2012 Kia Sportage Lx * 126,810 Original Low Miles * on 2040-cars

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Kia using quality and technology to increase sales and brand prestige

Kia is a long way from hawking the anonymous lozenge known as the Sephia on our shores. That was only 1994, though, and in less than 20 years the company has gone from judging its aspirations against Japanese budget competition to walking auto show floors checking out the German standard-bearers for tips on how to increase sales and brand prestige. In an interview with Automotive News, Kia executives laid out their plan for carving out a Volkswagen-like niche for the company whereby they could be viewed as the premium pick in a volume segment. Concepts like the Kia Cub, above, would seem to point in this direction.
Kia is keen to make sure its sales targets don't impinge on its quest for better and better quality.
Kia's prime directive is "an unrelenting focus on quality." The Japanese brands earned a reputation for bulletproof reliability, and Kia is keen to make sure its sales targets don't impinge on its quest for better and better quality - neither in-house nor for its suppliers, a trade-off we've seen go wrong before. It has a Pilot Center that studies each new model for potential production problems before being given the approval for manufacture, and it isn't until the quality control department gives the okay that manufacture can begin.

Kia teases e-AWD Soul concept for Chicago

Kia let slip just a few days ago that it is preparing an outdoorsy concept based on one of its most popular models for the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. After a brief wait, we are getting our first look at an unnamed e-AWD concept – or at least the front third of it. By all accounts, it looks to be rough and tumble version of its popular Soul compact. Beyond some tougher looks, the concept will get some extra oomph from an electric all-wheel drive system. Plus, to fit its inspiration of letting city dwellers go on off-road adventures, the styling wears a few tweaks from Kia's California design studio. The teaser shows off black body cladding around the lower air dam and wheel wells. The headlights also appear blacked-out with white trim around them for contrast, and the orange highlights in the wheels provide some visual pop. We're curious to see if Kia will do anything else for this Soul concept's design and how much power the electric all-wheel drive system adds. With the way the teaser image is tightly cropped, it could be a different bodystyle altogether, from a convertible to a pickup. All will be revealed when the concept is unveiled on Thursday, February 12, at the show. For the moment, we're just happy it appears that Kia is finally formally entertaining the idea of an AWD Soul. Kia Motors America will unveil an advanced and capable electric all-wheel drive (e-AWD) concept vehicle at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show. This bold off-roader was conceived by Kia's California design studio and built for city dwellers seeking the ultimate urban escape. Intended to enable a wide array of outdoor activities from skiing and snowboarding, to camping, hiking and mountain biking, this rugged runabout captures the essence of adventuring at higher elevations with the promise of surefootedness in the wild. Kia's newest concept will be revealed on the Kia stand Thursday, February 12 at 9 AM. See you there. News Source: Kia Design/Style Green Kia Crossover Hatchback Concept Cars Hybrid

Kia Sedona and Hyundai Tucson recalled for hood latches

The Basics: Hyundai and is Kia division have issued two recall notices, both for similar issues. The larger of the two affects 219,800 units of the 2006-2014 Kia Sedona minivan built between June 15, 2005, and April 04, 2014. The second relates to 81,000 examples of the 2016 Tucson crossover manufactured from May 19, 2015, to March 14, 2016. The Problem: In both cases, the secondary hood latch may not properly secure the hood in place and keep it from opening while under way. Injuries/Deaths: None reported. The fix: Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch, or in the Sedona's case, maybe just clean and lubricate the latch, as needed. Both campaigns are set to begin next month. If you own one: Make sure you don't accidentally release the primary hood latch while driving or the secondary latch may not do its job. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Secondary Hood Latch may Bind and not Latch Report Receipt Date: JUN 01, 2016 NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V389000 Component(s): LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES Potential Number of Units Affected: 219,800 Manufacturer: Kia Motors America SUMMARY: Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through April 04, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. CONSEQUENCE: If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. REMEDY: Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch or clean and lubricate the latch, depending on the vehicle's location and the condition of the latch. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on July 25, 2016. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall number is SC134. 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. ## RECALL Subject : Secondary Hood Latch may Disengage Report Receipt Date: MAY 24, 2016 NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V348000 Component(s): LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES Potential Number of Units Affected: 81,000 Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America SUMMARY: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015 to March 14, 2016.