Autoblog

Kia axes plan for EcoDynamics branding in U.S.

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:01:00 EST

Kia Forte EcoDynamics LPI Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Kia Motors unveiled its EcoDynamics sub-brand at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the company claimed its new badge would begin to appear on U.S.-bound models soon. In fact, Kia promised that its eco-friendly moniker would be attached to several models sold worldwide. Now, Orth Hedrick, director-product planning at Kia Motors America, tells Ward's Auto that the company has nixed plans to introduce the EcoDynamics name in the U.S. Hedrick cited cost issues as the primary reason for the company's reversal, stating:

The issue is it's yet another brand. And given the fact we're trying to allocate our resources to other areas that make the most sense, does it make sense to introduce another brand out there?

The U.S. automotive market, in its still-depressed state, simply cannot support additional brands. The Detroit Three have pared down by axing Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer and Mercury, so Kia's move to drop EcoDynamics fits the trend. Jim Hume of Phire Branding Co. says Kia's decision makes sense. Hume told Ward's:

My guess is that they realized the concept of EcoDynamics created not only another brand, but also created the need to educate consumers - an expensive proposition. In this particular case the delineation is tricky. Kia setting apart Earth-friendly vehicles via a sub-brand may have taken away from any Earth-friendly story in Kia-branded vehicles. It is better to highlight everything Kia is doing under one strong brand umbrella.

Though the EcoDynamics badge will not adorn Kia's U.S.-bound models, the fuel-saving innovations and other elements that were to be featured under the new sub-brand are already appearing on some Kia models headed to dealerships across the nation.

Gallery: Kia Forte LPI Hybrid

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Kia axes plan for EcoDynamics branding in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz channel their inner Stig on Top Gear

Chris Shunk — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Kia, UK, Celebrities

Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz on Top Gear - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz have been all over the world pushing their not-so-blockbuster movie Knight and Day, and while moviegoers haven't exactly filled local theaters, enthusiasts should most definitely witness the Hollywood A-listers on the latest episode of Top Gear. The two stars appeared on our favorite BBC show to compete against other celebrities in "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car," and their performance far outshines their recent box office receipts.

Hit the jump to watch as the two push hard around the Top Gear track in a KIA Cee'd. We won't ruin the results for you, but we will reveal that Diaz shows that she can swear like a trucker while looking good with a helmet on, and Cruise proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is a very competitive guy. Seriously, the man literally finishes the race on two wheels, nearly giving Clarkson a heart attack in the process. Who got the better part of their co-star? You'll have to watch to find out.

[Source: Top Gear via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz channel their inner Stig on Top Gear

Video: Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz channel their inner Stig on Top Gear originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Clarkson demonstrates why there aren't more three-wheeled cars

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Bentley, Kia, Humor

Click above to view the video after the jump

The long wait is finally over and Top Gear is back for its 15th series of the modern era. We won't spoil all of the fun for those who haven't seen it, but we can say that the premiere was... highly educational. We got a look at the first flex-fuel Bentley and received further confirmation that James May was likely the cause of the Icelandic volcano eruption that shut down European air space for nearly two weeks.

We also saw the new reasonably priced car, a brown Kia Cee'd, get broken in by some British C-listers before the real celebrities start in on it next week.

By far, though, the highlight of the program was the physics lesson from Jeremy Clarkson that demonstrates why there aren't more three-wheeled vehicles in the world. Clarkson set out on a treacherous 14-mile journey in a Reliant Robin to learn whether it's worthwhile to save money on the vehicle registration tax with a three-wheeled conveyance. You'll have to watch for yourself to learn the answer to that question, and since you are undoubtedly a resourceful bunch, we're sure you know where to find the full episode if you don't happen to live in the UK. But if you don't, make the jump for the segment.

Continue reading Video: Clarkson demonstrates why there aren't more three-wheeled cars

Video: Clarkson demonstrates why there aren't more three-wheeled cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Gear's new reasonably-priced car is... the Kia Cee'd?

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Hatchback, Kia

Get your torrents warmed up! The new season of Top Gear finally airs tomorrow night in the UK (don't even get us started on why BBC America is still running something like season 7 right now), and the boys are unveiling an all-new reasonably-priced car.

The old Chevrolet Lacetti has been sent of off to the scrap heap and it looks like Richard Hammond gets the honor of pulling the sheet of the new car. Someone snapped a pic during rehearsals this week, and we've got some clues as to what the new star car might be.

The best guess appears to be the compact Kia Cee'd, a decent-looking little hatch that's not available in North America. The general shape and the lights seem to be a pretty good match, as are the wheels. We still don't know who this week's celebrity hotshoe will be, but we'll be checking it as soon as we can. A tip of the hat to Rudy!

[Source: VW Vortex]

Top Gear's new reasonably-priced car is... the Kia Cee'd? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Jun 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Hyundai Sonata demand could prompt SUV manufacturing shuffle

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 08 May 2010 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Hyundai, Kia

Ever since the all-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata went on sale in February, it's been selling faster than ever. Over 18,000 units were moved in both March and April and the new turbo and hybrid models are still to come later this year. In order to continue meeting the demand for the new sedan, moving Santa Fe SUV production out of Hyundai's Montgomery, Alabama factory (where the Sonata is also built) is now under consideration. Montgomery's been running overtime for weeks.

But if the Santa Fe is ousted to open up additional Sonata capacity, where would it go? Sister brand Kia recently opened factory in West Point, Georgia that builds the Sorento. Relocating Santa Fe production there could work, since it the and Sorento share many components already. If Hyundai does pull the trigger on a production shift for the Santa Fe, it could happen before the two new Sonata models are added in the fall.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Report: Hyundai Sonata demand could prompt SUV manufacturing shuffle originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 May 2010 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Kia c'eed spiffs up basic transportation

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:39:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Kia

2010 Kia c'eed -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Kia c'eed has come in for a voluminous number of changes, all of which are explained in the massively massive press release after the jump. The short of it is a restyled exterior, new interior elements, new mechanical structures such as a revised subframe for better NVH performance, the addition of hill-assist, a new diesel engine among the 5-engine range... see what we mean? This is not the Kia c'eed you knew...

What you really need to know about the new c'eed is that it takes a rightful place among the lead group of entry-level hatches in Europe. Sometimes you get in a cheap car and it looks cheap and feels cheap. That isn't the Kia c'eed - a little car that gives you a 6-speed manual to make the most of what power it offers. As has been the case with Hyundai and Kia lately, this one's probably going to be another good one.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Kia c'eed

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Kia c'eed spiffs up basic transportation

Frankfurt 2009: Kia c'eed spiffs up basic transportation originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: Next generation Kia c'eed

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Kia

_{2010 Kia cee'd - Click above for high-res image gallery}

At the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show Kia plans to debut the latest version of the cee'd hatchback, it's most popular model in Europe. As you'd expect, the new cee'd is bestowed with the latest version of the Korean automaker's front grille and fascia, which joins restyled headlamps, tail lamps and bumpers to complete the exterior refresh. Inside, a new steering wheel, gear shift lever and red interior lighting are the main updates.

More interestingly, the new cee'd will get a new 1.6-liter diesel engine to replace the previous 2.0-liter unit. The diesel mill will be available with either 148 or 187 horsepower and will be mated up with a six-speed manual gearbox. Also on the menu is a new Intelligent Stop and Go ECO-dynamics model that promises excellent fuel efficiency and carbon emissions of just 110 g/km. Kia also claims to have revised the car's suspension setup, though no further details are provided. Check out the gallery below and hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: ECO-dynamics Kia cee'd

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Next generation Kia c'eed

Frankfurt Preview: Next generation Kia c'eed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Kia spills more details on the No 3 concept

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Kia

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Kia No 3 concept

Kia has released additional photos and information on its No 3 concept that will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show tomorrow. The 13.27-ft long MPV is two inches shorter than the Honda Fit but three inches taller. It also shares design details first seen on other recent Kia concepts starting with the 2007 Kia Kue. Kia's official press release after the jump is short on technical details aside from the dimensions, but we'll get the complete scoop tomorrow after the No 3 concept officially debuts. A big focus will apparently be on "advanced IT technology", whatever that's supposed to mean. We'll find tomorrow, at which time we'll also see the Kia c'eed in two new flavors, a full hybrid and one with auto start/stop.

Gallery: Kia No 3 concept

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Kia spills more details on the No 3 concept

Geneva Preview: Kia spills more details on the No 3 concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Kia No 3 Concept MPV

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:00:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Green, Kia

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Kia No 3 concept

At next week's Geneva Motor Show Kia will show off a new crossover concept -- dubbed the No 3 -- and two variants of the c'eed. The No 3 is basically a tall five-door hatch that appears to be based onthe c'eed platform. The 13.27 ft long five-door features a glass roof and an odd diagonal windshield header which stretches from the A-pillar on the passenger side to the B-pillar on the driver side.

The two new c'eed variants are both aimed at reduced fuel consumption. The c'eed ISG is a new regular production model that adds auto-stop-start to the both 1.4- and 1.6-liter versions of the sub-compact sedan, with a claimed boost in urban fuel mileage of around 15%. Kia is also showing a hybrid version of the c'eed that uses the system developed by Hyundai-Kia with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder. The car is part of a test fleet that will be run in Europe this year and averages 49 mpg (US) and emits just 109 g/km of CO2. Expect live shots from the show a week from today.

Gallery: Kia No 3 concept

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Kia No 3 Concept MPV

Geneva Preview: Kia No 3 Concept MPV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Kia cee'd gets Intelligent Stop & Go

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Green, Technology, Hatchback, Kia

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Kia cee'd

Stop/start technology is like a trial membership for hybrids: it lets drivers in on the fuel savings and lower carbon emissions without forcing them to become a card-carrying member of the hybrid brigade. Kia is will be offering buyers just such an opportunity by introducing ISG, or Idle, Stop, and Go (also called Intelligent Stop & Go) on the new cee'd.

The ISG will be available on the 1.4- and 1.6-liter gasoline-engined c'eeds, and unlike other stop/start technology, this ISG shuts the engine down not only when the car is stopped, but when it's moving less than four mph. To engage the ISG while the car is moving, the driver puts the car in neutral and depresses the clutch, the engine is shut down, and he or she will be rewarded with 15% better fuel economy in the urban cycle.

The frugal-ized cee'd also benefits from a lighter five-speed gearbox and low-rolling-resistance tires as standard fitment. Later in 2009, the 1.6-liter diesel c'eed will be offered with ISG technology.

Gallery: Kia c'eed

[Source: Kia World]

2009 Kia cee'd gets Intelligent Stop & Go originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Kia cee'd Hybrid

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:33:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Green, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Kia

Kia's will have at least two new tricks at the Paris Motor Show, one of them being the Kia Soul. The other will be a Kia cee'd gas-electric hybrid. Already available in coupe, 5-door hatch, and sportwagon variants, a hybrid addition based on the five-door would be a perfect addition to the line. So far, the only details we have is that the c'ee hybrid isn't planned for sale until 2010, when it will join a train of new hybrids from other makers. Kia apparently decided that is when they'll be able to sell enough of them to make a profit. But we will get the complete scoop on it at next week's Paris Motor Show, so you won't have to wait that long.

[Source: Kia World]

Paris Preview: Kia cee'd Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia cee'd to receive Europe's best warranty

Alex Nunez — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Kia

Click to enlarge

Americans no longer bat an eyelash at the astounding warranty coverage Hyundai and Kia offer on their new vehicles. To us, it's just another selling point for the brands, whose cars continue to improve, offering good style and excellent equipment levels at value prices. Sadly, we aren't getting Kia's new European-designed and built VW Golf-fighter, the c'eed -- a car, by the way, that 'd draw us into a Kia showroom a lot more readily than the Rio5 or Optima. Just saying.

Kia's leaving nothing to chance with the cee'd, and in a page torn from their American playbook, is introducing the car with the best new-vehicle warranty ever offered in Europe and the UK. The 7 year/150,000 kilometer warranty offers bumper-to-bumper coverage for 5 years, with an additional two years covering the powertrain. The warranty doesn't cost anything extra and is fully transferable.

European-market competitors should take note: Kia is playing for keeps.

(Press release after the jump)

[Source: Kia UK]

Continue reading Kia cee'd to receive Europe's best warranty

Kia cee'd to receive Europe's best warranty originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Sep 2006 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Kia cee'd sport wagon

Alex Nunez — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 09:09:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Kia

Click to enlarge

The third and final Kia cee'd variant has been revealed ahead of next week's Paris auto show. The cee'd sport wagon has the same front end appearance and the same length wheelbase as the cee'd 5-door hatchback, head to the rear of the car, and you'll see some differences.

Unlike the cee'd 5-door with its traditional-looking taillamps, the wagon apes the European estates that it'll be competing directly against and implements tall taillight assemblies that extend up the rear pillars. On top of that, the cee'd wagon is also fitted with an "Inverted L" shaped tailgate whose hinges are set into the roof further than normal to provide better access to the storage area. If you have a hard time visualizing this, think of the way the Dodge Magnum's hatch is configured and you'll get the gist of it. The cee'd wagon sounds like it has a similar configuration. Finally, the wagon gets a set of roof rails that's absent on the hatchbacks.

The cee'd wagon will join the cee'd 5-door and the 3-door pro cee'd concept on the Paris show floor. All three cars will go into production and be built in the new Kia plant in Zilina, Slovakia. The 5-door leads the way, going on sale in December 2006. The wagon we just described is next up, hitting showrooms a year from now in September 2007. Finally, the c'eed 3-door hatch will arrive in December '07.

Unfortunately, all three cee'ds are Europe-only vehicles, so we'll just have to appreciate them from a distance.

(Press release after the jump)

[Source; Kia]

Continue reading Paris Preview: Kia cee'd sport wagon

Paris Preview: Kia cee'd sport wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Sep 2006 09:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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