2024 Kia Forte Lxs on 2040-cars

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Kia Forte Koup is dead, long live the Honda Civic

A combination of cheap gas and high demand for crossovers means customers looking for a small, economical coupe are few and far between. Cars Direct confirmed that due to slow sales, Kia is killing off the Forte Koup after moving all 2016 models. That leaves the Honda Civic coupe standing alone in a segment that was formerly rich with competition. The only other option is moving into larger, less practical models like the Subaru BRZ, Chevrolet Camaro, and Ford Mustang. Koup sales must have been a small portion of the Forte's overall volume, as the model had its best year ever in 2016. Kia sold more that 100,000 Fortes and is making even bigger gains through the first quarter of 2017. It seems Kia's decision to cancel the Koup has been a long time coming. It was the only variant of the Forte lineup to not receive a significant refresh for 2017. Looks aside, it was hard to make a case for the Koup when going head to head against the Civic. In almost every category, the Honda beats the Kia. The Civic is slightly less expensive, more fuel efficient, and more powerful. The interior was roomier and far more refined, and at the back end the Civic will have a better resale value. It's hard to make a case for a car that's really starting to show its age. Now might be the best time to buy one, as dealers are sure to offer incentives to move the aging models off the lot. Related Video: News Source: Cars Direct Kia Coupe kia forte kia forte koup

America was the unexpected theme at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show thanks to Trump

President-elect Donald Trump was not in attendance at this year's Detroit Auto Show, but it sure seemed like he was the target audience for many of the press conferences and announcements surrounding the event. Several manufacturers chose to play up existing and future commitments to the US in general and American jobs specifically in their presentations to the press, and we're pretty sure that has everything to do with Trump's recent targeting of automakers on Twitter. To us, it seemed automakers were going on the offensive to try and preempt any future tweet-shaming for investing in auto manufacturing anywhere but the US. The pro-America sentiment started the week prior to the auto show, with Ford announcing that it would build several future electrified vehicles at its Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan and also cancel a $1.6 billion factory planned for Mexico. Ford announced the two items on the same day, but the reality is that they likely have no relation to each other; the Mexican plant is being skipped because the company doesn't need the extra capacity to build the Ford Focus right now. Trump was still happy to share the news on Twitter. Then, on Sunday, FCA announced it would invest $1 billion in manufacturing plants in Ohio and Michigan to produce the new Jeep Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Wrangler-based pickup. It's not as though those potential new jobs were on their way out of the US, necessarily, but FCA took the opportunity to mention that plant upgrades at the Warren Truck Plant would allow the company to build Ram heavy duty trucks, which are currently assembled in Mexico, there. CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed that Trump and his proposed tariffs had nothing to do with the decision. We certainly believe that, but we also have to believe that the timing of the release, positive outcome for America, and zero gain for Mexico were all orchestrated. Again, Trump sent out a victory tweet as if this had been his doing. Ford then used its press conference at the show on Monday to reiterate the plans for Flat Rock and also confirm that the Ford Bronco and Ranger nameplates will be returning to the US market, and that both will be built at a plant in Michigan. Announcements of manufacturing locations are usually aimed at the UAW, which certainly has a stake in these things, but again this one was broadcast to the auto show crowd in general.

Pope Francis chauffeured around Korea in a Kia Soul

Korea is not without its domestic automobiles that would be suitable for transporting a visiting head of state: the Hyundai Equus comes to mind. Failing that, a Genesis sedan would do the trick. Maybe even a Kia K900 or a Renault Samsung SM7. But those familiar with Pope Francis and his taste in transportation won't be surprised that His Holiness has chosen something decidedly more modest for his visit to South Korea.
Instead of a more luxurious sedan, the Bishop of Rome has elected to be driven in a Kia Soul, giving the high-roofed hatchback a bigger boost (in the Catholic world, at least) than any quantity of animated hamsters ever could.
The Soul, which was likely reinforced somewhat if the Swiss Guard got its way, was ready for the Holy Father upon his arrival. Francis slid into the back, rolled down the window and waved back at the welcoming party, including President Park Geun-hye. The Pope will reportedly be driven around in the Kia over the course of his five-day visit.