2007 Kia Optima Ex Sedan 4-door 2.4l on 2040-cars

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Kia America shuffles executives

Kia announced a sudden and massive shuffle of its most senior executives in North America, including the resignation of its CEO and new roles for some of his top lieutenants. The biggest change is the departure of Byung Mo Ahn, who had until now served as both CEO of Kia Motors America and head of the company's manufacturing operations in Georgia, as well as a group vice chairman. Ahn is stepping down from all three positions with immediate effect, but will stay on in an advisory capacity. In his place, Jang Won Sohn moves from his previous post as a senior vice president at the home office to take over Kia Motors America. The task of running Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia will fall to Hyun Jong Shin, currently the plant's executive vice president and chief operating officer. Along with those replacements, Kia promoted Michael Sprague (pictured) to the newly created position of COO and executive vice president for Kia Motors America – a step up from his current title as EVP of sales and marketing. He reports directly to Sohn and takes over responsibility for product planning as well as sales, marketing and service. KIA MOTORS AMERICA STATEMENT REGARDING ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES Effective immediately, the Group Vice Chairman and CEO of Kia Motors America (KMA) and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), Byung Mo Ahn, has left these positions and will become a company advisor. Jang Won Sohn, formerly a Senior Vice President at KMC, assumes the position of President and CEO of KMA, and Hyun Jong Shin, formerly KMMG's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, assumes the position of President and CEO of KMMG. Michael Sprague, formerly KMA's Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, has been appointed to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer and EVP of KMA, reporting directly to Mr. Sohn, and will serve as the central point of contact for all sales, marketing, service and product planning functions.

Kia Provo Concept is a Mini-sized hatch debuting in Geneva

The machine you see above is, according to a report from Autocar, the Kia Provo Concept, and it's set to debut at the rapidly approaching Geneva Motor Show. As you can see, the Korean concept draws inspiration from young and hip hatchbacks like the Mini range and the Citroën DS3.
We can't say how much of the Provo's somewhat radical conceptual design will make it into production, such as the contrasting roof color, oversize wheel arches filled with some pretty radical wheels, and one-piece headlight and taillight housings. Suffice it to say, though, we're definitely intrigued by what we see.
Also note the diamond stitching in the interior with chrome, suede and carbon fiber accents. The flat-bottom steering wheel is also rather interesting. These details, along with the racy elements of the exterior design, make us think Kia may be targeting performance-minded buyers with the Provo.

Kia recalls 12k 2016 Sorento models for faulty accelerator pedal

Kia is recalling 12,361 examples of the 2016 Sorento in the US because the accelerator pedal may stop working correctly. All of the affected vehicles were made between October 27, 2014, and January 29, 2015. According to the recall documents submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, a capacitor on the circuit board for the accelerator assembly may be improperly soldered. This can trigger a fault, causing the 2016 Sorento enters Limp Home Mode or in some other cases go into Forced Idle Mode, which only allows idling speed. In either situation, the check engine or electronic stability control lights would likely illuminate, according to Kia. Still, if this fault occurs, the lack of acceleration can put drivers in danger. To repair things, Kia will replace the entire accelerator pedal assembly with an improved unit. Changing out the parts will take about an hour, and obviously this will be done at no cost to owners. According to the NHTSA documents, there have been no accidents or injuries as a result of this problem. You can also read Kia's FAQ to owners and the full report on the recall in PDF format, as well. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Vehicle may not be able to Accelerate Report Receipt Date: FEB 13, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V089000 Component(s): VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Potential Number of Units Affected: 12,361 All Products Associated with this Recall Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) KIA SORENTO 2016 Details Manufacturer: Kia Motors America SUMMARY: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to January 29, 2015. Due to an improperly soldered component in the accelerator pedal assembly, the driver may not be able to accelerate the vehicle. CONSEQUENCE: If the vehicle is unable to be accelerated, there is an increased risk of a crash. REMEDY: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the accelerator assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in February 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC115. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.