Kia appeared at the Detroit auto show – not featuring a new product, but rather new technology. This new technology was a hands-free in-car infotainment system, called Uvo (meant to stand for “Your Voice”).  Based on Microsoft’s auto software platform, Uvo allows drivers to use voice commands to control their phone and music functions while on the road. Uvo also includes a USB port which enables drivers to store songs to 1 GB of memory, which Kia calls “the jukebox.” This newly offered technology is available with the 2011 Kia Sorento, making the new model even more valuable and interesting to consumers. Car shoppers can buy their Waukegan Kia Sorento at Waukegan cheap used car dealerships. Kia Sorentos can also be found at Gurnee used car dealerships, as well as other new and used car dealerships across the nation.

Uvo is controlled by voice commands through a 4.3-inch touch screen display, and also includes a rear view camera. Kia also claims that the voice recognition will be more advanced, as compared to other competing systems. With more accurate comprehension by Uvo, drivers are guaranteed to hear their favorite songs by specific command. Although Kia has not yet revealed a price on the Uvo system, it will be available with the 2011 Kia Sorento in the summer of 2010 and other Kia models later this year. The Kia Sorento was featured at the Detroit auto show along with the Kia Soul and Kia Forte. Consumers are advised to visit a Waukegan cheap used car dealership, Gurnee used car dealership, and other new and used car dealership locations in their area to find these Kia models, due to fill up lots in early 2010.

Sure to compete with Ford Motor’s Sync system, the new Kia Uvo system will prove to help Kia thrive even more during these difficult times for the U.S. auto industry. In 2009, Kia’s sales were up nearly 10% at a time when the U.S. auto industry’s total U.S. light vehicle sales dropped 21% (more information found at Autodata). Although both Ford’s Sync and Kia’s Uvo systems are very similar, the new Kia Uvo system is sure to boost Kia sales with their new technology.

Kia revealed the price of the new 2011 Sorento, available at dealerships such as Waukegan new car dealerships, Antioch used car dealerships, and other locations nation-wide in early 2010. Consumers can get a five-seat unibody crossover with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and a manual transmission standard for an impressive $19,995. With a 175 horsepower engine and 169 pound-feet of force, these features are also standard for the LX and EX models, but the higher-tier models have automatic transmissions. Kia aims to significantly increase their share of the utility vehicle market with the 2011 Kia Sorento.

Waukegan Kia Sorento

The top level model is the EX V6, with a 3.5-liter V6 offering 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of force. All variants of the 2011 Kia Sorento come in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with a seven-seat version available as well. The 2011 Kia Sorento EX V6 is priced at $28,895. Interested consumers can get their very own Waukegan Kia Sorento at their local Waukegan new car dealership. Shoppers can also find versions of the new model at the Antioch used car dealership or any Kia dealership in their area.

Details about the model’s exterior include 17” or 18” alloy wheels (depending on which version the consumer purchases), auto light control, panoramic sunroof, and body-color heated outside mirrors with LED turn signals. Interior features include AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sirius audio system, Infinity surround sound audio system with ten speakers, and steering-wheel-mounted audio/cruise/Bluetooth wireless technology controls. Other interior luxuries include a navigation system with real-time traffic, push button start with smart key, rear view backup camera, and electric windshield de-icer. Car shoppers concerned about safety can be reassured with the 2011 Kia Sorento’s safety features, such as dual front advanced airbags, side curtain airbags, 4-wheel antilock brakes, electric stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. All safety features are standard in all versions: base, LX, EX, and EX V6. More details about the new Kia model can be found at the Kia Motors website.

With all these fine points and more, including a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty, the 2011 Kia Sorento is sure to catch the eye of many consumers for under $20,000. Despite the difficult times for the U.S. auto industry, Kia is sure to thrive in vehicle sales with this affordable addition to their inventory.

The 2011 Waukegan Kia Sorento is coming to dealerships in January.  This car was among many others rated one of the top autos for 2011 by Globe Drive.  Kia has once again launched a vehicle that they hope will win over  new car buyers!

According to the company, the only thing that is the same about the Sorento is it’s name.  This new SUV has totally been revamped with some great features.  Let’s see what some of these are……

First of all, this Waukegan new car is “made in the USA.”  Kia built a manufacturing plant down in Georgia, and the Sorento is the first to come out of it.  Even cooler is that the plant gets all the parts it needs from within a 20 mile radius and the Kia specific 6 speed auto transmission is built right there on site.

Another change that comes with the Sorento, as opposed to some other Round Lake used car models, is that it’s more of a car-like SUV, than a truck feel.  Some experts had the opportunity to drive on open roads and they found it to have very minimal cabin noise, good steering, and an overall smooth drive.

The Waukegan Kia Sorento comes in several different options.  The base model starts just under $20K and offers a 4 cylinder engine.  The V6 models will offer the driver better fuel economy of around 21/29 mpg, but also come with a bit of a higher price tag.

Is this updated Kia Sorento a vehicle you would be willing to test drive?

Waukegan Kia Sorento will be produced at the new West Point plant in Georgia

Think back to the first time you watched the Wizard of Oz. When Dorothy hit down and landed in Oz, with all of the bright colors and singing and excitement. Now, think about if all of that excitement and merriment were over Kia, and you can kind of realize the situation in West Point Georgia.

West Point wasn’t doing too hot a few months ago. Unemployment rates were high and store owners were afraid of losing their businesses. But that fear wasn’t nearly as high as the fear that most in the community held about losing their whole town. West Point needed help, and they just got it. Kia announced that they will be opening up a plant right in the heart of the little community that’s fallen on hard times.

The plant, which should open sometime by the end of the year, is going to make Waukegan Kia Sorento SUVs. But this plant is going to make much more than just vehicles. It will produce hundreds of job opportunities for West Point community members, and even those outside of West Point, as many who worked in the Detroit auto market are headed down to Georgia to help start up this Kia plant and the town as well.

Now, for many of us in Waukegan, new car news like this is exciting, but in West Point, it is going to revitalize and change their town. More than 500 people have already been hired for the plant, while 2,000 more are expected to be brought on by the time it opens.  In all, about 20,000 jobs are expected to become available in the community thanks to Kia. The new plant has sparked the creation of the first subdivision in the town in 25 years, and is exciting the economy as well as the town’s residents.

Waukegan dealers are especially excited about this new addition because it will mean more of the cars that their customers love, and we can all appreciate the addition of jobs anywhere in the U.S. The Waukegan Kia Sorento has been a big hit at Waukegan dealers.

If you’re looking to find Kia-Ville, just follow the yellow brick road (or something like that…) over to West Point Georgia. But if you’re just looking for a new Kia more locally, stop in at any local Waukegan Kia dealer and they’ll be happy to help you as well.

[Fade to Ray Charles singing Georgia on my Mind]