

Not only will this vehicle stop and start at red lights and stop signs, and navigate congested roads, Google claims their vehicle is actually safer than having a human being at the wheel. Google even has hopes that this car will reduce automobile related deaths by half. Another perk, Google thinks traffic congestion could be reduced because these cars are able to operate much closer to each other on the road. With all these benefits a Kia dealer Libertyville customer confesses, it is hard to resist the new Google car.

Many of us might still be stuck on the fact that with this Google car we wont have to even watch what is going on outside the window. In fact at first that might be a little nerve racking. Google hopes car drivers, who will need to be referred to differently because they won’t be driving, will take advantage of many options. Drivers may be able to get additional work done or even watch TV during the morning commute. Many cars already have TV screens and lap top capabilities, thanks to Google your car may soon be your new office or living room.

The 2011 Kia Optima can be likened to that nearly forgotten high school companion.  You were friends, you loved their personality, and all of that, but on the outside, well, you never really took a second look.  Years later you meet again, and wow, you notice the outward change right away.  This high school friend has turned into the local hottie.  The same goes for the new Kia Optima Chicago area buyers can now opt for.  It’s more stylish and noticable than former Optima models, which were sometimes criticized for being “cheap” and “bland” looking, to name a few descriptors.

Chicago Kia Optima

The 2011 Optima is a very nice looking sedan and has a lot of great exterior features.  A driver experienced with other Optima models will mostly likely notice that the new model is longer and lower to the ground.  It is also about 2 inches wider than former with the Optima models, bringing it to 72 inches side to side.  To make the new Optima proportional in size, the company’s designers have shortened the rear deck and made the hood longer.  All of these changes result in one attractive mid-size sedan.

If you look head-on at the 2011 Optima, you’ll notice some features that make it stand out.  The grille used is now trademarked with the “tabbed” label.  The grille is then outlined by silver chrome.  Those angry looking headlights also make for a nice touch, as well as the fascia found on the lower part of the car’s front.   The back of the newest Optima features 2 tailpipes and square looking trunk; it’s overall design has been said to look a bit like a Jaguar XF.  See what you think when you check this new model out at your dealership.

When you get inside the car, you’ll notice that the cabin of the 2011 Optima is also styled very nicely.  The gauges have been designed to slant towards the driver more, to help with his or her ergonomics while behind the wheel.  The materials used for the dashboard, seating, and gauges are also better quality and the models some equipped with many nice features, such as USB and Bluetooth connectivity.  These are standard, which is a convenient touch added by Kia.

The 2011 Optima will arrive at your Chicago-area Kia dealer very soon!

KBB chose the Soul for the second year in a row and used several criteria for creating it’s top 10 list.  They considered fuel economy, comfort, technology, safety, and interior size- those items that most everyone takes into consideration when buying new or Gurnee used cars.  But, they also added another “cool” criteria.  The 2010 Soul combines fun-to-own and fun-to-drive in a great way that makes it worthy of making the “cool” list.

The 2010 Soul, according to a top Kia staffer, keeps drawing shoppers into their favorite Kia dealer.  It’s funky design as well as being a great value, are big selling points with interested buyers.  Having something a little different than your mainstream preowned car Waukegan sedan or coupe keeps the line up fresh, attracting buyers of all different ages and walks of life.

The Soul comes in several different trim options:  The base, +, !, and Sport.  Yes, that’s correct, the plus sign and exclamation point are not typos, but actually “Names” give to Soul trims.  Kind of fits this model, since it’s quirky and fun!  The base Soul comes with a 1.6 liter four cylinder engine that gives 122 HP.   Stepping it up to another trim you’ll get the pleasure of a 2.0 Liter, inline-four that ups HP to 142.   Not bad driving!

The 2010 Soul also comes with antilock brakes, stability control, front side and side curtain airbags.  The interior is also pretty cool.  You can get upholstery that glows in the dark and/or colorful seating to spice up the common black, gray and white interiors found in other Gurnee used cars!

Come and check out the 2010 Kia Soul for yourself- see if this modern, boxy style fits you!

Kia has been hard at work producing some great models in the recent years.  They opened up their first ever United States plant down in the West Point, GA where the new 2011 Sorento is rolling off assembly lines.  Yup, they’ve got a lot to be proud of right now.  To add to their success, one Kia sedan was a recent IIHS “Top Safety Pick”: The 2010 Kia Forte.

The 2010 Kia Forte is currently an attractive buyer’s option at your new and preowned car Waukegan dealer, Classic Kia!  The IIHS awarded the Forte this honor since they scored “good” in the front, side, rear and rollover impact crash tests.  “Good” is the highest rating based on the system used.  This is news to my ears.  Now that I’m toting around a toddler, safety in a vehicle is  more important to me than ever.

What are some features found on the Forte that help make it safe to drive?  First, all cars have to be equipped with Electronic Stability Control to be considered for a “top safety pick” award.  The ESC is an important element that’s been perfected and researched over the past 20 years or so.  It detects if a car is veering away from it’s intended path and applies the brakes to get the car driving where it should go.  The ESC measures the steering wheel’s angle to help figure out where the driver is going to help get them back on track.  It can apply the brakes to individual wheels.  Technology has come so far, much different than what you’ll find on older models in local Gurnee used car lots!

The 2010 Forte also has plenty of front and side airbags and the active front headrests.  The anti-lock brakes are a necessity, especially in the harsh winters we face in Chicago!  The Forte also has a system that monitors tire pressure, helping avoid a blowout, which could end you up in a serious accident!

The Kia Forte  from Classic Kia is definitely a safe sedan to own, as are many other new and  preowned cars on our Waukegan lot. Stop by today and we’ll  give you even more safety information on your favorite Kia models and for our Waukegan and Gurnee used car shoppers!

A new addition to the Kia Forte lineup is in the works to hit your Gurnee used cars dealership.  The exact launch date has not been set (it will be later this year), but the new model is a 5 door hatchback that will have some great features.

There are  similarities to other Forte models, such as the same 2.0 Liter and 2.4 liter, four-cylinder engines that can be found on the Forte Koup and sedan.  The hatchback will also offer the option of a manual or automatic transmission, as opposed to the 2010 Chicago Kia Soul, which is only offered as a 5 speed manual.

The hatch back option will give the lucky owner plenty of cargo and storage space.  The 5th door will help give easy entry to store and organize luggage for trips, sporting equipment, or other hobby needs.  This is one feature that I really enjoy about hatchback models.

The Kia Hatchback, which might be called the Forte5, went on display at the New York Auto Show on April 1st.  It is an attractive looking vehicle that I think might be a big hit at your Gurnee used cars store.    The front area is very similar looking to the sedan version, but the back styling looks like the Optima’s.  Even though the model at NYC’s Auto Show isn’t 100% production complete, the design is clean and user-friendly.  Not too flashy, but nice enough to catch your eye.

The closer to the “Forte5″ comes to production and later launch at Kia dealerships, the more information we will have on pricing, upgrade features, etc.  For now, visit your local store for the newest Chicago Kia Soul, Optima, and Forte sedan, just to name a few.  Kia autos offer quality and performance, but won’t kill your wallet!  Who can argue with that??

The new Kia Optima debuted at this year’s New York Auto Show and has already created an incredible buzz. This new take on an already popular model is a sleeker more modern design created by Kia design chief Peter Schreyer. The new Optima also incorporates the new popular features favored by Kia which are “longer, wider, and lower.” Local Kia dealers, like Gurnee used cars in Illinois, are excited to see this updated design in their showrooms.

Recently, Kia has released several models with common features. One of these new features designed by Kia is the Tiger Nose grille. This sharp edgy grille is included on the newest models of the Kia Forte, Kia Sorento, Kia Sportage, and now the new Kia Optima. The new Kia Optima also has a longer wheelbase which will provide more space and contribute to the “longer” goal Kia wants to attain. Also, SX models have a rear spoiler and a panoramic moonroof which add to the sleek new look of the Optima.

Along with an attractive exterior, the Kia Optima also has incredible safety features. These advanced features include ESC and ABS brakes and a Microsoft backup camera. The Optima also offers its riders options of Satellite Radio, a cooled glove box, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and cooling front seats. The Kia dealer, Gurnee Illinois residents confess, is the best place to find a quality automobile and the new Kia Optima will be another great reason to purchase a car there.

Since the new Kia Optima debuted just this month details are still difficult to completely nail down. It is currently speculated the new Optima will feature either a 2.4 liter 200hp engine or a 2.0 L Turbo 274hp engine. It is available in either a 6 speed automatic or 6 speed manual transmissions. Kia dealers in Gurnee believe the new Optima will be an incredible success due to its new modern look and incredible interior and exterior features.

Kia strives to produce quality automobiles and is doing just that with the new Kia Optima. To find out more about any Kia automobile including the Kia Optima visit your local Gurnee used car Kia dealer.

The future has arrived; think back to films like the Fifth Element or Minority Report and I am sure you were thinking “Wow, will we ever live in a world that futuristic?” Well folks, we are almost that high-tech as the new Kia Cadenza brings us one step closer. 

We have been hearing about this concept for some time, cars automatically parking themselves and finally this technology is within arm’s reach. The Kia Cadenza comes equipped with a Parking Assistance System (PAS), which serves as eyes that monitor the front and back of the vehicle. Equipped with ultrasonic sensors, the PAS is capable of detecting obstacles surrounding the vehicle and it will respond to them when the vehicle is close to an obstacle, with warning sounds.

How does this magical luxury feature actually work? Depending on how far away the sensors detect the obstacle, an alarm will sound at timed intervals, as the distance between the vehicle and the car lessen, the alarm sounds will emit more sounds in less time. Essentially the closer you are the more beeps you will hear.

Aside from the auditory aid there will be a visual aid warning you in the form of graphics that will appear on the cluster monitor. A warning light will provide appropriate and accurate warnings to the driver. The Cadenza has a total of six sensors to help safely and successfully park your vehicle, with two in the front and four in the rear. Who knows, very soon the car might just drive itself. Antioch used cars dealer Classic Kia can’t wait to offer you competitive prices on the new Kia Cadenza when it hits lots.

In addition, Gurnee used car dealerships are excited about the PAS, but they are also interested in the new Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS).  Cars are slowly, but surely, morphing into HAL 9000, the new Kia Cadenzas have a mind of their own and are capable of recognizing car lanes.

The new Cadenza will trigger warnings when the vehicle diverges from a lane by checking with a camera that recognizes lanes in front of the car. Sounds like this might become annoying; every time you change a lane your car is going to bother you with a warning signal, right? Actually the system will only warn you if you deviate from a lane without using your turn signals. The LDWS and the PAS are excellent safety features allowing drivers to be more confident and comfortable when driving and parking their cars.

These new systems open up a whole new realm of possibilities when it comes to electronically controlled features.