Kia Blog
Geneva 2010: Kia Venga EV, sorry we missed you the first time aroundFiled under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Hatchback, Kia, Electric 
Kia Venga EV concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Apparently, we we missed at least one interesting machine from the recently concluded press days at the Geneva Motor Show. Kia showed off a battery electric version of its new Venga B-segment hatchback. Like the rest of Kia and Hyundai's hybrids and plug-in concepts either in production or recently shown, the Venga EV uses lithium polymer batteries, likely sourced from LG Chem. The battery pack is stored under the floorpan of the electric vehicle (EV).
The Venga EV contains 24 kilowatt-hours of battery capacity. The front wheels are driven by an 80-kilowatt motor packing a stout 206 pound-feet of torque. Kia says that the concept has about 112 miles of driving range and a 50-kW fast charge can provide an 80-percent recharge in as little as 20 minutes, while a full charge at normal power levels takes about eight hours. The rest of the details can be found in the press release after the break.
[Source: Kia]Continue reading Geneva 2010: Kia Venga EV, sorry we missed you the first time around Geneva 2010: Kia Venga EV, sorry we missed you the first time around originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsFinal three World Car of the Year finalists announcedFiled under: New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Chevrolet, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen, Ferrari, Diesel  The votes from 59 international journalists have been counted and the finalists for World Car of the Year have been named. The Detroit News is reporting that the Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Polo and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class have made the final cut, and the three vehicles will go toe-to-toe on April 1st (no foolin') at the start of the New York Auto Show, which is where the World COTY award is announced.
On the performance vehicle front, the Audi R8 V10, Porsche 911 GT3 and Ferrari California are jockeying for the big prize. We feel sorry for the judges who have to choose from among these three junkers, but we're sure they'll somehow make it fun for themselves.
Design finalists are the Citroen C3 Picasso, Kia Soul and Chevrolet Camaro, and from the green category we have the previously mentioned Prius, the Honda Insight and Volkswagen's BlueMotion diesel offerings. Check back on these pages to see the winners of the individual categories when they are announced in New York on April Fool's Day.
[Source: The Detroit News]Final three World Car of the Year finalists announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva 2010: Kia Sportage makes world debut, looks goodFiled under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Kia 
2011 Kia Sportage - Click above for high-res image gallery
What do you think of when you hear the phrase "Longer, lower, wider, more spacious?" You probably didn't think of the 2011 Kia Sportage, but you should, because it has all of that on top of a phalanx of powertrain and accessorizing options.
Globally, the five-seat crossover will offer two gas and two diesel engines from 115- to 163-horsepower, in front- or all-wheel-drive forms, as well as manual or automatic transmissions. Despite all the new choices, the variety of flavors still equals less fat: it weighs 182 pounds less than the outgoing Kia Sportage. The new design under Kia designer Peter Schreyer include a "ribbed roof" and "chunky door handles," all of which have their reasons for being. To find out what they are, have a gander at the press release after the jump and the shots in the gallery of high-res photos below.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Kia]Continue reading Geneva 2010: Kia Sportage makes world debut, looks good Geneva 2010: Kia Sportage makes world debut, looks good originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsAutoblog Podcast #168 - Geneva EveFiled under: Podcasts, Geneva Motor Show, Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Kia, Lamborghini, Lexus, Porsche, Suzuki, Volkswagen 
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
The Shunk, Nunez, Abuelsamid and Roth quartet reconvene for Episode #168 of the Autoblog Podcast with the Geneva Motor Show now underway. Our first order of business is a stop at the Autoblog Garage, occupied this week by the Suzuki Kizashi, Kia Sorento, BMW 750Li, and Cadillac SRX. Anticipating the massive auto show that's just about to start, we dive right in. Starting us off is the awesome electric-green Lamborghini 570-4 Superleggera. Jumping from Italian exotics to the ultimate SUV, we talk about the 2011 Porsche Cayenne before segueing cleanly into a discussion of the crack-pipe pricing for the Volkswagen Touareg hybrid. Before we leave the VW/Porsche sphere, we talk about how insanely cool the Porsche 918 Spyder concept car is. The Ford Focus station wagon is one of those things we'll see in Geneva, but likely not in the U.S., while the Lexus CT200h is making its way to the shores of North America. BMW's 5 Series Active Hybrid Concept keeps up the cavalcade of alternative propulsion by the big Swiss lake, and it's our last topic before calling it a night. Thanks for listening!
Direct fanmail to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, review the show in iTunes, fill out our survey or even leave us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget when podcast loneliness sets in. Thanks for listening!Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #168 - Geneva Eve Autoblog Podcast #168 - Geneva Eve originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAutoblog Podcast #167 - Excitement builds for GenevaFiled under: Podcasts, Geneva Motor Show, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Kia, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Citroën
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
Episode #167 of the Autoblog Podcast is a fine quartet of Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Paukert and Dan Roth. We breeze through the Autoblog Garage, filled with a snow-tired Camaro, a pair of Audi cabrios and a Kia Forte Koup, before hitting the news.
Audi's updated RS5, with a clear-voiced 4.2-liter V8 is up first, followed by the want-it-now BMW 5 Series Touring. We're not done with Europe yet, kicking around the Mercedes-Benz F800 and Citroën DS3 Racing before heading across La Manche to check out the Lotus Proton PHEV and then discuss Kia's Magentis renderings. Wrapping it up, we surmise what Chrysler's purported refreshes might turn out to be and talk about the overwhelming crush of Toyota recall and Congressional hearing news before taking some questions and calling it a night.
Direct fanmail to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, review the show in iTunes, fill out our survey or even leave us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget when podcast loneliness sets in. Thanks for listening!Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #167 - Excitement builds for Geneva Autoblog Podcast #167 - Excitement builds for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsNew York Preview: Kia teases Magentis (a.k.a. Optima) midsize sedanFiled under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Kia 
2011 Kia Magentis sketch - Click above for high-res image gallery
Kia is all set to debut the latest version of its Magentis midsize sedan at the New York Auto Show in April. Not familiar with the Magentis? Actually, you likely are - the Magentis is known as the Optima here in the States. We just saw spy shots of the next-gen Magentis earlier this month, and the Korean automaker has now seen fit to tease the car with some sketches that "[embody] a bold, athletic and sporty visual energy," which, unsurprisingly, is not unlike the new Sonata from parent company Hyundai - though we're sure the Optima will get its own unique look courtesy of designer Peter Schreyer.
Kia also tells us that its next midsize machine will be longer, lower and wider than the current car with a significantly longer wheelbase that affords "considerably more space for both people and luggage." The 2011 Kia Optima will go on sale here in the U.S. this autumn while the European Magentis will hit the market in the spring of 2011. Check out the high-res teaser images below and hit the jump for the brief official press release.
[Source: Kia]Continue reading New York Preview: Kia teases Magentis (a.k.a. Optima) midsize sedan New York Preview: Kia teases Magentis (a.k.a. Optima) midsize sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 01:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReview: 2010 Kia Forte Koup SX a beauty queen that can't hide its rootsFiled under: Coupe, Budget, Kia, Reviews 
2010 Kia Forte Koup - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's time to stop being surprised that Koreans can make good cars. Kia and its sister-brand Hyundai have been doing it for years now, with each successive model being better than the last. Hyundai has been selling vehicles in the U.S. for 24 years, Kia for 16, and they don't deserve bonus points anymore for exceeding expectations. Want proof? Along with Subaru, they were the only three brands to increase sales last year during the Great Recession. The bar has been raised and it's time we take off the kid gloves.
With that in mind, we turn our attention to the 2010 Kia Forte Koup. A brand new model, the Koup joins the Forte sedan in displacing the Spectra, Kia's former best-selling model in the U.S. So the stakes are high for this four-door and accompanying Koup (blech, we mean coupe). We've already sampled the Forte sedan and called it "a stylish, comfortable, frisky automotive companion for surprisingly short dollars." Along with losing two doors, the Koup also gains more aggressive bodywork that suggests the potential for higher performance than the sedan. Does it fulfill that promise or come across as a parts-bin twin with two fewer doors? Let's follow the jump to find out.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Review: 2010 Kia Forte Koup SX a beauty queen that can't hide its roots Review: 2010 Kia Forte Koup SX a beauty queen that can't hide its roots originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsChicago 2010: Kia shows off new Forte Koup racecarFiled under: Chicago Auto Show, Motorsports, Coupe, Kia, Racing 
Kia Forte Koup Racecar - Click above for high-res image gallery
Kia has been making waves this past year or so with introductions like the Soul and the Forte Koup, and for 2010, they hope to be make an impact on the racetrack as well. Here at the Chicago Auto Show, Kia is displaying their new Forte Koup racecar that is competing in Grand-Am's Continental Sports Car Challenge series for 2010. The Korean manufacturer's first foray into motorsports will be managed by Georgia-based Kinetic Motorsports who will field a pair of cars in the Street Tuner (ST) class against cars like the Mazda3, BMW 330, and Volkswagen GTI.
The #10 car at the show was fresh off the truck from its debut at the Fresh From Florida 200 at Daytona Speedway last month, where it finished an underwhelming 31st in class. The #12 sister car fared a little better, ending the race in a respectable 19th place. You can watch both cars in action on SPEED Channel's tape-delayed broadcast of the race on February 13th at 7:00 pm EST. Until then, you can browse through our photos in the gallery below.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Chicago 2010: Kia shows off new Forte Koup racecar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsChicago 2010: Kia Ray PHEV concept finally unveiledFiled under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Kia, Electric 
Kia Ray PHEV concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
The time has come to move on from teaser images; Kia has finally pulled the covers off its new plug-in hybrid concept. As this is being written ahead of the official unveiling at the Chicago Auto Show, we know a few more details about the concept, but we are still largely in the dark about the technical nitty gritty. The Ray rides on the same 106.3 inch wheelbase as the Hyundai Blue-Will PHEV concept but the overall length is four inches greater.
The Kia design team under Peter Schreyer has put a lot of emphasis on the aerodynamics of this concept, giving it a longer tail and, thanks to a roof that's four inches lower, a smaller frontal area than the earlier Hyundai concept. The aero number will also benefit from narrower tires, with the Kia rolling on 195/50R20 tires compared to the 245/40R20 rubber on the Hyundai.
The debut of the Ray also marks the launch of Kia's new green sub-brand, EcoDynamics. Like Volkswagen's BlueMotion and Ford's Econetic, EcoDynamics will denote the most efficient variants of Kia's model line. We can expect to see the new badge showing up on Kia's in the near future.
Learn more about the powertrain after the jump.
Live photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Kia]Continue reading Chicago 2010: Kia Ray PHEV concept finally unveiled Chicago 2010: Kia Ray PHEV concept finally unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Shots: That would be the 2011 Kia Optima frolicking in the snowFiled under: Spy Photos, Budget, Sedan, Kia, South Korea 
2011 Kia Optima - Click above for high-res image gallery
According to a very well placed source deep within the South Korean manufacturing giant Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, the sedan above is not the 2012 Hyundai Azera as reported yesterday. Not only is the car not an Azera, it's not even a Hyundai. You are in fact looking at the 2011 Kia Optima. Though there is a 25% chance that this might be the 2012 Kia Optima. Sadly, and regardless, we know next to nothing about this new Optima, other than the fact that the rest of the world will still probably know it as the Magentis.
However, we know what we can hope for. Judging by the position of the front wheels (they're almost at the door cut, totally FWD) we feel confident saying this here Optima will not be riding on any version of the RWD Hyundai Genesis platform. In other words, this is not the Kia K9. Still, we bet that Kia's new styling guru (and OG Audi TT designer) Peter Schreyer will ensure this is the best looking Optima yet. Not a large hill to climb, but one that needs summiting for sure. We'll give you more info when we get it.
Spy Shots: That would be the 2011 Kia Optima frolicking in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Kia shows third-quarter commercial for Sunday's Big GameFiled under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Kia 
Kia Big Game commercial - Click above to watch the video after the jump
We're not exactly sure when Super Bowl commercials became as big a story as the game itself, but we can't help but like a little entertainment during the breaks. Other than an advertisement for the aging Dodge Charger, the domestic automakers are staying out of the big game, but Kia had a good 2009 and the Korean automaker wants to get in on the Big Game action with one of its new products for 2010.
Kia picked up a pricey one minute spot during the third quarter of this year's title-deciding game, and it features life-sized toys living the high life in a brand new Sorento. The animated quintet hits the snow, does some water skiing and then goes all Hangover-style in Sin City before reality sets in and mom gets behind the wheel.
Hit the jump to watch the commercial for yourself. The cutsie character routine may be getting a bit tired, but Kia pulls off an entertaining commercial with kickin' tunes, a robot doing the robot and a six-foot tall teddy bear in a hot tub with a total hottie. And plenty more.
[Source: Kia]Continue reading Video: Kia shows third-quarter commercial for Sunday's Big Game Video: Kia shows third-quarter commercial for Sunday's Big Game originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsKia Ray shows a bit more skin ahead of Chicago Auto ShowFiled under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Hybrid, Kia, Electric 
Kia Ray Concept teasers - Click above for high-res image gallery
Kia has been teasing us over the last few weeks with the Ray concept car bound for next week's Chicago Auto Show, and today the Korean automaker has lifted up the skirt just a few more inches to show off what appears to be the concept's front fascia and headlights.
So, what do we know so far about the Kia Ray? Pretty much nothing other than the fact that it will be a plug-in hybrid of sorts, and that it looks pretty small. There may or may not be solar cells on the roof - naming it the Ray may have something to do with the sun, right? - and it may use the underpinnings from parent company Hyundai's Blue-Will concept.
So, now that we've gone over what we don't know, take a gander at the two teaser images that Kia's provided so far and try your best to wait patiently for the rest of the goods next week.
[Source: Kia]Kia Ray shows a bit more skin ahead of Chicago Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva Preview: 2011 Kia Sportage gets stylish new dudsFiled under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Kia 
2011 Kia Sportage - Click above for high-res image gallery
When Kia introduced the original Sportage in North America in the early 1990s, the best thing it had going for it was a low-ball price. There was nothing particularly compelling about the way it looked or drove, though it was at least passable on both counts. When the Geneva Motor Show opens up next month, the third-generation Sportage will finally bring the compact crossover to the head of the class in appearance.
Looking like a 5/8-scale version of the recently introduced Sorento, the new Sportage incorporates the Peter Schreyer-penned Kia design language in an an aggressive looking package that should stand out among the Escapes, Rav4s and CR-Vs of the world. The new model is longer, lower and wider, but Kia hasn't released any other details yet.
We expect that the Sportage will have the same 2.4-liter inline-four found in the new Hyundai Tucson when it arrives Stateside this fall, although other markets will get a range of gas and diesel power options from which to choose. Full press release after the jump.
[Source: Kia]Continue reading Geneva Preview: 2011 Kia Sportage gets stylish new duds Geneva Preview: 2011 Kia Sportage gets stylish new duds originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsKia Ray plug-in hybrid concept teased ahead of Chicago showFiled under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Kia, Electric 
Kia Ray plug-in hybrid concept - Click above to enlarge
Kia is hoping to steal the spotlight at what may be another relatively quiet auto show in Chicago next month with a new plug-in hybrid concept dubbed the Ray. The teaser image sent out by Kia last night shows off what looks like a four-door sedan, possibly with a solar photovoltaic roof to aid in charging the battery or cooling the interior.
The concept was created at the Kia Design Center America and is the first from the Korean brand based on this powertrain architecture. We'd guess the powertrain is similar to the Hyundai Blue-Will concept that was shown at the Detroit Auto Show last week. That car is based on the same configuration that will go into a production hybrid Sonata later this year, but with a bigger motor and battery that is claimed to give a 40-mile electric driving range.
[Source: Kia]Kia Ray plug-in hybrid concept teased ahead of Chicago show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsEuropean Registry pulls wraps off 2011 Kia Sportage?Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Crossover, Kia 
2011 Kia Sportage renderings - Click above for high-res image gallery
The European Registry must be a bigger thorn in the side of automakers than the likes of Brenda Priddy and her minions. After all, the new-vehicle images the Registry keeps in its database are devoid of camouflage, and the latest to show its face (and rear, and roof, and flanks) appears to be the 2011 Kia Sportage.
Based on these images, the new Sportage looks to be a big step up from the friendly but aged current model. Underneath slick new sheetmetal that's in keeping with Kia's current family design themes, the Sportage will likely share much with the just-unveiled Hyundai Tucson. No word yet on when we'll see the trucklet's official unveiling, but given that Kia's usually good for a significant reveal at the New York Auto Show, we'll wager that at the very least, we'll see the Sportage's North American debut in the Javits Center in late March/early April. Stay tuned.
[Source: European Registry via Autoblog Spanish]European Registry pulls wraps off 2011 Kia Sportage? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsDetroit 2010: Kia channels its inner tattoo artist with limited-edition Shadow Dragon SoulFiled under: Aftermarket, Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Crossover, Hatchback, Kia, Design/Style
2010 Kia Shadow Dragon Soul - Click above for high-res image gallery
Is the third time really the charm? We'll leave that up to you as Kia has unveiled its third special edition Soul at the Detroit Auto Show, this time featuring automotive tattoos. The 2010 Kia Shadow Dragon Soul is available now and follows in the footsteps of the Denim and Ignition specials. As the name implies, the Shadow Dragon is done up in a special black color scheme, and it also features a Soul-first leather-trimmed interior and crowd-sourced black dragon graphics (the Korean automaker trolled the Kia forums to determine what type of ink the Soul should wear).
Besides the matte-on-gloss black graphics, the Shadow Dragon sports blacked-out 18-inch wheels like the ones on the Ignition, glossy accents in the front and rear bumpers, and a unique rear wing. Like the other two Soul specials, the Shadow Dragon starts out as a Soul+ model, so it's stuffed to the gills with options. It includes the Audio Upgrade Package with its center speaker, subwoofer, external amp and those trick speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music. There's also an iPod connector, carpeted floor mats, moonroof, foglights and fender vents with encapsulated side markers.
On top of that, the Shadow Dragon Soul adds keyless entry, limo tint on the cargo area windows, body-color door handles and power mirrors. That's in addition to the steering wheel-mounted cruise control, Bluetooth, dual power ports, separate tweeters and usual array of cubbies and lights to make living inside the Dragon a little more hospitable. All of that for just $18,195 with a manual transmission. That strikes us as a modest price but also makes it the most expensive special Soul so far, some $695 dearer than the Ignition. Check out the press release after the jump for even more details.
[Source: Kia Motors]Continue reading Detroit 2010: Kia channels its inner tattoo artist with limited-edition Shadow Dragon Soul Detroit 2010: Kia channels its inner tattoo artist with limited-edition Shadow Dragon Soul originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Asian automakers closing in on 50% share of U.S. auto salesFiled under: Car Buying, Japan, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, South Korea
While it may come as no surprise that Asian car companies are constantly gaining market share in the U.S. market, the actual numbers are quite amazing. Ten years ago, companies like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and the rest accounted for a little more than one-quarter of total light-vehicle sales in the States. By 2005, that figure stood at 36.6 percent. By 2007? 41.9 percent. In 2009, Asian automakers sold a full 47.9 percent of the cars and light trucks we Americans bought.
These numbers come from the latest report by Ward's Auto. Perhaps predictably, that same dispatch tells us that American automakers were hurt the most by those Asian gains. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler were once part of an American auto industry that accounted for nearly 70 percent of sales in 1999. The Detroit Three had just a 44.8 percent market share a decade later. The European automakers have also gained a bit in the U.S. over the past decade. Still, they only account for 7.3 percent of the market right now.
If the Japanese and Korean manufacturers post gains for 2010 that are similar to the 2009 increases, they will pass the 50 percent mark for the first time in history. Individually, companies like Toyota have fared the best, nearly doubling their slice of the American pie, going from 8.7 to 17 percent since 1999. While Ford shared the biggest gain last year compared to 2008, they were also one of the decade's biggest losers, dropping 8.3 percent. Maybe last year's gain is a sign of recovery for the domestic automakers, but the troubles at GM and Chrysler don't bode well for the group. Check out the full breakdown by clicking the Ward's source link below.
[Source: Ward's Automotive]Report: Asian automakers closing in on 50% share of U.S. auto sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsHyundai-Kia stamps out own steel plant... celebrates with awesomely bad video?Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Videos, Hyundai, Kia, South Korea 
Most of the big automaker players have gotten out of the steel-making business, but according to Automotive News, the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group is just getting into it. More to the point, Hyundai and Kia have bought into a $5 billion steel mill operated by sister chaebol company Hyundai Steel. The mill's aim is to "boost synergy effects among affiliates by creating a circular production and recycling link between steel manufacturing, steel processing and car making."
With an in-house operation, the two companies can be more assured of getting the quality and quantity of high-tensile steel that they need to build their cars at more stable prices. Hyundai's stake in the plant is 12.6 percent, Kia's is 21.4 percent, and between them, they'll use 50 different types of steel from among the 225 types manufactured at the environmentally friendly plant. The other steels will reportedly be used for ships and electronics.
The first blast furnace was lit last week and will be able to provide four million tons of steel annually. The second furnace is expected to be finished early next year, and will provide the same amount again. Even so, Hyundai said it will need steel from other sources.
Remember when the word "Hyundai" meant "Excel," and not "juggernaut?" While you ponder that thought, be sure to click on the jump to watch an amazing so-bad-it's-good promotional video from the folks at Hyundai Steel.
[Sources: Automotive News - sub req'd; Hyundai Steel]Continue reading Hyundai-Kia stamps out own steel plant... celebrates with awesomely bad video? Hyundai-Kia stamps out own steel plant... celebrates with awesomely bad video? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: We take Kia and Microsoft's Uvo for a test drive at CESFiled under: CES, Technology, Kia
Tucked in between Google's hot new smartphone and a variety of other computer peripheral equipment at this year's CES show is a crossover. Not the jacked-up, tricked-out, neon-dragging customized type that we typically see around the Consumer Electronics Show, but a bone-stock, 2011 Kia Sorento. Well, stock except for one option: UVO.
We recently got a chance to try out the newly-announced system in the plastic, and while impressive in its own right, just hours after sitting down with Ford to check out the latest Sync and MyFord Touch, it's somewhat less than stunning. But, ignoring that for now, Kia's offering looks good and still ahead of the rest of the curve. It's functionally comparable to early Sync, enabling easy access to media on 1GB of internal storage, on a USB-connected drive or even on a CD. You can rip from CD straight to internal memory or to a thumb drive, an interesting feature we're not sure is particularly useful. The touchscreen display is a nice improvement over Ford's two-line Sync readout, but remember that if you get this system, you'll have to opt out of in-dash GPS. Good thing you splurged and got that Droid, right? Check out some screens in the gallery below, and there's a quick video demo after the break.
Continue reading Video: We take Kia and Microsoft's Uvo for a test drive at CES Video: We take Kia and Microsoft's Uvo for a test drive at CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsArrrrrgh! Ship carrying Hyundai and Kia cars attacked by Somali pirates?Filed under: Etc., Hyundai, Kia 
It was bad enough when Somali pirates decided to hijack an American ship, but now they've gone too far. The scallywags have now gone after a boatload of cars - Hyundais and Kias to be specific. On New Year's Day, a group of Somali pirates hijacked the Asian Glory, which was bound for Saudi Arabia with 2,388 Kia and Hyundai vehicles aboard.
While Hyundai and Kia have asked for the prompt and safe return of the crew, the cars, apparently, are of little concern. It's not that the Korean companies don't care about their product, it's that they aren't their responsibility anymore. It seems that once a cargo ship leaves port, the cars are the responsibility of the distributor. The vehicles have already been paid for and they are insured, so the only loss is to the insurance companies.
By the way, be careful when Googling "Asian Glory." Let's just say it was an eye opener.
[Source: Bloomberg News]Arrrrrgh! Ship carrying Hyundai and Kia cars attacked by Somali pirates? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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