Archive for the ‘Kia’ Category

Kia’s first US-built vehicle, a 2011 Sorento SUV, has rolled off the production line at the automaker’s newly built plant in Georgia. The all-white SUV is the first of an expected 300,000 vehicles to be built at the plant annually, and is set to go on sale in January.

As for the actual plant, Kia states that it employs more than 2,500 workers directly, with on-site and nearby suppliers creating another 7,500 additional jobs in the area. The site also represents an investment of more than $1 billion by Kia.

Built on 2,200 acres, the complex includes a body stamping facility, a transmission shop where the Sorento’s six-speed...

It's not surprising at all that the smallest, least expensive vehicles typically get short shrift on features. You won't find power windows or mirrors, central locking, air conditioning, or even sound systems on some of the most affordable versions of the cheapest models. But while most automakers also skimp on safety features for these most frugal rides—either making them optional or not available at all on base models or so-called value-leaders—there are a couple of gems for 2010 that don’t make those compromises.

One of them is the Toyota Yaris. For 2010, Toyota has decided to phase in its so-called Star Safety System, which includes...

The affordable large car segment is starting to get just a little overcrowded, and in a time where customers all around the world are downsizing to smaller midsize models, performance, fuel-economy and overall value is now more important than ever. South Korea’s entrants in this field have been winning plenty of accolades lately, especially newcomers like the Hyundai Genesis, and Kia is working on another large car that by the looks of things will only continue this trend.

The replacement for the Amanti sedan is just around the corner and a concept version has already been shown back at April’s 2009 Seoul Auto Show. Today, we...