Medina Auto Blog

2011-08-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

Kia wins four design awards in new Automotive Brand Contest

2011-07-22T18:29:00.000-07:00

(SEOUL) July 20, 2011 -- KiaMotors is one of the main winners in the first-ever Automotive Brand Contest. This new international brandand design competition was organised by the Rat für Formgebung (German DesignCouncil), which is also responsible for the Designpreis der BundesrepublikDeutschland (German Design Award).

Thejudging panel of the first Automotive Brand Contest declared Kia Motors theworthy winner in two categories. In the Brand Design category, where strategy and focus of thebrand’s overall design is rated, Kia was ranked ‘Best of Best’.

For the Exterior category, in which the designof the vehicle itself is the centre of attention, three Kia models were pickedas winners: the compact Sportage CUV, the forthcoming Rio B-segment model (onsale from Fall 2011 in most global markets) and the all-new, athletic D-segmentKia Optima sedan. The Kia Optima and Kia Sportage have already beenawarded prestigious design prizes: the red dot award (Kia Optima: ‘best of thebest’) and the iF product design award.

“Weare all exceedingly proud that Kia Motors has done so well in this newcompetition, which is very important within the automotive industry,” saysKia’s Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer. “By changing our basic designfocus, we have given our brand a face, a distinctive identity.

“The‘Best of Best’ title for Kia’s new design identity in the Brand Design categoryis a great endorsement of the creative and professional work done by our entireinternational design team. The latest awards conferred on the Sportageand Optima, and the very first one to go to our latest model, the Rio, reflect the continuity of our efforts to uphold our own high design standards. All four awards are a fantastic acknowledgement of our strategy to positiondesign as a core Kia brand promise,” adds Schreyer.

Three Kia award winning models: design that points to thefuture

Thefourth-generation Kia Rio, which celebrated its world premiere at the 2011Geneva International Motor Show, is not a further development of itspredecessor, but a powerful new personality in its own right. By clearlymoving away from its past, the new B-segment model epitomizes Kia’stransformation to a design and quality-led brand. The wedge-shapedprofile and sleek side windows lend the newcomer dynamic flair, while thebalance between window graphics, wheelbase and the vehicle’s overallproportions creates a ‘premium’ impression rarely found in this segment. Developed with the global market in mind, the Rio will be available in Europe in both three-door and five-door bodystyles, with four-door and five-door bodystylesoffered in most other markets.

Thenewly developed Kia Optima is a model that bears no resemblance to the brand’searlier D-segment vehicles. Peter Schreyer headed the design of theathletic sedan at the Kia design centres in Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, USA. Immediately following its launch in the Korean market in mid-2010,the Kia Optima topped the D-segment sales chart there – the first Kia modelever to do so.

Withits third-generation of the Sportage, Kia has given the popular compact CUV acomplete makeover. The Sportage combines all the key off-road features –raised ground clearance, commanding driving position and heightened sense ofsecurity – with a sleek and urban-friendly design. In Europe, the mosteco-friendly version, the Sportage 1.7 CRDi 2WD featuring a start/stop system,achieves a CO2 emissions rating of just 135 g/km.

Winners to be presented at IAA motor show in Frankfurt

TheRat für Formgebung (German Design Council), organiser of the newly institutedAutomotive Brand Contest, was founded in 1953 as an initiative of the GermanFederal Parliament, and today counts among the world’s leading centersof excellence for communication and knowledge transfer inthe field of design.

Amongthe patrons of this independent institution are 170 companies from both Germany and abroad. With its competitions, such as Designpreis Deutschland (Germany’s highest official design award), its exhibitions, as well as its conferences,seminars and workshops, the German Design Council’s purpose is to spread theword about good industrial design to a broad public. The Automotive BrandContest is open to all companies in the automobile industry and their partners,in the supply industry and in the fields of design and brand communications.

Thisfirst year’s winners of the new competition will be presented with their awardsat the IAA in Frankfurt on Automotive Designers’ Night, 13 September 2011(first press day).

Source: [Kia Motors]

Kia Motors America expands sports marketing portfolio to include basketball All-Star Blake Griffin

2011-06-23T13:47:00.000-07:00

(SEOUL) June 22, 2011 -- Kia Motors America (KMA) is experiencing unprecedented growth – year-to-date sales are up an industry best 44.8 percent – and the company’s diverse sports marketing properties have driven dramatic increases in consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand.

Today, KMA announced a groundbreaking partnership with one of the most recognizable young players in professional basketball, Blake Griffin, who will serve as an official spokesperson for the Kia Motors brand around the world. The multi-year deal builds upon the memorable connection forged between Griffin and Kia Motors after he leaped over a new 2011 Optima midsize sedan to win the 2011 Sprite Slam Dunk competition and footage of the dunk was featured in Kia’s advertising. Griffin is the only current professional basketball player with a global marketing relationship with an automaker.

The partnership with Griffin increases Kia’s presence in professional basketball following the brand’s extension and expansion of its relationship with the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 2010.

In addition to being an “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA,” Kia is also the Official Automotive Partner of NBA All-Star, title partner of the Kia NBA Performance Awards, and an Official Automotive Partner of NBA Cares. Earlier this month, Kia became the presenting partner of the 2011 NBA Draft. Kia also has strategic partnerships with 13 NBA teams, including Griffin’s Los Angeles Clippers.

“Blake Griffin is one of the most exciting players in basketball and has proven that he is an all-star on and off the court with extraordinary talent and a youthful, dynamic style that matches the energy and spirit Kia puts into every vehicle it produces,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “With Kia’s U.S. market share at an all-time high and rising fast, we are more focused than ever before on continuing to raise the brand’s profile with highly-visible strategic partnerships, and expanding our presence in professional basketball by adding Blake Griffin as a global spokesperson will allow us to continue our momentum.”

In his role as a global spokesperson for Kia Motors, Griffin will support Kia Motors’ marketing programs and appear in the company’s advertising materials, make public appearances on behalf of the brand, and be involved in exclusive product promotions, social media engagements and philanthropic initiatives.

“Kia is a company on the rise and knows that to be the best you have to work the hardest,” said Griffin. “Kia's hard work has paid off and their great looking and fun-to-drive products are a testament to their burning desire to be the best. I trust the Kia brand and I’m honored and excited to partner with a company I truly believe in.”

Griffin joins Kia’s growing roster of sports initiatives, including basketball, women’s professional golf and motorsports that are designed to increase brand awareness among a new and more affluent group of consumers. Michelle Wie is the brand’s official golf ambassador and Kia is the title sponsor of the annual Kia Classic LPGA event in Southern California. Kia’s second-year U.S. racing program captured the company’s first-ever victory in the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge series in April.

Source: [Kia Motors]

2011-06-01T18:43:00.001-07:00

NISSAN JUKE EARNS TOP SAFETY PICK FROM IIHS

2011-05-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

05.26.2011 , FRANKLIN, Tenn.

The Nissan Juke joins the Nissan LEAF, Nissan Cube and Infiniti M37/M56 as Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2011 Top Safety Picks

Today, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2011 Nissan Juke a “Top Safety Pick” rating. The rating is given to vehicles that achieve the Institute’s highest rating of “Good” in front, rear and side impact protection as well as being equipped with electronic stability control and earn a good rating in roof strength. The Nissan Juke joins the Nissan LEAF Nissan Cube and Infiniti M37/M56 on the list of 2011 Top Safety Picks.

“Nissan’s commitment to safety and innovation is reflected in the Nissan Juke receiving the Top Safety Pick from IIHS,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America, Inc. “The Nissan Juke has a unique combination of motorsports-inspired design and unexpected levels of technology and safety features– all with a starting MSRP under $19,000.”

Every 2011 JUKE comes equipped with the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage, dual-threshold front air bags and seat belt and occupant classification sensors, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection, seat-mounted driver and front passenger side-impact supplemental air bags and front-seat Active Head Restraints. Other standard equipment includes LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS).

[source: Nissan]

2011-05-04T19:23:00.001-07:00

NISSAN LEAF WINS 2011 WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR

2011-04-27T09:09:00.001-07:00

Latest accolade for zero-emission vehicle comes at New York International Auto Show

Today, at the New York International Auto Show, the 100-percent electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF was named 2011 World Car of the Year, edging out the BMW 5-Series and the Audi A8 for the top spot. Today’s award is the latest in a string of accolades for the world’s first affordable mass-market, all-electric vehicle for the global market, which was also named European Car of the Year.

“It is a great joy that the world’s first, mass-marketed electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF, has won the prestigious award of 2011 World Car of the Year,” said Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “This accolade recognizes Nissan LEAF, a pioneer in zero-emission mobility, as comparable in its driving performance, quietness and superb handling to gas-powered cars. And it validates Nissan’s clear vision and the values of sustainable mobility that we want to offer to customers around the world.”

The World Car Awards jurors observed that, “The Leaf is the gateway to a brave new electric world from Nissan. This 5-seater, 5-door hatchback is the world's first, purpose-built, mass-produced electric car. It has a range of over 100 miles on a full charge claims Nissan, takes around 8 hours to recharge using 220-240V power supply and produces zero tailpipe emissions. Its low center of gravity produced sharp turn-in with almost no body roll and no understeer. The good news? It feels just like a normal car, only quieter.”

The World Car of the Year competition was launched in 2004, with winners chosen by a panel of automotive journalists from Asia, Europe and North America.

Nissan LEAF is available in Japan, the United States and select European markets and will be released in other global markets in 2012. The vehicle is currently built at Nissan’s Oppama, Japan plant. It also will be manufactured at the company’s Smyrna, Tenn., plant in the United States in late 2012 and at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom by early 2013.

Aiming to be the world leader in zero-emission vehicles, Nissan, with its Alliance partner, Renault, has formed partnerships with more than 90 governments, cities and other organizations around the world not only to develop and produce EV and lithium-ion batteries but also to promote sustainable mobility. Nissan is also taking a comprehensive approach to encourage to the world to more sustainable mobility such as improvement of charging service, infrastructure deployment, the promotion of the use of recycled materials and overall energy management system including second-life use of lithium-ion batteries.

2011-04-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

2011-04-07T17:51:00.001-07:00

¿Sera este el nuevo Nissan Versa?

2011-04-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

Nissan planea mostrarlo al mundo por primera vez a finales de abril. Estaremos pendientes a las fotos oficiales.

[fuente: World Car Fans]

Kia Naimo electric concept stars in Seoul

2011-03-31T06:20:00.000-07:00

(SEOUL) March 31, 2011 – Making its world premiere at the Seoul Motor Show today (Thursday), the Kia Naimo electric concept car combines Korean heritage with innovative modern features.

Taking its name from the Korean word “Ne-mo”, (pronounced ‘Neh-mo’, meaning ‘square shape’), the Naimo electric crossover utility vehicle (CUV) was conceived by Kia’s international design team in Seoul, and is characterized principally by its simple lines and solid, muscular stance.

The uncomplicated overall design is accentuated by a number of striking key details, such as the wraparound windscreen and asymmetric sunroof design, and the front and rear dot-style LED head- and positioning-lamps. This juxtaposition of simple and complex is a common trait of many traditional Korean arts and crafts. Asian Celadon-style pottery, in particular, was a major influence on the car’s styling – with the pottery’s asymmetric form lending itself to the sunroof design, and the typical jade coloring giving Naimo its unique exterior finish.

Kia’s design team also made use of innovative technology features to give the car a premium feel and to ensure the car’s exterior remained uncluttered. For example, Naimo has no traditional wiper blade on the windscreen – instead it employs a high-intensity air jet at the base of the windscreen that performs an ‘air wiper’ function. Conventional door mirrors have also been replaced with miniature cameras installed in the A-pillars.

Naimo’s interior was designed to evoke a strong sense of tranquility and features hand-crafted materials throughout. Korean oak is used to trim the interior door panels and the entire interior floor, Korean “Han-ji” paper is used for the head lining. Alongside these traditional elements sit modern features such as a TOLED (transparent organic light emitting diode) storming display instrument panel and full device connectivity.

“Naimo is a perfect balance of innovation, high-tech and Korean tradition. It was heavily inspired by the purity and grace of traditional Korean arts and crafts, but combines this with cutting edge technologies to deliver a truly premium experience,” comments Kia Motors’ Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.

The third electric vehicle design to be unveiled by Kia Motors Corporation in a year, the 3.9-meter long Naimo concept explores the practicalities of introducing a zero-emissions, five-door, four-seater city car into a future niche market.

Measuring 3,890 mm in length, the Naimo’s generous wheelbase, width and height (2,647, 1,844 and 1,589 mm respectively) – plus the short overhangs which place a wheel at each corner – ensure that the cabin provides exceptional head, leg and shoulder room for the occupants.

The concept car has no B-pillars and features rear-hinged rear doors to maximize easy access to the cabin, and a three-way split opening trunk, allows versatile access to the load bay for varying luggage sizes.

Power comes from a PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) electric motor with a maximum output of 80 kW (109 ps) and maximum torque of 280 Nm, enabling Naimo to reach a top speed of 150 kph (93 mph).

A twin-pack 27 kWh battery is located under the trunk floor and uses innovative LiPoly (Lithium Ion Polymer) technology that offers numerous advantages over other battery types. Equipped with this battery, Naimo provides a driving range of 200 km (124 miles) on a single charge. To enhance range, the showcar is fitted with special low-drag 20-inch diameter alloy wheels.

Under the quick recharging cycle (50 kW) the Naimo’s battery can be recharged to 80 percent of its capacity within 25 minutes. Under the normal cycle (3.3 kW), 100 percent power is attained after five and a half hours.

Naimo will join Kia’s growing test fleet of hybrid, electric and fuel-cell vehicles being extensively driven in widely varying conditions to develop future production models with zero or significantly reduced emissions.

Venga and POP pointed the electric way ahead

Also making their presence felt on Kia’s Seoul Motor Show stand will be the Venga and POP electric concepts unveiled by Kia last year at major international motor shows in Europe – the Venga at Geneva and the POP at Paris.

The Venga EV concept car was the same size as Kia’s regular B-segment MPV and feature an electric powertrain placed within the existing engine bay and a twin-pack 24 kWh battery located under the trunk floor.

Unconventional features of the POP – its side-window design, dot-pattern head and taillights, back-lit front grille, full-length glass roof, and simplistic looking wheels – all point to inspiration from outside the usual automotive spheres, such as gliders and high-speed bicycles.

Inside, the purple color scheme creates a calm and peaceful environment within the space-ship like three-seater cabin. Behind the front bench seat, the single rear seat is positioned at an offset angle, resulting in remarkable legroom for a 1,740 mm wide car with a wheelbase of just 2,055 mm.

Editor’s note: High resolution images of the Kia Naimo concept car can be downloaded from www.kia-buzz.com.

[source: Kia]

2011-03-17T07:57:00.001-07:00

Top honors for Kia Motors at red dot design awards

2011-03-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

(SEOUL) March 15, 2011 – Kia Motors has been awarded top honors in two categories at this year’s red dot product design competition in Germany.

The competition’s jury of respected international design experts bestowed coveted red dot awards on the Kia Sportage compact CUV and Kia Optima sedan. The judges also paid a special tribute to the new mid-size Kia Optima sedan, which claimed the 2011 red dot ‘best of the best’ title, the competition’s highest distinction, for which only the best products in each category are eligible.

These latest wins bring the number of Kia models to receive a red dot award to four – with the Kia Venga winning in 2010 and the Kia Soul in 2009. The Kia Optima and the new Sportage also won 2011 iF product design awards last December.

“We are extremely proud of the red dot awards for the new Kia Optima and Sportage. They are a great acknowledgement of the hard work of our international design teams and an endorsement of our design strategy,” says Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer, Kia Motors Corporation. “Naturally, we are particularly thrilled about the ‘best of the best’ award for our new sedan. The Kia Optima exudes a bold, athletic energy and its blend of simple and fluid lines and elegant but uncomplicated shapes draw the attention of the eye in much the same fashion as a perfectly tailored, fine Italian suit.”

Senior Executive Vice President & COO of Kia Motors Corporation, Thomas Oh, underlines the significance of design in terms of Kia’s market position. “These red dot design awards are a fantastic success for our brand. They represent yet another independent endorsement of the groundbreaking design and excellent value for money Kia vehicles offer. The special award for the Kia Optima, in particular, will surely add momentum to the ongoing launch our new sedan in the highly competitive D-segment across the globe.”

Coveted worldwide: the red dot award

The red dot product design awards are one of the world’s major design contests and have been held by the Design Centre of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany since 1955. This year, about 1,700 manufacturers from 60 countries, working across a variety of product sectors, vied for the awards with a total of 4,433 product entries.

The judging was entrusted to an international jury of highly respected design experts who scrutinized and tested the products, and judged them according to criteria such as their level of innovation, functionality, ergonomics, durability, ecological compatibility and intuitive handling. Only products featuring the highest standard of design are eligible for the coveted red dot awards.

2011-03-03T05:44:00.003-08:00

2011 Kia Optima Earns Five-star Crash Safety Rating from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the USA

2011-03-03T05:44:00.001-08:00

(SEOUL) March 3, 2011 - The all-new 2011 Kia Optima midsize sedan has achieved an overall five-star crash safety rating – the highest possible score – after attaining five stars in each of the overall ratings categories in the latest crash tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s NHTSA. Already a recipient of a “Top Safety Pick” award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Optima offers consumers exceptional levels of standard safety equipment and technologies.

“The 2011 Optima incorporates some of Kia’s most advanced safety technologies with head-turning style, performance and comfort to provide consumers with high value and peace-of-mind,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of Kia Motors America (KMA) and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). “As the first Korean-built vehicle to be awarded a five-star crash safety rating under NHTSA’s new, stricter guidelines, Optima creates a new benchmark in the segment and underscores Kia’s commitment to offering consumers the highest levels of quality and safety in all of our vehicles.”

In all, 24 passenger cars, 20 sport utility vehicles, two vans, and nine 2011 model year pickups were rated under the new system that not only includes tougher crash tests, but, for the first time, provides consumers with a single overall safety score per vehicle. The new testing program also provides consumers with information about new advanced crash avoidance technologies, such as lane departure and forward collision warning systems.

The 2011 Optima comes equipped with a high level of standard safety features, including: six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), ESC, a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard.

Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, the 2011 Optima offers a wide array of convenience and luxury as well as impressive technology features like an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks and standard Bluetooth® wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones.

[source : Kia]

2011-02-28T18:52:00.001-08:00

First photos of all-new Kia Rio released

2011-02-11T05:15:00.000-08:00

(SEOUL) February 11, 2011 – Kia Motors Corporation has today revealed the first official photos of the forthcoming next generation Rio, which boasts a bold and distinctive personality, bringing the newcomer in line with the rest of Kia’s striking design-led model range.

Tasked with the difficult job of improving upon the remarkable international sales success of the previous generation model, the new Kia Rio will be available in three body styles (with 3-, 4- or 5-doors, depending on market), and has been designed to appeal to customers all around the world.

New Rio has its own interpretation of Kia’s signature grille, integrated with the headlamps to give a new twist on the Kia family look. In profile, the body to glass ratio and its strong wedge form give new Rio a dynamic sporty stance. The balance of the window graphic, wheelbase and overall proportions generates a ‘premium presence’ which is rare in this segment. Overall, new Rio combines European finesse with Korean spice to create a form language that communicates Latin flair.

The new model features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm (to 2,570 mm) and promises greater passenger space and comfort, together with increased cargo capacity to 292 liters (hatchback) and 390 liters (sedan). Exterior dimensions changes include: +55 mm (overall length), -15 mm (height) and +25 mm (overall width) to enhance the feeling of sportiness.

Inside, the new model will deliver a high level of quality previously associated with larger models – together with a wide selection of trim options.

Kia’s B-segment newcomer will be manufactured with an extensive range of six fuel-efficient and low-CO₂ engines – from a 1.1-liter diesel unit generating 70 ps in Europe, up to a 1.6-liter GDI gasoline engine producing 140 ps for North America – with the powertrain selection tailored to best suit individual markets and local consumer preferences. An all-new, high-performance 1.2-liter Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) will also be available in Europe from 2012.

Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corporation, added: “This new model is a big step forward. The Rio has always been successful, and with this new incarnation we have a car which is extremely attractive, that people will want to buy for its looks.” Since its launch in 2005, global sales of the current-generation Rio have totalled more than 860,000 units. It was the company’s third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 219,000 units.

The world premiere of the new Kia Rio will be celebrated at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 – alongside another all-new product for Kia, the next generation Picanto city car – during its press conference, taking place at 16.15 (CET) on the Kia stand in Hall 6. Also being displayed at Geneva, and making its European debut, is the innovative hybrid version of Kia’s stunning Optima sedan, scheduled to go on sale in the US market later this year.

[source:Kia Motors]

One Epic Ride

2011-02-04T11:17:00.001-08:00

Triplets!

2011-01-31T17:40:00.000-08:00

2011-01-26T16:56:00.000-08:00

Kia Motors returns to the Super Bowl with “Epic” spot

2011-01-25T05:22:00.000-08:00

(SEOUL) January 25, 2011 – Following the success of its Super Bowl advertising debut last year, Kia Motors America (KMA) is returning to the big game with a fully integrated and interactive marketing campaign incorporating TV, digital, print, social media and in-dealership components to introduce the all-new 2011 Optima midsize sedan. At the center of the initiative is a new 60-second spot that will air in the first quarter of Super Bowl XLV titled “One Epic Ride,” and Kia will extend the campaign by giving away up to five Optimas through its “One Epic Contest,” which challenges American consumers to solve a series of puzzles using clues provided in pre-Super Bowl and game day advertisements and social media postings.

“2010 was a historic year for Kia, including our best-ever U.S. sales and our first Super Bowl commercial, and it was an easy decision to return to the game this year to build on the brand’s momentum with the arrival of the all-new 2011 Optima,” said Michael Sprague, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, KMA. “The first phase of the Optima launch promised that this vehicle is ‘not your average midsize sedan,’ and we knew we had to deliver something big for this year’s Super Bowl to give this eye-catching vehicle the attention it deserves, while at the same time generating fun and genuine interactions with consumers before, during and after the Super Bowl.”

In addition to the spot and contest, Kia’s Super Bowl plan includes additional elements such as partnering with SocialVibe to create a Kia-branded social media game, providing consumers with a valuable test drive incentive and several homepage takeover ads following the game.

Optima Super Bowl Spot

In “One Epic Ride,” people across space and time – from a police officer and an international villain to aliens and an ancient chief – will go to great lengths to snatch the all-new Optima from the clutches of others and put themselves behind the wheel. The eye-catching Optima becomes an object of desire, and even Poseidon, the king of the sea, does his best to get his hands on the car.

Created by David&Goliath, “One Epic Ride” demonstrates the extreme measures people will go to get their hands on a midsize sedan that defies the conventions of the segment with a combination of striking design, exhilarating performance and outstanding value not found anywhere else in the category.

“Last year we realized the tremendous impact Super Bowl advertising could have on our brand with more than 100 million people watching the game,” said Sprague. “This year we’ve expanded our thinking to go beyond simply delivering a memorable spot in an effort to extend the reach and scale of our efforts to promote the all-new Optima, which is like nothing else in the traditionally boring and mundane midsize segment.”

[source: KIA MOTORS]

Kia fleet helps keep Australian Open 2011 on the moveKia fleet helps keep Australian Open 2011 on the move

2011-01-17T04:48:00.001-08:00

Kia fleet helps keep Australian Open 2011 on the move

- Number of vehicles provided for Australian Open tournaments over 10 years of sponsorship totals 909

- More than 300,000 kilometers expected to be clocked by specially-trained volunteer drivers

- On- and off-line Kia related events round out the Australian Open 2011 experience

(SEOUL) January 17, 2011 – As the major sponsor of the Australian Open 2011, Kia Motors handed over a fleet of 101 specially-equipped official tournament vehicles to Tennis Australia during a ceremony in Melbourne on Friday attended by executives from Kia Motors Australia and Tennis Australia, as well as Kia’s global brand ambassador, Rafael Nadal. This year celebrates Kia’s 10^th consecutive sponsorship of the Australian Open and the ceremony brought the tally of Kia vehicles provided to the tournament over the last decade to 909.

Accepting the Kia Courtesy Fleet on behalf of Tennis Australia, Tennis Australia CEO Steve Wood acknowledged the importance of the Kia cars to the logistic success of the Australian Open. “Kia Motors makes a huge contribution to the running of the Australian Open and I am once again very pleased to accept this courtesy fleet.”

The fleet of vehicles on location this year, the Kia Sedona (Carnival) people mover, all-new Sportage and Sorento CUVs, all-new Optima sedan and Cerato (Forte) 5-door hatchback models, will transport players, officials and VIPs to matches and other activities throughout the grand slam tournament. “The sight of the Kia fleet ferrying players, media and officials around Melbourne is synonymous with the Australian Open and contributes to the tangible excitement and buzz that the event brings to the city of Melbourne,” Mr. Wood concluded.

“As a proud sponsor of the Open, we are providing an opportunity for athletes, volunteers and guests to experience the excitement of the tournament with relative ease, while providing them with the opportunity to experience the excitement with Kia vehicles,” said Kia Motors Australia President and CEO M.K. Kim.

The Kia courtesy fleet will be driven by approximately 20 specially trained volunteer drivers who expect to clock more than 300,000 kilometres over thousands of journeys during the Australian Open 2011.

In addition to supplying vehicles, the Kia Fan of the Day and Fan of the Tournament events are in their fifth year. Every day, a Kia Fan of the Day will be chosen as the most creatively dressed or painted fan and be projected on giant screens in Rod Laver Arena then put to online votes on the Australian Open website (www.australianopen.com). Each winner of the Fan of the Day will be awarded a digital camera and entered into the Kia Fan of the Australian Open 2011 to compete for the grand prize of an LCD television.

“Kia Motors’ long-term partnership will, no doubt, continue to delight and excite Australian Open fans. Kia’s commitment to quality and fun is demonstrated clearly through its sponsorship, and we are thrilled that Kia Motors will invigorate this year’s tournament with new and exciting competitions for fans, a critical element of the tournament,” said Mr. Wood of Kia’s partnership with Tennis Australia.

Another online contest prior to the tournament was held through Kia’s official Facebook fan page (www.Facebook.com/KiaMotorsWorldwide), whereby two winners were granted an all-expenses paid trip for two to the Australian Open. Winners submitted stories which were selected by Kia personnel to be put to an online vote through Facebook. Winners will join in the Kia Lucky Drive to Australia tour in late January. Kia distributors in 23 countries selected lucky customers for the Kia Lucky Drive to Australia tour. Customers will have access to one men’s and one women’s semifinal match, a behind-the-scenes tour of Melbourne Park and a Melbourne city tour.

Kia also continues to support grassroots tennis through the Kia Amateur Australian Open. “Through Tennis Australia, Kia supports the junior coaching program to help identify and develop the next generation of Australian Open stars,” said Mr. Kim. “The Kia Amateur Australian Open is an annual opportunity for a young player to share in the excitement of the main event playing against qualifiers from 15 other countries in the second week of the Australian Open.”

Kia live sites will continue to give fans in Sydney and Melbourne the opportunity to view the tournament. In addition, Kia will host marquee activities at the Grand Slam Oval equipped with a Kia car display and other promotional activities to expand the Kia brand experience for tournament attendees. Throughout the tournament, Kia vehicles will be displayed around Melbourne Park, alongside the Grand Slam Oval, Kia experience kiosks and Kia face painting stalls.

[source: Kia Motors]

Next generation Rio marks next big step in Kia’s design revolution

2011-01-12T04:52:00.000-08:00

Next generation Rio marks next big step in Kia’s design revolution

(SEOUL) January 12, 2011 – The first official sketches of the next generation Kia Rio revealed today (Wednesday) show a powerful, bold design that marks “the next big step” in the company’s ongoing design revolution.

Longer, lower and wider than the existing Rio, the new model is designed to inject emotional appeal into the B-segment, targeting progressive, energetic consumers in the 25-to-49 age range.

Described by Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, as ‘sporty and elegant’, the B-segment newcomer has a swept-back profile and a character line rising out of the front wheel which gives it a sense of movement and fluidity, even when stationary. Inside, new Rio will offer a feeling of quality typically associated with larger, more expensive models.

“Downsizing is becoming more and more of a trend these days and a B-segment car as attractive as all-new Rio, with its driver-oriented cabin and interior trim options, will no doubt help consumers to be more comfortable making that switch. New Rio is the ‘next big step’ in Kia’s design revolution and we anticipate this model becoming even more popular than the current vehicle,” comments Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corporation.

The new Kia Rio will make its global debut at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday, March 1, 2011.

The current Kia Rio was the company’s third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 205,000 units.

[source: KIA MOTORS]

Kia KV7 concept showcases future vision for the van segment

2011-01-10T16:47:00.000-08:00

Kia KV7 concept showcases future vision for the van segment

- Concept car with gullwing door, tabletop computer and lounge-like seating debuts at 2011 North American International Auto Show

- Kia’s Southern California design team builds on the Soul’s philosophy of “embracing the box”

- KV7 delivers maximum functionality and brings SUV-like qualities to the van segment

(SEOUL) January 11, 2011 – Kia Motors’ design-led transformation has delivered eye-catching vehicles such as the Soul, Forte Koup, Sorento and Sportage that bear strong resemblances to the concept cars that preceded them and today at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, the brand’s U.S. design studio unveiled its latest design statement – the “KV7” concept. Conceived as a modern-day “activity van,” the KV7 concept challenges the notion that vans are strictly for family transportation and reveals a vision for a vehicle with the functionality to transport a large number of people and their belongings while also serving as a connected social hub for groups of friends and adventure-seekers.

The KV7 concept’s design stands in sharp contrast to the dramatically raked windshields and wedge-shaped noses found throughout the van segment, and builds on the philosophy of “embracing the box” established by Kia’s funky Soul urban passenger vehicle to create a unique and alluring design language that brings SUV-like qualities to the segment.

“From the outset, we felt the category was in need of an honest reassessment due to the fact that everyone seems so desperate to attach the word ‘sporty’ to their minivan, even though vans, at their very core are simply a box,” said Tom Kearns, Chief Designer, Kia Motors America. “Rather than reject the box we chose to celebrate it, just like we did with the Soul, and the result is a straightforward yet sophisticated vehicle that retains the functionality vans are known for and meets the changing and diverse needs of today’s consumers.”

Modern, Confident Exterior

Kia Motors’ design-led transformation has infused emotion and passion into the brand’s lineup of new and recently introduced vehicles; inspiration for the KV7 concept was found in the simplicity of elegant box shapes such as sleek smart phones and classic pieces of luggage. The KV7’s wide stance is paired with an A-pillar and windshield design that is less vertical than traditional minivans; its smooth exterior skin and 20-inch wheels exude a modern appearance while projecting the confidence and strength of an SUV.

The KV7 concept’s most striking feature is its passenger-side gullwing door, which creates a massive point-of-entry to the lounge-like interior when opened in conjunction with the pillar-less front passenger door.

The KV7 concept’s inviting face is highlighted by an interpretation of Kia’s signature bold tabbed grille with vertical LED headlamps integrated within the design to create a clean, smooth look. The KV7 features several LED lighting elements that Kia’s design team is evaluating for future production vehicles, including a continuous line of LED fog lights that span the entire front end of the vehicle and directional turn indicators on the outside mirrors and the rear of the vehicle that pulse in the direction being signaled.

The KV7 concept’s distinctive windshield follows the unique designs found on the new Sportage CUV and Optima midsize sedan. A series of near-continuous windows starting at the A-pillar provide uninterrupted views for a day at the beach or a night out on the town. Despite its non-traditional look, the KV7’s length (191.85 in.), width (80.0 in.) and wheelbase (122.0 in.) are consistent with the van segment allowing for flexible seating configurations and a multitude of storage options.

Open, Relaxed Interior

In the process of rethinking what a van’s exterior appearance and image could be, Kia’s Southern California design team also envisioned an interior to meet the needs of an entirely new group of consumers – a group of people referred to as “Ringleaders.” Rather than using a van to transport children and their accompaniments, Ringleaders are busy organizing road trips, social outings and new adventures for themselves and their friends to experience together. As such, the KV7 concept’s interior employs four custom-built swiveling seats, including the driver’s seat, and a rear-corner mini-lounge with seating for three and integrated storage compartments to promote interaction in an open social environment.

The simple yet sophisticated theme is brought to life inside the KV7 concept through its modern color palette featuring soft beige and green tones and the use of unique seat and surface materials. The KV7 utilizes a variety of unconventional textures, including reclaimed teak wood flooring and sustainable wool and felt materials help to foster a warm and inviting atmosphere.

When the KV7 concept’s push button start is engaged, the entire front dash moves more than six inches toward the driver, bringing all controls within easy reach, including the large multi-use display which integrates infotainment, climate and navigation systems in one simple-to-use interface controlled by a trackball mouse mounted in the dash. Rear passengers have their own, separate interface in the form of a floating tabletop touch-screen computer display. The KV7 is Wi-Fi enabled, providing both the front and rear displays with Internet capabilities and the ability for multiple passengers to connect their smart phones to the vehicle at one time and sign on to social networking sites.

Building on the experimental use of LED lighting elements found on the exterior, the KV7’s concept’s interior also features multiple flush-to-the-floor accent illumination points and standout green LED lighting throughout the front dash, instrument panel and rear display area to compliment the vehicle’s color palette.

The final element that separates the KV7 concept from the rest of the minivan crowd can be found under the hood – the concept is powered by Kia’s new Theta II 2.0-liter GDI turbocharged engine which is capable of delivering up to 285 horsepower, and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission to deliver V6-type power and performance while achieving better than 30 miles per gallon on the highway*.

Kia KV7 Concept Specifications & Features

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 191.85 in. (4873mm)

Width: 80.0 in. (2033mm)

Height: 68.1 in. (1729mm)

Wheelbase: 122.0 in. (3100mm)

Wheels & Tires

Wheels: P255/45R20

Tires: 20-in.

Exterior Features

- Wide stance, smooth exterior skin and 20-inch wheels

- A-pillar and windshield design that is less vertical than traditional minivans

- Passenger-side gullwing door which creates a massive point-of-entry to when opened in conjunction with the pillar-less front passenger door

- A continuous line of LED fog lights that span the entire front end of the vehicle

- LED Directional turn indicators on the outside mirrors and the rear of the vehicle that pulse in the direction being signaled

- Interpretation of Kia’s signature bold tabbed grille with vertical LED headlamps integrated within the design

- A distinctive windshield and series of near-continuous windows starting at the A-pillar for maximum visibility

Interior Features

- Four custom-built swiveling seats, including the driver’s seat

- Rear-corner mini-lounge with seating for three

- Integrated storage compartments

- Modern color palette featuring soft beige and green tones

- Unique seat and surface materials

- Variety of unconventional textures, including reclaimed teak wood flooring and sustainable wool and felt materials

- Front dash moves more than six inches toward the driver when push button start is engaged

- Large multi-use display which integrates infotainment, climate and navigation systems in one simple-to-use interface controlled by a trackball mouse mounted in the dash

- Rear floating tabletop touch-screen computer display

- Wi-Fi enabled cabin

- Ability for multiple passengers to connect their smart phones simultaneously

- Multiple flush-to-the-floor accent illumination points and standout green LED lighting throughout the front dash, instrument panel and rear display area

Driving Functions

- New Theta II 2.0-liter GDI turbocharged engine

- Up to 285 horsepower

- Six-speed automatic transmission

- V6-type power and performance while maximizing fuel efficiency

(source: Kia Motors)

Next generation Kia Picanto - a design that's small but grown-up

2011-01-04T07:33:00.000-08:00

Next generation Kia Picanto – a design that’s small but grown-up

- Kia releases first official photos of ‘mature’ and ‘sculpted’ new model

- Next generation model to be offered in two body styles with four all-new powertrains

- Production vehicle to be revealed at 2011 Geneva Motor Show

(SEOUL) January 4, 2011 – Kia Motors Corporation has released the first official photos of the next generation Picanto city car, which now offers a bolder, more mature and more self confident look.

Completely redesigned and re-engineered, the new car has grown in overall length and wheelbase and is set to redefine its position as one of the most competitive vehicles in its segment.

Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, said, “In profile, new Picanto features significant sculpting and a very prominent rising character line. The result is a layering of light and shadow and this breaks up the height, giving the car a more sure-footed stance.”

While the current Picanto is available only as a five-door hatchback, the next generation version will be offered as a five-door globally while a sportier three-door body style will also be marketed in Europe.

The new Picanto will feature four all-new powertrains in 1.0- and 1.2-liter displacements, all boasting class leading CO₂emissions levels. In addition to petrol engines, LPG bi-fuel and flex fuel variations will be available depending on market.

The next generation Picanto will be officially unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2011.

(source: Kia Motors)

New Optima turbo press introduction - KIA BUZZ

2010-12-30T06:38:00.000-08:00

New Optima turbo press introduction (source: kia buzz)

December 30th, 2010 Posted in Communications,Kia Vehicles

By Kia BUZZ Editorial Team

Hello everyone! Today we’d like to share some images and Q&A from the New Optima turbo press introduction held in Miami and LA in December. The U.S. media test drive was prepared for journalists to give them a chance to experience Optima’s powerful new turbo powertrain on an actual motor speedway, freeways, the Pacific Coast Highway and tight and twisting canyon roads. The Optima turbo is the first high-performance sedan launched by Kia and we are sure that many of our fans in blogosphere want to know more about this exciting new vehicle from Kia Motors. So here are some of the questions we received from journalists along with answer from Kia.

Do you feel that you have to educate buyers on turbo technology since most have the idea that turbos deliver shorter engine life and lower fuel economy?

Yes, there is an education process with consumers for a turbo engine. Turbos now can mean more power and better fuel economy, and getting that across to consumers means educating buyers on a dealer level, on Kia.com, etc. Other OEMs also assist by getting the same message across with their turbo offerings.
Did you perform an over-rev test?
Yes, all OEMs target red-lining. Our red-line is 6500; we tested at 6800 for over 20 hours.
How do you get around the four-cylinder bias?
On top of offering better fuel economy with just as much power as other V6s, we get around the “mental block” of a four-cylinder by getting people behind the wheel and testing the car themselves. We conducted blind powertrain studies that showed that almost every consumer chose the four-cylinder over the competitive V6s. Also, we offer ride-and-drive opportunities at all major auto shows and other experiential events around the country to get consumers in the car to test it before they get to the dealers.

Any different maintenance expected between a normally aspirated engine and the turbo?
In general, no. Turbos have a recommended maintenance interval of 6,000 miles.
How will heat affect the performance?
We don’t expect any affect. The intercooler system on the Turbo is extremely efficient.
This is something we were concerned about and addressed from the beginning.
Do you have 0-60 figure yet?
A: Not officially.

How does this Turbo fit with the introduction of the Sportage Turbo?
Optima Turbo will go on sale first and the Sportage Turbo will be available during the
first quarter of 2011. The Sportage Turbo also will be calibrated differently and likely
offer slightly lower horsepower than the Optima Turbo.
Is the suspension tuned differently than the base Optima model?
The dampers are weighted to give more damping, and the steering was turned to be a
little more responsive than the base model.
What is the difference between the Sonata Turbo and Optima Turbo?
The powertrain is shared, however we have different equipment than Sonata, including larger front disk brakes, available panoramic sunroof, HID headlights and LED tail lamps. The biggest difference between the two is the tuning, including NVH, suspension, steering feel, etc. Optima Turbo is tuned to be sportier and more responsive, appealing to Kia’s core demographic.
There was no mention of M/T for the Turbo, is it only A/T?
Yes, it’s only available in A/T.
What was the rationale of offering no M/T?
Most competitive V6’s also are A/T only, and looking at the market and consumer demands, there just isn’t as much desire for a M/T anymore.
Are the interior volume dimensions the same as Sonata?
They are similar; Optima’s interior volume is a little less than the 120 cubic feet in total.
Where is the Optima built and how many units will be built?
Optima is built in Korea. It is a global product first launching in Korea, followed by the U.S. Demand has exceeded supply and we are trying to get as many here as we can.

2010-12-28T05:39:00.000-08:00

2010-12-24T12:27:00.000-08:00

Kia Motors to unveil KV7 concept car at 2011 North American International Auto Show

2010-12-24T05:36:00.000-08:00

(SEOUL) December 24, 2010 – For the past several years Kia Motors’ design-led transformation has been delivering production vehicles – such as the Soul, Forte (Cerato) Koup and Sportage – that bear a very close resemblance to the original concept designs that preceded them. At the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Kia will make another dramatic design statement with the world debut of an all-new, convention-challenging concept vehicle named “KV7”.

(source: Kia Motors)

2011 KIA OPTIMA AND SORENTO NAMED CONSUMER GUIDE® AUTOMOTIVE "BEST BUYS"

2010-12-22T13:44:00.000-08:00

New Generation Kia Vehicles Continue Dramatic Brand Transformation

* Optima selected for fresh styling and all-new hybrid option
* Sorento recognized for ride and handling characteristics and
standard safety features

IRVINE, Calif., December 20, 2010 - Following a year of sales records and notable awards and accolades, Kia Motors America (KMA) added to the brand's trophy collection this week with Consumer Guide Automotive's "Best Buy" designations for the 2011 Optima in the midsize car category and the 2011 Sorento in the midsize SUV category. In addition, the 2011 Sportage received the Consumer Guide Automotive "Recommended" designation. Each vehicle was evaluated on price, features, performance, accommodations, fuel economy, reliability records and resale value.

"Receiving three awards from Consumer Guide Automotive reflects Kia's growing presence in the U.S. market and is a direct result of the brand's ongoing design led transformation," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "Continuing into 2011 with the arrival of the brand's first turbocharged and hybrid vehicles in the U.S., Kia will continue to meet consumer's evolving needs and deliver on the company's philosophy of delivering vehicles with high levels of style, quality and value."

Before selecting the "Best Buy" and "Recommended" picks, editors at Consumer Guide Automotive test drive more than 150 new vehicles each year. The annual list is designed to make car buying easier for any consumer and represents the best overall value in 18 distinct vehicle categories. A team of 10 editors evaluates vehicles to ensure that recommendations are based on experiences that best reflect the settings and conditions that car buyers encounter every day. The vehicles are tested to reflect a typical car buyers' daily needs, including driving through the city, highways, rural areas, long trips and picking up the kids at school.

The all-new 2011 Optima, which stars as the Official Vehicle of the NBA, advances Kia Motors' design-led transformation with completely new and stunning design characteristics, highlighted by a dynamic and streamlined profile that conveys elegance and athletic confidence from every angle. The all-new Optima's three new powertrains – including the brand's first-ever turbo and hybrid engines (available next year) in the U.S. – deliver a class leading combination of power1 and fuel economy2 while the sedan's spacious cabin is outfitted with the latest technology features and luxury amenities. Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, the 2011 Optima features a starting price of MSRP of $18,9953.

The 2011 Sorento, the first vehicle to roll off the line at Kia's new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia*, encompasses both the brand's signature design cues as well as its distinct combination of value, safety and style. The 2011 Sorento, which has been Kia's best-selling vehicle each month since going on sale in early January, offers consumers a well-equipped, well-appointed CUV, suited perfectly for the fun, dynamic and discerning driver. Available in LX, EX and SX trim levels, the 2011 Sorento features a starting MSRP of $22,3954.

The all-new 2011 Sportage CUV, Kia's dynamic compact CUV, offers image-, safety- and value-conscious consumers increased levels of performance and efficiency, comfort and convenience, the latest in-vehicle technologies incorporated into all of Kia's latest new vehicles and an abundance of standard safety features. Retaining the functionality and versatility of the previous generation model, the 2011 Sportage also offers a sleek, modern and boldly styled package with new proportions and a completely new look. "2010 Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the all-new CUV received top ratings from IIHS for front, side, rollover and rear impact protection. Available in Base, LX and EX trims, the 2011 Sportage features a starting MSRP of $18,2955.

For more information about the Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy and Recommended Awards, visit http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2011-best-buy-and-recommended-awards.htm.

Design-Led Transformation and Product Line

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share. With three new vehicle introductions and several other key initiatives planned for 2010, Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technologies. The launches of the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, the first vehicle to be assembled at Kia's first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, and all-new 2011 Sportage compact CUV, further enhance the lineup, and are both available in retail showrooms.

(source:kia.com)

NISSAN LEAF POWER SYSTEM NAMED TO WARD'S ‘10 BEST ENGINES’NISSAN LEAF POWER SYSTEM NAMED TO WARD'S ‘10 BEST ENGINES’

2010-12-22T13:41:00.000-08:00

100% electric drive system is first zero-emission winner in award’s history

Ward’s today announced that Nissan LEAF’s 100-percent electric, zero-emission drive system is included on its prestigious ‘10 Best Engines’ list for 2011. It is the first time in the 17-year history of the magazine’s ‘10 Best Engines’ that the selection committee has chosen a power system which doesn’t have an engine and will never burn a drop of gasoline.

“We engineered Nissan LEAF to have drive characteristics that would impress drivers, whether you’re comparing it with other electric vehicles or those powered by internal combustion engines,” said Carlos Tavares, Chairman, Nissan Americas. “The inclusion of Nissan LEAF in Ward’s ‘10 Best Engines’ demonstrates that the Nissan LEAF can compete with all top vehicles, no matter the propulsion system.”

For 2011, 38 competitors were considered, marking the largest group in the history of the award. The competition included both naturally aspirated and forced induction internal combustion engines, diesels, hybrid electrics and the all-electric Nissan LEAF. The editors evaluated the vehicles based on horsepower and torque; noise, vibration and harshness; the engine’s technical attributes; and their relevance among direct rivals.

The all-new Nissan LEAF features a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor powered by a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery manufactured at the Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC) operation in Zama, Japan, which is a joint-venture of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and NEC Corporation. Both motor and inverter have been developed by Nissan, and the power system generates 107 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. The power is transferred to the wheels through a single-speed reduction gear.

Unlike a conventional internal combustion engine, Nissan LEAF delivers maximum torque from start, providing smooth, consistent acceleration. Performance in the low-to-medium speed range is equivalent to that of a vehicle powered by a V6 gasoline engine. This power system provides a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience consistent with consumers’ expectations for traditional, gasoline-powered vehicles.

The 2011 Nissan LEAF goes on sale this month in selected markets in the United States and will be available nationwide in 2012.

The awards will be presented at a Jan. 12, 2011 ceremony in Detroit during the North American International Auto Show. A full story on the ‘Ward's 10 Best Engines’ is now available on WardsAuto.com.

(source:www.nissannews.com)

100% ELECTRIC NISSAN LEAF IS 2011 EUROPEAN CAR OF THE YEAR

2010-12-22T13:39:00.001-08:00

-- First electric vehicle to win the prestigious award --

In a historic moment for Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and zero emission vehicles, the 100% electric Nissan LEAF was awarded 2011 European Car of the Year.

The world’s first mass-marketed, affordable, zero-emission vehicle for the global market beat 40 contenders to win motoring’s most important accolade. This is the first time in the 47-year history of the annual competition that the award has gone to an electric vehicle. Nissan LEAF’s rivals included vehicles from brands such as Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, Opel/Vauxhall and Volvo. The jury included 57 leading motoring journalists from 23 European countries.

“The jury acknowledged today that the Nissan LEAF is a breakthrough for electric cars. Nissan LEAF is the first EV that can match conventional cars in many respects,” said Håkan Matson, President of the Jury, Car of the Year.

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.’s President and CEO Carlos Ghosn said: “This award recognizes the pioneering zero-emission Nissan LEAF as competitive to conventional cars in terms of safety, performance, spaciousness and handling. It also reflects Nissan’s standing as an innovative and exciting brand with a clear vision of the future of transportation, which we call sustainable mobility. With three other electric vehicles in the pipeline from Nissan – and with the imminent market introduction of four additional electric vehicles from our Alliance partner Renault – Nissan LEAF represents a significant first step toward a zero-emission future.”

Nissan LEAF is powered by a compact electric motor in the front of the car, which drives the front wheels. The AC motor develops 80 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque, enough for a maximum speed of 145 km/h (90 mph). The electric motor is powered by a Nissan-developed laminated lithium-ion battery with an output of more than 90 kW. The car has a range of 175 km (New European Driving Cycle) between charges making it a practical proposition for many urban drivers.

The vehicle is fully equipped with features such as regenerating braking, air conditioning, satellite navigation, parking camera and advanced on-board IT and telematics systems. Innovative connectivity will allow an owner to set charging functions to monitor the car's current state of charge and the remaining battery capacity, as well as to heat or cool the interior of the car remotely via mobile phone or computer. The Nissan LEAF will be available in five colors in Europe - blue metallic and pearl, white pearl, silver metallic, black solid and red pearl. The single option is a solar panel mounted in the rear spoiler that supports charging of the car's 12V battery used for powering accessories.

Deliveries in Japan and the United States begin this December. In Europe, deliveries start in early 2011 to Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands. The zero-emission car is currently being built in Japan, but will also be produced in North America and Europe when new manufacturing facilities open in late 2012 and early 2013.

Nissan’s innovative thinking extends beyond zero-emission mobility. Under the PURE DRIVE label, Nissan manufactures an extended line-up of environmentally friendly, internal combustion engine vehicles offering class-leading fuel efficiency supported by advanced green technologies. In Europe, the company will soon launch an advanced petrol-electric hybrid luxury sedan wearing the Infiniti badge, while hugely popular crossover vehicles, such as Nissan Qashqai and Nissan Juke, have created new and exciting vehicle segments dominated by Nissan. Next year will also see the arrival of the fourth generation Nissan Micra powered by a supercharged version of an all-new 1.2-litre three cylinder direct injection petrol engine with an Idling Stop system to offer spirited performance and CO2 emissions of just 95g/km.

Nissan has won the CoTY award in Europe before. In 1993, the UK-built Nissan Micra became the first car from a Japanese automaker to win the accolade and started Europe’s love affair with the little car that continues today with the recent launch of the newest Nissan Micra model.

(source: www.nissannews.com)

Nissan Quest, Murano CrossCabriolet and Ellure Concept Make World Debuts at L.A. Auto Show

2010-12-22T13:38:00.001-08:00

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today presented the world debuts of three dramatic new vehicles during a press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show – the 2011 Nissan Quest Minivan, the 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet and the Nissan Ellure Concept. All three vehicles, along with the new Nissan LEAF™ electric vehicle, will be on display at the Los Angeles Convention Center from Friday, Nov. 19th through Sunday, Nov. 28th. Nissan reached its target of 20,000 Nissan LEAF reservations in September, with the first customer deliveries set for December 10th.

The Quest and Murano CrossCabriolet are both scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in early 2011, while the Ellure Concept is a design exploration of a new Nissan sedan design language. Also revealed at the show was the 2012 Nissan GT-R supercar, with revised styling and performance modifications that bring its horsepower rating to a full 530 hp. It also will be available in early 2011.

“Innovation is Nissan’s core belief and it has driven us to create some of the most iconic cars on the road,” said Nissan Americas Chairman Carlos Tavares. “Innovation can be as simple as turning old water bottles onto new seats, as complex as squeezing 530 horsepower out of a 3.8-liter V6, or as life changing as never having to buy another gallon of gasoline again.”

Innovation Three Ways
The three show debut vehicles represent three unique visions of innovation. The all-new 2011 Nissan Quest represents a celebration of family life – and a forum for innovative ideas designed to make the toughest job in the world, parenting, a little easier. The boldly styled Quest features one-touch side doors, quick release fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats, a permanent rear storage well, Dual Panel Sliding Moonroof and Advanced Climate Control System, to name just a few items.

“With this new design, Quest makes a strong statement in terms of style, user friendliness, family functionality and utility,” said Tavares. “A true ‘parents’ car’ that both Mom and Dad will enjoy, it's innovation that makes the impossible possible.”

Like Quest, the stunning 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet breaks new ground, taking the concept of “innovation for adventure” to a whole new dimension as the world’s first all-wheel drive crossover convertible. Based on a foundation of the popular Nissan Murano, the new Murano CrossCabriolet is unlike anything on the road – blending all of the things people love in a crossover with the open-air enjoyment of a convertible.

“With a fully automatic convertible top that stows to the size near that of a conventional two-seat roadster, the Murano CrossCabriolet easily accommodates any situation from shopping trips to shuttling passengers,” said Tavares. “There’s ample space in the trunk, even with the top down, comfortable room for four adults in the interior – plus standard all-wheel drive. It’s time to rethink what a convertible can be.”

The Nissan Ellure Concept, the “sedan re-imagined,” was presented at the press conference by Nissan Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura, who explained Nissan’s challenge in bringing a sense of passion and excitement to the segment while retaining the sedan’s core strengths. “We approached this challenge by creating a new emotional form, embracing a refined contrast between broad planes and sharp shoulders – and by creating a simple but passionate interior space that can change its mood to match that of the driver, and where night comes alive with lounge-like lighting and ambiance.”

As an expression of Nissan’s long-term vision for the next generation of sedans, Ellure introduces a new sedan design language – one that honors the sedan’s unmatched daytime functionality, yet has a more emotive, almost hidden ambience that comes to life after dark. “It’s an ideal fit for the needs of its projected owners, women in their ‘30s and ‘40s with a sense of sophistication and rebellion,” Nakamura added.

The Ellure Concept’s exterior is highlighted by a deeply skirted front fascia, large 90-degree opening doors with rear-hinged rear doors for full panoramic interior access, a full-length tinted glass roof, and special “Geode” White tri-coat mica paint. Inside, the dramatic lounge-inspired interior utilizes eco-materials, touch screen displays, hidden electronics, a “floating” sculptural center console and red recessed lighting.

“While not intended as a preview of any upcoming production model, Ellure confirms Nissan’s intention to be a strong player in the sedan segment for many years to come,” said Nakamura.

2011 Kia Optima named “Top Safety Pick” by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

2010-12-22T13:33:00.000-08:00

- All-new midsize sedan receives highest recognition from IIHS
- Optima receives top ratings for front, side, rollover and rear impact protection
- Stunning midsize sedan becomes fifth new-generation Kia vehicle to be named “Top Safety Pick”

(SEOUL) December 22, 2010 – Building on the momentum of Kia’s growing lineup of new generation vehicles, the all-new 2011 Kia Optima midsize sedan has received the highest possible crash safety rating of “Good” in all four tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the U.S. and has been recognized as a “Top Safety Pick,” the top award handed down by the organization.

“We are honored that the all-new 2011 Optima has earned the IIHS ‘Top Safety Pick’, joining five other Kia products and underlining the brand’s dedication to the highest levels of vehicle safety and quality,” said Michael Sprague, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). “Kia’s design-led transformation has been delivering stylish new vehicles that combine outstanding performance and innovative technologies and convenience features with a long list of standard safety equipment; and the highly anticipated Optima will further increase consumer awareness and consideration of Kia to attract new customers to the brand.”

Arriving in U.S. showrooms now and already on sale in many global markets, the Optima joins five Kia products previously named Top Safety Picks, including the 2010 Soul urban passenger vehicle, 2010 Forte compact sedan (known as ‘Cerato’ in some countries), 2011 Sorento compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV), 2011 Sportage CUV and Sedona minivan (known as ‘Carnival’ in some countries).

**more**
The Sedona was the first Kia vehicle to receive the IIHS “Top Safety Pick,” along with the “Safest Minivan Ever Tested” distinction in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Ratings from the Institute are based on results from front, side and rear impact crash tests, as well as a new-for-2010 roof strength test to measure occupant protection in the event of a rollover.

Each vehicle’s overall evaluation was based on various measurements specific to each crash angle and overall impact on crash test dummies inside the vehicle at the time of collision. All vehicles must offer Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to be eligible.

The 2011 Optima comes equipped with a high level of standard safety features, as is the rest of the Kia line-up. This includes six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), ESC, a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard.

###
Editor’s notes:

Standard safety features are for the U.S. market and may differ depending on region.

All-new crash test and Kia Optima related video in broadcast-standard or streaming-quality (for Web use), print-quality stills and other press material are available at Kia Motors’ Multimedia Library (www.kiamotors.com), powered by Synaptic Digital’s distribution portal (www.thenewsmarket.com/kiamotors). Delivery options include digital FTP transfer and streaming download in a variety of file types including Flash, MPEG-2, QuickTime and Windows Media. Registration and content is free to the media.

(source: www.kia.com)

Ahora en linkedin.com

2010-06-06T09:27:00.001-07:00

Kia Motors plays at the 2010 FIFA World Cup

2010-06-05T06:51:00.000-07:00

The world’s most important football event with the most popular international football players deserve only the best movers there are, and those are the Kia cars.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa has officially chosen Kia vehicles in transporting the teams, officials, delegates, and VIP’s from all around the globe to the different venues of this month-long global spectacle. Kia Motors is the Official Automotive Partner of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

This is the 19th FIFA World Cup and it’s being held in Africa for the first time. Kia will be busy transporting players and officials to twelve official stadiums all over the country. These venues are in the following cities: Johannesburg (two venues), Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Kimberley, Nelspruit, Orkney, Polokwane, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria, and Rustenburg. Five of these stadiums are newly built while the others were upgraded.

South Africa also improved public transport within various cities and localities, as well as prepared special safety and security measures for all its local and international guests.

During the handover ceremony at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, Kia turned over more than 200 vehicles to the World Cup organizers. The vehicles include the new Sorento SUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sedona multi-purpose vehicle, and a fleet of Kia-liveried buses. The tournament is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2010.

Soon-Nam Lee, the director of Kia’s Overseas Marketing Group announced, “Kia Motors is delighted to play an important part in the upcoming World Cup in South Africa. Being involved actively in football marketing is an integral part of our vision to become a formidable player on the global automotive stage. We have made a strategic effort to boost our young and energetic brand identity by ramping up our presence in major sports sponsorships and to elevate Kia’s global brand awareness to the next level.” Lee was present at the handover ceremony, which was attended by both FIFA and Kia officials.

The World Cup is always a historic global event. Johannesburg can’t be more proud to host the tournament this year. It fixed and improved its major road networks as the country expects to host a number of tourists it has never had before. Better roads also mean faster and more efficient performance of the commissioned Kia vehicles.

“With just 21 days remaining until the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa,” said Jérôme Valcke, FIFA secretary general, during the handover ceremony, “the provision of official vehicles is the last piece of the puzzle in ensuring that this long-waited event will be the most successful World Cup in history.

As a maker of stylish, comfortable and reliable vehicles, Kia Motors’ contribution in this regard will go a long way toward ensuring the safe and convenient transportation of World Cup related individuals and VIPs throughout the duration of this year’s tournament.”

The FIFA-Kia partnership has been inked to last a few more yeas after the 19th World Cup has ended. FIFA signed Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group as Official Automotive Partner from 2007 to 2014.

Sepp Blatter, FIFA President said, “I am very proud to be able to welcome yet another trusted partner back on board as FIFA launches into a new era of its more than 100-year existence. Hyundai Kia shares our deep-rooted passion for the game of football as well as a commitment to developing the sport around the world and through all walks of life.”

Original article: Kia Motors plays at the 2010 FIFA World Cup
Written by Himi on June 5th, 2010 in General News.

Medina Auto en Facebook!

2009-08-20T16:38:00.001-07:00

Ahora estamos en facebook. Click en el logo para visitarnos o seguirnos.

Nissan Leaf EV

2009-08-02T08:49:00.000-07:00

CUBE ESTA DE SHOW!

2009-07-13T08:52:00.001-07:00

Muy Pronto...

2009-06-22T09:35:00.001-07:00

Haz click en el link www.cubeconectate.com

Stunt video

2009-06-18T17:38:00.000-07:00

Kia Forte

2009-06-17T12:15:00.001-07:00

Enterate!!!

2009-06-17T10:46:00.000-07:00

Nissan Interaction Design Team Suffers To Make Future Cars Simple and Painless

2009-03-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

TOKYO (February 27, 2009) – It is almost painful to watch Nissan designer Naoki Yamamoto get out of a test car. To understand the challenges aging drivers face, the 39-year-old interaction specialist is encased in a proprietary “aging suit” that gives him the mobility and faculties of a driver twice his age. “Sure, it’s uncomfortable,” Yamamoto says, “but to really understand a problem you have to feel it in your bones.”

At an “Interaction Design Workshop” today at the Nissan Design Center in Atsugi, Japan, Yamamoto demonstrated to reporters one of many methods Nissan’s Interaction Design team employs in a continuing effort to make future car interiors easier to understand and more comfortable to use.

Interaction design covers all aspects of the interface between people and cars. How do we understand which knob does what – and how it’s supposed to work? Where do we expect to find it? How can one design meet the diverse needs of people big and small, strong and weak all over the planet? And how does the experience make people feel?

Feelings – emotional responses to what people see, touch, hear and smell in a car – are absolutely critical to the success of any design. Feelings are also inherently and frustratingly subjective – which is why quantifying and analyzing them is among the paramount tasks of interaction design. For example, how much resistance feels right when turning a knob? What makes leather feel richer than a synthetic alternative?

Careful observation is vital, and Nissan’s interaction designers spend countless hours looking for signs of awkwardness as people interact with their vehicles. When not physically uncomfortable – as wearing the “aging suit” – the work can be mind-numbing. “Some days we watch hours and hours of video of different people doing the same thing,” says Associate Chief Designer Etsuhiro Watanabe says. “But the biggest challenge is figuring out what to look for.”

Sometimes the remedy can be ridiculously simple – like putting a small arrow by the fuel gauge so rental-car drivers don’t have to get out to see which side the tank is on.

But as on-board electronic functions proliferate, interiors become ever more complex and the need for interaction design becomes acute. So in 2005 Nissan created the Interaction Design Team to ensure logic and simplicity are not sacrificed. This move represents a key “Life on Board” initiative in Nissan’s four-fold technology strategy. (Safety, Environment and Dynamic Performance are the other three.)

“We’re a small team relative to the whole Nissan Design deparment,” Watanabe says. “But consistent with what we call ‘the Nissan Way’ we work cross-functionally with other teams in Design, Engineering, Product Planning, Marketing and Sales as well as Purchasing. It’s hard to know exactly what competitors are doing, but we suspect we’re among the leaders in our field. And our results are quickly incorporated in new products.”

Centerpiece of today’s workshop was BUI-2 – as in, “Best Usability Interior” – second-stage prototype of a unique interior concept incorporating leading-edge ergonomic features developed from the Interaction Design team’s research efforts.

Until you open the door, BUI-2 looks any other current-model Nissan Note. Even once behind the wheel, the interior layout feels so logical and familiar it takes a moment to feel surprised by what you find.

“That’s exactly the reaction we want,” Watanabe says. “What you see as you get behind the wheel should be instantly understandable and reassuring. You shouldn’t need a manual to know what to do next.”

The steering wheel itself is the first thing you notice: a compact oval that impedes neither knees nor sightlines to the instrument panel. With spokes linked to the steering column at 4:30 and 7:30 (as on a clock face) fingers find a comfortable grip at 3 and 9 o’clock (the Nissan-recommended posture). And yet palms find no resistance as they slide around the wheel when turning.

Hands need not leave the wheel at 3 and 9 o’clock as all controls on the steering-wheel hub – such as audio and cruise control – are within easy thumb’s reach. The left index finger can just as easily operate an electronic gearshift paddle at 10 o’clock. As the eye intuitively follows the finger, gear selections are sensibly displayed right next to the paddle.

Once the car begins to move, the eyes need never travel far. All drive-critical information is clearly displayed within the driver’s field of vision, between the top of the steering wheel and the road ahead. Video screens at left and right of the main cluster show what’s happening at the front bumper corners with sightlines so natural you might think they were windows. And glare is never an issue thanks to displays shaded by an arched dash.

Peripheral controls such as onboard navigation, climate control and mirror adjustment are laid out with equally intuitive logic: immediately visible, comprehensible and right where you would expect them.

Nowhere is the interaction challenge greater than with two functions that have frustrated generations of car designers: “ingress” and “egress.” Getting in and out of a car is physically awkward – especially for today’s older and larger users. But the Nissan team’s methodical approach is yielding results.

“Egress,” getting out of a car, is a complex, multi-step process that involves pulling a small handle, pushing a large and necessarily heavy door, sliding legs sideways, then using arms and legs in an effort to step out and down at the same time.

Nissan’s Interaction Design team has focused on the first steps in this process.

“Watch how different people grasp the same door handle,” Watanabe told workshop participants viewing a research video. “Men wrap fingers round the latch and push the door out with their elbows. Women use one hand for the latch and push with the other. People approach left and right side doors differently.”

“What we observed,” Watanabe continued, “is that since fingers approach the latch from several different angles, it has to be ergonomically efficient no matter how you grasp it.”

That insight led to the team’s simple but elegant oyster-shaped latch design used in BUI-2, and already incorporated in the new Fairlady Z and Nissan Cube.

Going a step further, the team realized users needed a better grip when swinging the unlatched door. That led to an easy-to-grip molded ridge running along the inside of each door parallel to the bottom of the window. Just below the latch is a sculpted knob that can be grasped to swing the door open or shut.

In the ongoing struggle for ease of egress, the Interaction team’s latch, ridge and knob comprise a significant advance that will quickly benefit customers.

“Sometimes our painstaking efforts may not be obvious to the customer,” says Watanabe. “But our work is very gratifying when we’re able to make life on board better for Nissan’s customers.”

[source: nissan news]

marzo en OFERTAS

2009-03-03T17:59:00.000-08:00

Para mas detalles visite la prensa local...solo en marzo!

KIA SORENTO TEASERS "XM"

2009-02-28T11:01:00.000-08:00

SOURCE: [AUTOBLOG]

2009-02-24T18:21:00.000-08:00

Kia No 3 Concept Car

2009-02-24T04:51:00.001-08:00

All-new, the Kia N^o 3 Concept Car redefines the small MPV genre by creating a beautiful car that is also fun-to-drive. The concept features a unique extended windscreen and panorama glass roof with a diagonal supporting bar, an automatic sun visor and the new ‘face of Kia’ displays the front grille, head lamps and brand logo in a new constellation. The 4045 mm long concept is finished in matte Titanium Grey with contrasting gloss-white accents.

[source: Kia Motors]

KIA SOUL (TOUR POR LOS DEALERS)

2009-02-17T05:14:00.000-08:00

Solo esta semana en Medina Auto de Caguas...

Esperala pronto en Salinas!

the new Z

2009-02-16T15:57:00.000-08:00

YA ESTA EN MEDINA AUTO!!

Kia Forte Chicago 2009

2009-02-15T06:09:00.001-08:00

Fotos Espia Kia Spectra Cupé

2009-02-06T05:35:00.001-08:00

Para mas fotos haga click en la imagen...

Nissan Green Program

2009-02-05T12:03:00.000-08:00

Para mas información, presione la imagen...

Obten mas por Menos

2009-02-04T17:18:00.000-08:00

Pronto...

2009-01-09T05:55:00.000-08:00

Muy pronto los puertorriquenos van a obtener lo que siempre han querido:

MUCHO MAS POR MENOS .

La incomparable calidad Nissan desde solo $13,650
(Nissan Versa 2009)

Mas detalles pronto...

¿El nuevo Silvia?

2008-07-05T18:13:00.000-07:00

Sera este el nuevo Nissan Silvia, de ser asi, POR FIN...

Se espera que utilize la misma base del Z, lo unico que mas achicada. Por otro lado debe venir equipado con un motor 4 cilindros, podria ser 1.6L o 1.8L, no se ha dicho nada de si sera turbo, aspirado o "supercharged", lo que si se ha rumorado es que sera traccion trasera.

Lo esperamos para el 2010.

Nissan en el desarrollo de un nuevo hibrido

2008-07-05T18:07:00.001-07:00

Como saben Nissan lleva muchos años en el desarrollo de una plataforma hibrida y en el mercado americano contamos con el Nissan Altima hybrid, pero la tecnologia esta llevando a que el carro hibrido no sea nada mas que una version del auto original pero con un mejoramiento en sus emisiones y en el consumo de combustible. Es por eso que la nueva tendencia gira en torno a autos hibridos deportivos. Nissan esta desarrollando su propia plataforma y tenemos una foto, que si juzgamos por lo que vemos es una hermosura...

Kia Forte(under the wraps)

2008-07-05T18:04:00.001-07:00

Some spyshots...

source(Kiaworld)

Otra "foto" del 370 Z

2008-07-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

Supuestamente...

Source(7tune)

Kia Forte

2008-07-05T17:49:00.000-07:00

Kia presenta el nuevo Spectra...

Nissan 360

2008-07-05T17:31:00.000-07:00

El pasado mes de mayo Nissan celebro por segunda ver su evento 360 en Lisbon, Portugal. Esta la oportunidad de entender la pasion y la innovacion que guia la marca. El primero se celebro en el 2004 en San Francisco y desde entonces Nissan ha lanzado 30 modelos nuevos entre ellos la leyenda, el GTR. En un evendo de 2 dias que fue diseñado para conocer la filosofia del diseño, innovacion, nuevas tecnologias, la historia y la prensa tuvo la oportunidad de hacer pruebas de carretera a mas de 60 modelos diferentes.

Para conocer mas sobre el evento pueden visitar el link de 360.

Clínicas de servicio Nissan

2008-06-13T18:23:00.000-07:00

Ver el video para mas información...

si quieres ver el video mas grande puedes ir directamente al link

Sigue subiendo la gasolina!

2008-05-03T14:44:00.001-07:00

Que importa!!

Ofertas Mayo 2008 (nissan - kia)

2008-05-03T14:40:00.000-07:00

TE PRESTO MI KIA - solo este fin de semana

2008-04-17T16:30:00.000-07:00

Kia Ambiente - Responsabilidad Social

2008-04-09T17:20:00.000-07:00

¿Qué es Kiambiente?

Kiambiente es un programa de responsabilidad social empresarial de KIA MOTORS con el fin de crear iniciativas para contribuir al mejoramiento del ambiente de Puerto Rico y el resto del planeta. Nuestra meta es reducir la contaminación del ambiente en Puerto Rico al contribuir con causas ambientales que buscan la mejora de nuestro entorno natural.

Mediante una alianza estratégica establecida entre KIA MOTORS y Olein Recovery Corp., compañía puertorriqueña especializada en el re-refinamiento de aceite usado de motor, el aceite recolectado en los concesionarios KIA será re-refinado con un moderno sistema que no contamina el ambiente como lo hace la quema este material nocivo al ambiente.

¿Cuál es la importancia del reciclaje de aceite?

Tanto científicos como ambientalistas indican que existe un 90% de probabilidad de que los humanos hayan contribuido a la crisis del cambio climático. Incluso, el 25% de las emisiones de dióxido de carbono a nivel mundial provienen de la nación estadounidense. Es por ello que es nuestro deber hacer algo al respecto.

Uno de los contaminantes más tóxicos que representan un daño a nuestro medio ambiente es el aceite usado de motor. Un cuartillo de aceite usado que llegue a los cuerpos de agua contamina hasta 250 mil galones de agua potable. Además, causa daños irreparables a las especies marinas y flora acuática. Los cuerpos de agua contaminados pueden tardar hasta 20 años en recuperarse de un derrame de aceite. Por otra parte, cinco litros de aceite quemado contaminan la cantidad de aire y oxígeno que necesita un adulto para respirar por 3 años. La tierra en donde se arroje aceite usado tarda muchos años en recuperarse; a veces ni se puede recuperar y hay que removiéndola sustituyéndola por otra.

Según las estadísticas más recientes del Departamento de Hacienda, Puerto Rico recibe mediante importación 12 millones de galones de lubricantes nuevos de diferentes tipos cada año. De esos 12 millones de galones sólo se logran recoger tres millones, otros tres millones se mezclan con otros materiales para producir combustible de baja calidad y un millón se pierde en defectos de los equipos que lo usan. Los otros cinco millones son los que manejan los propios dueños de los vehículos o equipo y no sabemos cómo son desechados.
¿Qué se obtiene del aceite usado?

De cada 100 galones de aceite usado re-refinado, se producen 58 galones de base mineral pura a la que se le agregan aditivos para ser perfectamente re-utilizables. También se obtienen dos galones de diesel, 30 galones de base para asfalto y cuatro galones de agua no potable, pero procesable. El restante se dispone mediante exportación o inyección en terrenos designados.

¿Cuál es el procedimiento?

Olein Recovery es la única planta en el Caribe. Centro y Sur América que utiliza la última tecnología “Hydroprocessing”, patentizada por Chemical Engineers Partners para el re-refinamiento del aceite usado. El aceite usado es re-refinado en un proceso extenso de 4 pasos en la planta la establecida en el área industrial de Yabucoa donde se garantiza un control de calidad inigualable.

¿Cómo puedo participar?

Te invitamos a disponer correctamente del aceite usado de tu carro. Comenzando desde el sábado, 5 de abril, estaremos recolectando aceite usado en los concesionarios Kia participantes para ser reciclado.

El nuevo Optima 2009

2008-04-08T18:42:00.001-07:00

Kia presento el nuevo Optima (facelifted), aunque la esencia del auto es la misma, el Optima presenta unas mejoras tanto en el exterior como en el interior, todo como parte del "refresh" de este auto subcompacto que ofrece todo lo que esperas por un precio sumamente comodo. Aqui las fotos:

Fuente Kia

Kia Koup - otro video

2008-04-08T18:38:00.000-07:00

Esta vez creado por Edmunds.

Lo que Kia escondia debajo de la manga

2008-04-08T18:32:00.000-07:00

Uno de los conceptos que mas dio que hablar durante el New York Auto Show, el pasado mes de febrero fue el Kia Koup. a continuacion les dejo un video hecho por la gente de Autoblog donde revela todos los detalles del prototipo a.k.a Civis Si killer. ;)

El terror de los supercars

2008-04-08T18:20:00.000-07:00

Desde que comenzo el rumor de que el gt-r volveria a ser parte del line-up de Nissan para el 2009, los super carros han estado temblando(porsche, ferrari, corvette, etc) Pues hay noticias peores para ellos, la pesadilla tiene nombre y apellido "SPEC V".

El spec v es una edicion mas poderosa del gt-r que ya ha dado catedra al 911 twin turbo y el corvette. A continuacion veran algunas fotos de la primera prueba del auto. Aun no hay detalles, solo que sera menos pesado y el diseño de los elementos ayudaran a que el motor produzca mas caballaje del que ya esta produciendo.

Para la galeria completa visita el link de autoblog:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/nissan-gt-r-spec-v-spy-shots/

Update:
El tiempo oficial del lap fue de 7:25 por lap(increible), se rumora que con las modificaciones el motor del GT-R debe producir 70 hp mas de lo que normalmente produciria en el modelo comun.

Nuevo sitio para GT-R

2008-04-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

Nissan le dio un "update" a su pagina global para el GT-R. Haz un click en la foto para visitar el website.

Nissan 370Z (ojala que no)

2008-04-08T18:10:00.000-07:00

Yo espero que este no sea el proximo Z.

Fuente ( Freshalloy.com forums)

Nissan Cube (POR FIN)

2008-04-08T17:56:00.000-07:00

Hace algunos años Toyota lanzo en Puerto Rico y Estados Unidos, su linea de vehiculos economicos conocida como los Scion. Inicialmente, Scion se ha mantenido con tres modelos Xa, Xb y el Tc. El modelo Xb ha sido uno de muy buena aceptacion por los jovenes gracias a su diseño un tanto diferente(parece un cubo ), pero Nissan tiene el modelo original hace casi 10 años en el mercado japones. No es hasta ahora que Nissan por fin traera el modelo a tierra americana.

Durante el pasado mes de marzo, Nissan presento en el autoshow de New York el Nissan Cube, y el Denki Cube, que no es mas que la version 100% electrica del vehiculo. Es impresionante ver la semejanza y muchos diran, "Nissan se copio de la Scion", pero la realidad es que este es el modelo original, un verdadero diseño nipon.

Para ver todas las fotos del DENKI CUBE pueden ir al link de Nissan.

Nissan Maxima 2009

2008-04-08T17:50:00.000-07:00

No voy a hablar mucho de el nuevo Maxima, solo que ahora tendra el mismo motor VQ35, ganador de multiples premios, lo unico que ahora el caballaje sera de 290HP, 35 mas que su predecesor. Lo demas se los dejo en fotos...

Para mas fotos pueden visitar el link de autoblog:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-nissan-maxima/

Nissan Qashqai 2 = Rogue (¿7 Pasajeros?)

2008-04-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

Ayer Nissan anuncion que su ya famosa Qashqai tendra una adicion a su linea, un modelo para 7 pasajeros. Como sabemos la Qashqai es la hermana de la Nissan Rogue, esto nos da una idea de lo que podemos esperara en los proximos años con la Rogue aca en America. Les dejo unas fotos para que puedan apreciar la diferencia.

Fuente(nissan, autoblog)

Ayer Nissan anuncion que su ya famosa Qashqai tendra una adicion a su linea, un modelo para 7 pasajeros. Como sabemos la Qashqai es la hermana de la Nissan Rogue, esto nos da una idea de lo que podemos esperara en los proximos años con la Rogue aca en America. Les dejo unas fotos para que puedan apreciar la diferencia.

Nissan: ¿linea comercial en el 2010?

2008-04-08T17:25:00.000-07:00

Fuente(nissan)
Segun un "press release" de Nissan todo apunta a que estaremos entrando en el denominado "Ligh Commercial Vehicles (LCV)" durante el 2010. Dicha produccion se llevara a cabo en Canton Mississipi, donde actualmente se produce la Nissan Titan, Pathfinder, entre otros.

Es importante mencionar que dicha linea ya existe en el mercado general, es decir Japon, Europa, Mexico, etc. Esperamos poder capitalizar con esta nueva linea y gozar del pedazo que actualmente solo comen los americanos.

El primer modelo de esta clase sera develado durante el Detroit Auto Show, el proximo enero 2009.

Hasta entonces.

Para mas informacion pueden visitar el sitio:
http://www.nissanlcv.com/

Si quieren ver los modelos actuales pueden bajar el file de cada region:

» Japan (Download PDF)
» Europe (Download PDF)
» Asia/Oceania (Download PDF)
» Africa/South Africa (Download PDF)
» Mexico/South America (Download PDF)
» Middle East (Download PDF)

website update

2008-01-19T16:32:00.000-08:00

Ya esta corriendo 100% el nuevo website de Medina Auto.

www.medinaauto.com

Muchas gracias a David Acevedo, director creativo de Resurrected Marketing

fue casi un año pero lo logramos...

Para mas info www.resurrectedmarketing.com

Nuevos Websites!

2007-12-23T07:25:00.000-08:00

Este ha sido el mes de los updates...
Primero el blog, ahora el website

Por varios meses hemos estado trabajando duro para actualizar la cara de Medina Auto en la web y aqui esta el fruto ;)

Tenemos una interface totalmente nueva para el home page, al igual que para Kia, Nissan estamos trabajando en los ultimos detalles para subir la pagina en el nuevo año. Les incluyo las fotos y los links abajo para que visiten lo nuevo de Medina Auto.

Nuevo homepage

Kia website

Nissan website(SNEAK PEEK)

Facelift

2007-12-15T15:02:00.000-08:00

Estamos estrenando nueva cara aca en el blog de Medina Auto, esperamos que le guste tanto como a nosotros.

Agradecemos la gran labor de la artista grafico responsable del cambio
-Reavel-

Si quieren conocer mas de ella pueden ir a su blog

Gracias totales!

GTR...video

2007-10-28T12:55:00.001-07:00

Mas fotos

2007-10-28T12:52:00.001-07:00

GTR...fotos en detalle

2007-10-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

La leyenda es real

2007-10-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

Con esas palabras presentaron en Tokyo uno de los autos mas esperados por los que vivimos en el nuevo mundo.

El Skyline GTR, bajo el logo de Nissan, estara en nuestros showrooms para finales del año entrante. Con un motor de 3.8L que generara 480hp a 6400 revoluciones, esta bestia sera la mas grande pesadilla para aquellos que son dueños de un Porsche 911.

Que cual es el precio, la realidad no sabemos aun, solo se rumora que el auto tendra un precio intrductorio por debajo de los $70,000, claro esta, en Estados Unidos.

Vendra en tres modelos:

GTR
GTR Premium Edition
GTR Black Edition

(Fuente: Nissan)

Kia Mesa - spy shots

2007-06-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

Kia esta desarrollando una FULL SIZE SUV y le han llamdo Mesa(segun su concepto). Han estado haciendo pruebas con la unidad en diferentes partes de europa y america, algunos fotografos han logrado captar algunas imagenes para el deleite de todos.

Para la informacion completa ir al link: TheCarBlogger: TheCarBlogger Exclusive: Kia Mesa (HM) snapped!

Para mas fotos hagan click en la foto:

Pa' la fiebre

2007-06-23T14:29:00.000-07:00

Kia estara entrando en el mercado de los autos con equipo racing a lá type R. Esta foto muestra una Kia Cee'd XR. Durante los proximos 3 años Kia estara proveyendo opciones XR en sus diferentes modelos. Enjoy!

370Z?

2007-06-14T17:20:00.000-07:00

Sera este el prozimo Z?

Dicen que el nuevo motor sera de 3.7L, el mismo que va a ser montado en el nuevo G37 coupe.

nueva nissan murano "on the wild"

2007-06-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

Una vez mas traemos lo ultimo en la avenida, y esta vez le toco a la Murano. Cuentan que hace algunos dias encontraron este prototipo(bien tapado) de la Murano haciendo unas pruebas de performance por las calles de Europa. Nos dicen nuestros amigos de world of car fan, que por la prueba tan avanzada en la que se encuentra la Murano podemos esperarla para finales del año entrante.

2007-06-11T18:33:00.000-07:00

He aqui las ultimas fotos espias del GTR, en el pavimento de pruebas de Europa...no hay mucho que decir solo que vean y disfruten.

Source: www.worldcarfans.com

Un anuncio increible

2007-06-11T18:28:00.001-07:00

Seguimos en la onda de los anuncios de Nissan y este no podia ser pasado por alto, ya que es uno de los mejores anuncios que he visto en mi vida, asi que vamos a compartirlo con ustedes.

campaña publicitaria Nissan Dualis

2007-06-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

Con la nueva version Nissan Rogue, que ha adoptado diferentes nombres en diferentes mercados, ha sido develada durante el pasado mes una campaña publicitaria increible.

Un poco a lo "transformer" nissan quiso presentar el Dualis de una manera muy poco convencional.

Disfruten...(fuente: www.autoblog.com)

Seoul Motor Show KND-4 SUV

2007-04-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

No words...

¿rumores de Kia entrando a la linea Pick Up?

2007-04-08T10:50:00.000-07:00

No sabemos mucho, solo es un rumor, pero ojala sea cierto!
(fuente: autoblog)

350Z nismo edition

2007-04-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

Y vemos aqui la nueva version del 350Z edicion NISMO. En las fotos que tienen abajo podemos ver el nuevo kit aerodinamico que trae alguna semejanza al 350z que gano la carrera super GT. Una nueva fascia fronta con su flare integrado, "side skirts", y un bumper trasero completamente rediseñado para darle un tono agresivo. Este paquete no es solo para hacerlo mas deportivo sino que ayuda al performance del vehiculo.

El nismo incluye el nuevo motor VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 que produce 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft de torque, trasmision manual "close-ratio 6-speed", "Traction Control System (TCS)" and "Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD)".

Una suspension especial independiente NISMO, frenos Brembo de 4 pistones al frente y 2 pistones atras y unos aros edicion NISMO 18 x 9 al frente y 19 x 10 atras. La tuberia tambien es NISMO, con un sonido excepcional.

(fuente: world of cars, nissan)

Kia@geneva auto show

2007-03-06T18:26:00.000-08:00

This just in...

Esto sera alguno de los vehiculos que estara presentando en el auto show de Geneva. No tenemos mucho detalle aun pero vemos que Kia entrara en el negocio de los hibridos pero por el lado economico. Luego daremos mas detalles.

Geneva auto show - Nissan

2007-03-06T18:15:00.000-08:00

The new Xtrail!( que belleza, too bad we will never have her in the states)