2008 Kia Rondo on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Kia dealer: Soul EV nothing but a political statement

It looks like Kia of Vancouver didn't get the company memo. While the South Korean company is expanding the sales area for the Soul electric vehicle, management at a Kia dealer in British Columbia's biggest city isn't convinced of the EV's earth-saving and potentially dollar-saving attributes, according to Inside EVs. Managers spelled out their reasoning in a series of alleged e-mails to a prospective customer, and you have to admire their conviction. One of Kia of Vancouver's managers referred to the Soul EV as a "social/political statement," and spelled out his opinion that the model won't help the environment because of what he says is the extra carbon cost to produce an electric battery (a long-debated subject). A second manager from the dealership took a slightly more conciliatory tone but still questioned whether the extra new-vehicle cost would allow for the prospective driver to save money while calling gas-powered cars "more reliable," according to Inside EVs. The automaker isn't happy. "Kia Canada disagrees with the statements made and is in the process of addressing this matter," Kia Canada spokesman Jack Sulymka told AutoblogGreen. The Soul EV just won the first-ever Canadian Green Car of the Year Award, beating out the Honda Fit, Subaru Legacy and Toyota Camry Hybrid in the process. Related Videos: Featured Gallery 2015 Kia Soul EV: Quick Spin View 37 Photos News Source: Inside EVs via Green Car ReportsImage Credit: Drew Phillips Photography Green Kia Electric kia soul ev

Dancer who portrays Kia hamster guilty of disability fraud

Tisk, tisk, dancing hamster. Kia's trio of anthropomorphic rodents may be down a member as the actor that portrays one of the dancing hamsters has been arrested on charges of disability fraud.
According to The Huffington Post, 27-year-old LeRoy Barnes accepted over $51,000 in disability payments following a workplace injury in 2010. While accepting the money, he's accused of performing under aliases, in addition to his costumed work for Kia.
"Fraudulently collecting disability benefits is not only illegal, it disrespects legitimately injured Californians who are unable to work," Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones said in a release obtained by HuffPo.

Kia Niro hybrid CUV teased again ahead of Chicago debut

The 2016 Detroit Auto Show just started, but Kia is already looking forward to February. That's when the Chicago Auto Show happens, and that's when Kia promises to unveil its Niro hybrid compact crossover. The company's two teaser images offer a great look at the little CUV, especially when you consider them with the earlier design sketches. The Niro is part of Kia's push to create a greener lineup through 2020, and the model packs a dedicated hybrid powertrain. Earlier reports suggest that it consists of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and 47-horsepower electric motor with a 1.56-kWh battery. A six-speed dual-clutch gearbox will likely put the power to the road. Kia's styling centers in California and Namyang, South Korea, are responsible for the Niro's look. The designers use a narrow version of the company's tiger-nose grille for this CUV, but the high-mounted headlights create a clear family resemblance to the latest Sportage. The roofline appears to have a coupe-like arch, and the rear gets nearly rectangular taillights that angle into the hatch. If the Niro name sounds familiar, that's because Kia first used it on a slightly bulbous crossover concept at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. You'll have to wait a month for all the details, but until then, enjoy the teasers and press release below. KIA REVEALS FIRST IMAGES OF ALL-NEW NIRO HYBRID UTILITY VEHICLE Kia reveals first images of all-new Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle Exclusive first images of Niro HUV illustrates sporty and versatile design Niro HUV world premiere set for Chicago Auto Show in February 2016 Dedicated hybrid powertrain specifically developed for all-new model (SEOUL) January 12, 2016 – Kia has today unveiled the first official images of the sporty and versatile Niro – an all-new Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV) that's set to add a fresh dimension to the global compact SUV market. The styling of the Niro was led by Kia's design centers in California, USA and Namyang, Korea and incorporates the practicality and aesthetic allure of a compact SUV, with a sleek, aerodynamic body and subtly sculptured surfaces. Highlighting the raised rear haunches that endow the HUV with an athletic stance, the image also reveals high-mounted LED taillights that complement an uncluttered rear end. The slim character line and rear windows emphasize the car's sleek profile, while allowing greater room for the Niro's muscular wheel arches.