Kia Forte to come in sedan and coupe guises

Well, it's confirmed. The name change that the Korean Kia Spectra - named Cerato in the aforementioned market - will undergo will apply to the American version of the car as well. Automotive News has reported that Kia will rename the Spectra compact sedan to Forte, come spring of 2009.

Automotive News has also confirmed that Kia will remove the 5-door Spectra5 from its line-up. Instead, a 2-door coupe variant will be added in 2009. We already have a good indication of how the coupe will shape up with the Kia KOUP Concept - unveiled at last year's New York Auto Show. The Forte Coupe is expected to arrive a couple of months after the sedan rolls into showrooms next year.

[Source: Autoblog]

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USA: Kia plans to add more small cars

Bloomberg has reported that Kia Motors is planning to add more compact cars into its U.S. lineup, as gas prices have been steadily escalating in the recent months.

"We'll have more small cars. We have an advantage in small cars," Chung Eui-Sun, president of Kia Motors, stated at the grand opening ceremony of the automaker's new U.S. headquarters in Irvine, California. This move came as demand for sport-utility vehicles and trucks has seen plunges as of late.

[Source: Trading Markets]

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Thailand: Strong demand for Kia K2900 light truck

Yontrakit Kia Motor Co. of Thailand has increased its sales targets for the Kia K2900 light truck due to strong demand. In the face of escalating diesel prices, the K2900 has become popular due to its price and payload capacity.

The Kia K2900 was received well at the Bangkok International Motor Show. Thus, it prompted Yontrakit Kia to raise its sales targets for the vehicle from 800 units to 1200 units. Yontrakit Kia has urged the automaker to increase production of the K2900 - assembled in South Korea - to meet demand. So far, 500 units have been delivered.

The Kia K2900 is powered by a 125 horsepower 2.9-liter turbocharged common rail diesel engine. It is priced at 632 000 baht (USD$18 832).

[Source: Bangkok Post]

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Spied: 2010 Kia Forte caught testing in US

Leftlane has posted several spyshots of the Kia Forte/Spectra undergoing testing in the U.S. for the first time. This indicates that it is entering the final stages of its testing. Designed by Peter Schreyer - the genius who also penned the Audi TT MKI and the Volkswagen New Beetle - the Forte will replace the Spectra later this year.

Speculations point to the Forte being nearly identical to the Hyundai Elantra in features. The Forte is also expected to be propelled by the same 138 horsepower 2.0L Beta 4-cylinder engine. However, we might see a higher horsepower rating in the Forte as Kia pursues to differentiate itself from Hyundai. Unlike the current generation Spectra, the Forte will only be available in a four-door guise initially. The KOUP Concept acts as the precursor to a possible two-door variant in the near future.

The Korean-market Forte will be officially unveiled on August 21st, according to Kia. The USDM Forte is slated to debut later in the year, with sales following early 2009. Head to Leftlane by clicking the source to view the images in full glory.

[Source: Leftlane]

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EXCLUSIVE: Kia Forte (TD) teaser

A lone teaser image of the Kia Forte - the successor to the Kia Spectra/Cerato - has begun to make its rounds across the web. What TheCarBlogger brings you exclusively is a second teaser that reveals more than the aforementioned image. This one shows the front 3/4 view of Kia's upcoming compact sedan sans disguise. We can decipher from this image that Kia has stayed true to the KOUP Concept, unveiled at the recent New York Autoshow, which previewed the Forte. While the Forte features a less aggressive front bumper, it strays away from the KOUP's criticized Civic-wannabe look that makes up for the loss.

Kia officials stated that the Forte will roll into Korean showrooms this August. The Forte is expected to make its show debut at the Paris Motor Show this September. It is unknown whether Kia will drop the Spectra moniker in the US.

Continue reading to view the full image.

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Korea: Ford releases S-MAX 7-seater

Ford Korea began sales of the sport multi-purpose vehicle S-MAX on the 22nd of June. The automaker recently released another European-catered model - Mondeo - in the Korean market. Featuring the famed Kinetic Design, the S-MAX packs items that were previously unheard of in MPVs such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Human Machine Interface.

The S-MAX is powered by a 130 horsepower 2.0L Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. It comes with Ford's Durashift 6-speed automatic transmission. The S-MAX packs a plethora of premium goodies including bi-xenon front lighting system, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Hill-Launch Assist, seven airbags, and panorama glass roof. It also comes with Ford's Fold Flat System, which enables both the second and third-row seats to fold flat for optimum load capabilities. Also a Ford first is the Human Machine Interface (HMI), which allows the driver to manoeuvre audio controls at the flick of a thumb on the steering wheel.

The S-MAX has no direct rivals in the market yet. It is priced at 42.5 million Won ($41 279USD).

[Source: Bobaedream]

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TheCarBlogger is redesigned

I marked the genesis of TheCarBlogger on January 14th, 2007. That was when I was in Grade 7 and hardly knew the intricate HTML language. Today is June 22, 2008. While it does not mark any anniversaries, it does the mark the beginning of a new face for TheCarBlogger. I promised you last year that we were planning a full redesign of the website. The promise has been delivered. Along with the new design, I renew my commitment to deliver you with the latest news on Korean cars.

Now that the new design is here, I'm clamoring to unearth new ideas for improvements to the website. While I enjoy doing challenges on my own, I would like to ask you for ideas and suggestions as well. Whether it be the new design or anything else regarding TheCarBlogger, please send me an e-mail at thecarblogger@hotmail.com or post a comment right here. Thanks everyone.

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USA: Kia Soul to appear "disguised" during Vans Warped Tour

Kia announced that it will display a disguised pre-production Soul at the 2008 Vans Warped Tour this summer. As part of an exclusive vehicle sponsorship between the automaker and the group, the specially-designed Soul will make appearances at the "Soul Lounge" in every 46 tour stops.

The Soul will be be adorned with camouflage masks at the front and rear, portraying the signature Vans' checkerboard pattern. Special red-spoked wheels and red mirrors highlight the various embellishments added onto the car. Darkened windows will ensure the interior will be kept unseen from prying eyes until the Soul makes its official unveiling at the Paris Motor Show this September.

Kia stated in its press release that the Soul will go on sale in spring 2009. The Soul's primary rival will be the Scion xB and the upcoming Nissan Cube.

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading for the official press release and one more image.



PRESS RELEASE: KIA SOUL GOES UNDERCOVER AT THE 2008 VANS WARPED TOUR®

Sneak Peek of Unreleased Preproduction Kia at all 46 Tour Stops

IRVINE, Calif., June 19, 2008 – The eagerly awaited Kia Soul will tease concertgoers this summer with a sneak-peek appearance during the 2008 Vans Warped Tour®. As part of Kia Motors’ exclusive vehicle sponsorship of the tour, a specially-designed lightly camouflaged preproduction Soul will be on display at the Kia Soul Lounge at every Vans Warped Tour stop. This will be the public’s first opportunity to see the Soul up close before the production vehicle makes its world debut later this year at the Paris Motor Show. The Soul will go on sale in the United States spring 2009.

The Kia Soul is not ready to bare all just quite yet. While much of the car will be on display for all to see, its dress leaves much to the imagination. The Soul will feature a "pair of Vans" in the form of partial front and rear masks bearing Vans’ signature checkerboard pattern. Red wheel spokes and side mirrors tease out its fun and naughty side, while darkened windows help Soul maintain its mysterious allure until its Parisian debut. Kia and Vans Warped Tour badges on the front and rear with Vans logos running down each side scream that this vehicle is ready for action.

Prior to the tour launch, Kia is offering fans the opportunity to enter the "Experience Warped" online sweepstakes to win a "Fly Away" trip to the grand finale tour stop in Los Angeles on August 17.

During each stop, concertgoers will have the opportunity to visit the Kia "Soul Lounge," an interactive, air conditioned tent featuring information displays about the new Kia Soul and other Kia vehicles, a DJ, an airbrush tattoo artist and the chance to enter to win either a new Kia Sportage or Kia Spectra SX in the "Keys to the Ride" sweepstakes. The Soul Lounge offers concertgoers photo opportunities and a poster to be signed during Kia’s exclusive artist autograph sessions. Each tour venue will have a Kia VIP section, a raised area near the main stage accessible only to those wearing customized Kia VIP wristbands. Online, fans can view Kia Vans Warped Tour content at fuse.tv/kiawarped, including the Warped Word of Steve concert blog, which will give fans an insider’s look at each tour stop including photos and specially created, first-hand video.

In addition, Kia will be on stage as the presenting sponsor of the popular Kevin Says Stage, a forum for local bands to rock out at each tour stop. A part of the Warped Eco-Initiatives, this solar powered stage is just one of the eco-friendly actions Kia will be part of during the tour. Kia Motors also is proud to be part of the post-concert clean up and recycling efforts.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record U.S. sales. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."

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Korea: GMDAT releases Winstorm MAXX

GM Daewoo unveiled the compact crossover, Winstorm MAXX, yesterday and commenced sales of the car. The MAXX is a rebadged variant of the Opel/Vauxhall Antara, which is sold in Europe. The Saturn Vue and Holden Captiva MAXX are also badge-engineered versions of the Antara. Alongside the Winstorm MAXX, GMDAT also began sales of the Winstorm 2.4L gasoline model.

The Winstorm MAXX is feature-laden with items such as 3-level heated driver's seat, automatic climate control, auto lighting control, front and rear parking sensors, headlight washers, and cooled glovebox. It is powered by a 150 horsepower 2.0L common-rail turbodiesel engine (VCDi). The engine meets Euro 4 emission standards. It is mated to a 5-speed automatic and boasts a fuel economy of 11.3km/liter.

The Winstorm MAXX, which goes on sale today in South Korea, is priced at 28.83 million Won ($27 543USD) to 29.96 million Won ($29 127USD).

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Canada: Hyundai prices Genesis from $37 995

Hyundai Auto Canada has announced that its all-new premium sedan, the 2009 Genesis, will start at $37,995 with a V6 engine and $43,995 for a V8.

“This is a luxury car without a luxury price,” said John Vernile, vice-president, sales and marketing. “With the 2009 Genesis, we wanted to demonstrate that Hyundai can offer all the quality consumers demand from a vehicle today, all the equipment they deserve, and all the power they could want. We are proud to offer a vehicle with the amenities, driving character and performance people would expect from Japanese or European luxury vehicles at a more motivating price. With this pricing, the Genesis will make a premium driving experience accessible to a wide range of deserving customers.”

The Azera, which serves as the automaker's flagship sedan until the Genesis' arrival, tops out at $39 195 for the Limited. In other words, the Genesis is priced fairly competitively as it packs more features than that car. The Genesis is slated to go on sale this July.

[Source: Hyundai Canada]

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India: Hyundai Santro #1 in Vehicle Dependability Study by J.D. Power

The Hyundai Santro has been adjudged the the number one position in compact car segment in the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) by JD Power Asia Pacific 2008. The JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study, conducted for the first time in India, ranks vehicles within eight market segments. Only original owners of cars that had been on the road for 30 to 42 across various segments were evaluated under the study.

Hyundai Motor India Managing Director H S Lheem said, "This is deeply satisfying, especially as the JD Power Asia-Pacific study is one of the most esteemed and reliable studies, renowned for its total objectivity. The Santro's success in being ranked as the best compact car only confirms our commitment to quality.'

The 2008 India Vehicle Dependability Study is based on evaluations from nearly 4,700 owners who purchased a new vehicle between July 2004 and September 2005. The Hyundai Santro has sold over 1.3 million units both in the domestic as well as the overseas market. The Santro has been exported to around 70 countries. Note that the above image depicts the Santro's successor - Santro Xing.

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India: Hyundai i10 reaches 100 000 milestone in exports

Hyundai Motor India, the country's second largest passenger car manufacturer and the largest exporter, today announced that its recently launched i10 - produced in the automaker's Chennai plant - has already crossed the export milestone of 100,000 cars. The Hyundai i10 that made its global debut in October 2007, reached an export volume of 106,749 units and has been shipped to 98 countries.

H. S. Lheem, managing director, Hyundai Motor India said, "Even in the domestic market the demand is very strong with sales of over 65,000 units and to meet the expectations of both the markets we are trying very hard to produce as many i10s as possible."

[Source: Hyundai]

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2009 Hyundai Sonata awarded "Interior of the Year" by Ward's Auto

The 2009 Hyundai Sonata was named an “Interior of the Year” award winner in the category of “Best Redesign” at the annual “Automotive Interior of the Year Awards” conducted by Ward’s Auto World magazine.

“This award is particularly gratifying for our team, who started with a world-class car, listened to customer feedback telling us they wanted an improved interior, and went to work to make the 2009 Hyundai Sonata stand up and stand out against every other car in its class,” said Dan Vivian, Hyundai Motor America’s director of Design Engineering.

The 2009 Hyundai Sonata redesign was led by the team at Hyundai’s America Technical Center Inc. (HATCI) in Superior Township, Mich. HATCI’s role is to design, develop and test Hyundai products sold in North America. The 2009 Sonata was the first Hyundai product program led by the team in North America. The Sonata is built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, near Montgomery.

[Source: Hyundai]

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Hyundai Azera named a Consumer's Top Rated Sedan by Edmunds.com

The 2008 Hyundai Azera was awarded the “Consumers’ Top Rated Vehicle Award” in the $15,000 - $25,000 sedan category by Edmunds.com’s visitors. The 2008 Azera received the average highest rating from the site’s audience as of April 30, 2008.

Edmunds.com tabulated the results for 21 award categories by evaluating the feedback of thousands of site visitors. Awards were given for coupes, convertibles, sedans, wagons, SUVs, trucks, minivan/vans and hybrids. Edmunds.com’s editors agree that Azera is a great choice for consumers looking for a family sedan with luxurious touches at an affordable price

[Source: Hyundai]

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Kia releases sketch of next-gen Spectra, renamed "Forte"

Kia Motors released the first official sketch of the successor to the Spectra, renamed "Forte", due this coming August.

The Forte will be one of the automaker's first model to showcase Kia's new family look. It has been showcased in the past by concepts such as the Kue Concept, and the Kee Concept. It was not announced whether Kia will retain the Spectra nomenclature for the North American market.

[Source: Kia]

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